Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
I’m about to say more when a chill zips down my spine and goosebumps break out along my arms. My hands rise, running over the length in an attempt to ward off the cool night air before glancing around. I don’t realize who I’m searching for until our gazes collide. Air gets clogged in my chest, making it impossible to breathe as my gaze is ensnared by his. It only takes a moment or two for the bonfire and all the revelers surrounding it to melt away.
The temptation to close the distance that separates us pounds through me like a steady drumbeat. It fills my ears and rushes through my body until it’s the only thing I’m cognizant of. Life would be so much easier if he didn’t have this effect on me.
That, unfortunately, is not the case. All I can do is hope that these feelings gradually wither and die over time. If not, senior year will be even more miserable than it currently is.
It’s only when he averts his eyes, releasing me from his penetrating stare, that I realize he isn’t alone. Aubrey is curled up against his side and one muscular arm is slung around her shoulders.
Was it really only a week ago that he held me the same way?
That silent question cuts to the bone and has a dull ache flaring to life in my chest.
Maybe venturing out here wasn’t such a good idea after all. I would have been better off locked in my bedroom and reading a book. Instead of turning away, I force myself to watch as her palms stroke up and down his chest before she presses closer. The orange flames flicker and dance, giving me a clear view before hiding the couple.
I hate myself for the hot licks of jealousy that rush through every fiber of my being.
Stop staring.
Look away.
But I can’t.
“Instead of trying to punish you for the pictures, he needs to get over it and move the fuck on. He’s taking his dickishness to a whole new level,” Duke mutters, deep voice breaking into the turmoil of my thoughts and yanking me back to the present.
That’s not going to happen.
“At some point, he will,” I say softly, hoping it’s the truth.
His gaze burns into mine. “He’s a fucking idiot for thinking you’d do anything with Jasper after all the rumors he’s been spreading.”
My shoulders fall as a reluctant sigh escapes from me. “Too much has happened for him to believe the truth.”
Duke tugs me close and presses a brief kiss against the crown of my head. “He’s missing out, and by the time he realizes it, it’ll be too late.”
The indisputable truth is that there will never be a time for us. My heart clenches at the realization that Austin and I were over before we ever had a chance to start.
“Thanks,” I say with a small smile. “You’re a good friend.”
Even though I try to avert my gaze, it reluctantly meanders back to Austin. His eyes are narrowed, and his lips are smashed together in a thin line as he glares through the flames. Aubrey reaches up on the tips of her toes and whispers something in his ear. He rips his gaze from mine before staring down at her.
With a grin, she wraps her fingers around his wrist and takes a step before tugging his hand. With one final glare in my direction, he turns away, disappearing into the velvety darkness that presses in at the edges.
Before I have a chance to think about what I’m doing, I untangle myself from Duke’s arms and take off after them.
“Hey,” he calls after me. “Where are you going?”
I pause, throwing a glance over my shoulder. “To grab a drink. I’ll be back in a sec.”
Even though there’s only firelight for illumination, it would be impossible to miss the concern that flashes across his face, and I know he’s thinking about what happened at the party in Hawthorne. “Want me to come with you?”
I shake my head and force a smile. “No, I’ll be back in a sec.”
Before Duke can take matters into his own hands, I swing away and weave through the throng of writhing bodies, searching each face for one in particular. Every step has my heartbeat ratcheting up, becoming more of a painful tattoo against my chest, until it feels as if it’s thudding in my ears.
Part of me wonders what the hell I’m doing.
Am I really chasing after Austin?
Clearly, he’s taken off with another girl. If I were smart, I’d put a stop to this madness and make my way back to Duke. Better yet, I’d return to the safety of the house before more damage can be inflicted. Maybe if Austin and Aubrey get together, he’ll forget about me and his plans for revenge.
I pause as that thought ricochets through my brain.