Page 42 of The Sound Of Silence

My mouth drops open as I process the rarity of what just happened. Did he really say that? I’m motionless as I drink it in, but I can’t stop the smile from spreading across my face. “Wow, indeed,” I say, bumping my shoulder into his arm as a laugh escapes me. “Who knew there was humor underneath all that grumpiness.”

“Yep. Who knew.”

We both fall silent after that, and this time it’s comfortable. At least, it is until I decide to open my big mouth and say something I probably shouldn't. “What’s your deal with Alex?”

“Who?”

“Al… The guy I was dancing with at the dinner.”

Turning to Jesse, I watch as the lightness disappears before my eyes, his relaxed expression morphing back to his usual scowl. “Why do you care?”

Can this guy ever give a straight answer?“I don’t care. I was just curious.”

“Why?” he pushes.

“Because he came to see me today.”

“What?!” Jesse jumps up, spinning around to face me. He’s naturally taller than I am, but right now he looks like a giant, and with the way his nostrils are flaring, not one of the friendly variety.

“What did he say?” he asks, his hands clenching and flexing by his sides.

“Is there something you were expecting him to say? Do you have some kind of beef with him?”

Jesse stills, giving me a look as though I’m speaking in gibberish. “Beef?”

Throwing my hands up in the air, I huff in exasperation. “You know exactly what I mean.”

“Like I’ve already told you… You should stay away.”

“That’s not actually what you said.” I’m being a little bit petty now, but I just want him to be honest with me. There’s more to it. I know it. “Yousaidhe’s not to be messed with.”

“Either way. Did you listen?”

“Mostly.” I mean, I had stayed away all by myself. It’s not my fault he sought me out.

Jesse fumes, not at all happy with my noncommittal answer. “What the fuck does that mean?”

“It means I said‘maybe’when he asked me out.”

“Are you crazy?” he raises his voice and then cuts himself off when he remembers where we are. Taking a step forward, he leans down until he’s up in my face and sighs. “He’s like the male version of you, Willow. He personifies sunshine when he wants to, but it’s all an act.”

“Oh, so we have something in common.” Resting back on my hands, I create some space between us and look him dead in the eye. “All the more reason to say yes.”

I don’t know why I feel the need to push his buttons, but here we are.

“Willow,” he warns in a tone that’s not to be messed with. But I do. I mess with it.

“Jesse,” I warn right back. “Why doyoueven care?”

“Because, I—” He pauses abruptly, and the fight disappears from his body. “I don’t. I don’t care,” he says, dropping to sit beside me again. “Do what you want.” His tone reflects that ofsomeone who actually cares a whole lot, but I let it slide. Although I do stupidly feel the need to put his mind at ease, even if he won’t tell me why I need to do that.

“I wasn’t planning on going out with Alex. Satisfied?” It’s not a lie. Even if I considered it for a second, I know deep down I never would have said yes.

Jesse’s brows furrow as his gaze meets mine. It’s obvious he never expected me to agree with him. “Yeah,” he whispers with a nod. “I am.”

“I don’t suppose you have it in you to say thank you.”

“Trust me when I say that younotgoing out with that piece of shit doesn’t warrant a thank you from me. It’s saving you from a lot of pain. Pain you couldn’t possibly imagine.” He pauses and shakes his head, almost like he’s shocked he’s telling me all this. “Believe it or not, I don’t want you to get hurt. I deserve the thanks. But I’m not asking for it. I just want you to know my feelings.”

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