Page 46 of Every Thought Taken

“Lessa wants to stay but says she’s cool if we go.”

Anderson scans the crowd, his lips in a harsh, thin line. “I know she’s a big girl, but I don’t know if I’m okay leaving her.” He points to my phone. “Ask her to come outside and say goodbye. Just want to make sure she’s okay.”

I type out another text asking her to meet us out back then hit send.

Lessa

I’m good. Be out in a sec.

Holding up my phone, I show Anderson her message. After reading it, he lifts his gaze to the glass doors leading from the house. Less than a minute passes before he raises a hand and waves Lessa down.

Cheeks flushed and temples sweaty, a smile dons her face as she steps up to us. “Seriously, you can leave. I’m good.”

Anderson narrows his eyes as he studies his older sister. “How much have you had to drink?”

A crease forms between her brows. “I’ll have you know I haven’t had any alcohol.” She shoves his shoulder. “Jerk.”

“Not trying to be a jerk. Just want you safe.” He scans the crowd. “Please walk home with someone. And text before you leave.”

Like the smart-ass she is on occasion, she salutes him. “Yes, sir.”

With a roll of his eyes, he softens his voice as he says, “I’m serious, Ales. Things are getting out of hand. I want to leave, but will stay if I need to.”

“It’s fine.I’m fine, Baby A.” She lays a hand on his upper arm and gives it a squeeze. “Promise I’ll be okay.”

“Just keep your clothes on. And don’t drink from cups you didn’t pour.”

She chuckles with a shake of her head. “Uh, yeah. That’s a given. No drunk-people sex or roofies for me, thank you very much.”

“Ew.” My lip curls in disgust. “Okay. We’re going.” I wrap my arms around Lessa and hug her tight to my chest. “Please call or text if you need us,” I say only loud enough for her to hear. I release her from the hug, hold her at arm’s length, and narrow my eyes.

She draws anXover her heart. “Promise.”

Anderson hugs her just as fiercely and kisses her forehead. “If you need someone to walk home with—”

“Go!” She waves her hands at us as if shooing off a needy pet. “You both worry too much. I’ll text before I leave.” Then she turns and walks off, waving a hand high and dismissing us.

“I love her, but sometimes your sister is annoying,” I say on a laugh.

Anderson snort-laughs. “Taking your side on this one.” His hand finds mine, our fingers threading. “C’mon.” He juts his chin toward a gate on the side of the house. “Let’s go.”

CHAPTER26

ANDERSON

After washing all the shit out of my hair, I peel the scrubs from my body and toss them on the floor before tugging on sweats. Helena is in Ales’s room, changing into something more comfortable. And thankfully, my parents are out with friends.

We have the house to ourselves for an hour or two and I’ve never felt so energized being alone with Helena.

I head to the kitchen for snacks and drinks, grabbing a few of our favorites before heading back to my room. Dumping everything on the bed, I grab the remote, turn on the television, and browse Netflix for Halloween movies. I opt forNightmare on Elm Streetand get situated on the bed.

As I tear into a bag of chips, Helena walks in wearing leggings and one of my hoodies and I can’t take my eyes off her.Damn, I am a lucky bastard. I swallow past the lump building in my throat as she closes the door and flips off the light. My heart bangs in my chest as she pads across the room toward the bed. My breathing stutters as she crawls on the mattress and settles in beside me.

“Hey,” she says so softly I almost miss it.

“Hey.”

I lean in, cup her cheek, haul her closer, and kiss her. Soft and slow and just lips. Then her hand is on my chest, fingers fisting the cotton of my hoodie, a timid moan in her throat. That little sound mixed with her proximity sparks a fire in my veins.

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