Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 71054 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71054 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
So I plastered on a tight smile because I knew I was being absurd.
By the end of the second set, I was feeling much more myself, likely because Shana and her friend had left, which only made me feel pettier. We carried on with our normal routine of breaking down the set and driving our stuff to the practice spot to unload.
We were quiet on the way over, and I couldn’t tell if Ellis was pissed, but I was almost afraid to say something because I was embarrassed about my behavior.
It was late when we got inside our apartment building, and the first thing I noticed was that one of the hallway lightbulbs had burned out. “That’s not good,” I said, pointing it out.
“I’ll get Leonard on that first thing in the morning,” Ellis replied. Leonard had been very responsive to requests, so it would likely be fixed quickly. “And don’t worry, it’s not making me nervous. I think I’m good to just face-plant into my sheets tonight and fall asleep.”
I was disappointed he didn’t invite me in, but it was probably because of how I’d acted over someone he wanted to develop a friendship with.
“Okay,” I replied hesitantly. “Ellis, I…I’m sorry. I don’t know why I acted that way. It’s just—oof.”
Suddenly he had me backed against the wall, his face half cast in darkness as he took my mouth in a searing kiss. “I like when you’re jealous.”
“I wasn’t—okay, maybe I was. What if you—”
“I won’t.” Another scorching kiss left me reeling. “Now get some sleep.”
Ellis pulled away, keyed into his door, and with one final kiss on the cheek, left me standing there, a bit delirious.
I was hard, dying inside, but also awed by him. It was almost like he was the old Ellis again, except new and improved. I smirked as I walked to the elevator.
Upstairs, cleaned up, and in bed, I pulled out my cell.
Thanks. Now I have to jerk off.
Already did. Night, Nolan.
18
Ellis
It was the night of the clambake, and I was waiting for Shana to show up at my apartment so we could drive together. Her friend had to back out, and Shana wondered if she should as well, but I encouraged her to attend regardless. “It’ll be fun.”
Nolan had decided he’d drive separately so he wouldn’t be a third wheel.
“You’re being ridiculous,” I told him. “It’s not like it’s a date.”
“I know. But if everyone else thinks it is, then maybe Perry will stop all this speculation.”
“You’re assuming he suspects something between us when it’s obvious he’s only worried about the band.”
“Whatever. I still think driving separately is a good idea.”
I suspected it had more to do with Nolan being jealous, and since I’d never seen him like that before, I didn’t think he knew how to unpack those feelings. Maybe things were becoming a little too intense between us, and that made me fearful he was getting ready to bolt. On the other hand, I had no idea why his possessiveness was so appealing. Maybe because it affirmed we were mostly on the same page.
When Shana arrived, she asked where Nolan was.
“He’s gonna drive separately.”
There was wariness in her expression. “I don’t want to get in the middle.”
“You’re not.” I sighed. “This is still new between us, and I think…he’s just working through some stuff.”
She looked up at the ceiling. “He lives directly above you, right?”
“Yeah.”
“And you two discussed your feelings?”
I nodded. “We haven’t told anyone yet, not when we’re still figuring this out.”
“Does he know I’m aware of what’s going on?”
I winced. “I told him you’d guessed it.”
Shana headed for the door.
“Where are you going?”
“To see Nolan.”
I followed her to his place, where she knocked determinedly. My heart pumped wildly as I wondered if this would end up being a bad idea.
Surprise registered in Nolan’s expression when he opened the door.
“Can we come in?” she asked.
“Sure.” He stepped aside, throwing me a quizzical look.
“Listen, there is nothing between Ellis and me. I’m strictly here as a friend, and I hope to get to know you too since you mean so much to Ellis.”
“I…God, am I that pathetic?” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I just didn’t want to…I don’t even know. Second-guess everything? Interfere?”
“I told you, you’re not,” I insisted.
“Can’t we all just go together, hang out, and have fun?” Shana asked. “Your secret is safe with me. Believe me, I’ve been there.”
“Yeah, of course. I was being an idiot. Let me grab my coat.”
I felt relieved for the first time since the show a couple of nights ago.
“Thanks for that,” I whispered to Shana, and she smiled.
When Wednesday made a dramatic entrance, Shana crouched down, and the stubborn cat came right to her and even allowed her to stroke behind her ears. No playing hard to get. Traitor.
There was mirth in Nolan’s eyes as he watched the interaction. He was convinced Wednesday was making it hard on purpose, as a test of sorts.