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“Converse, if you puke in my car,” Kai warns, lowering her to her feet with so much care it causes the ache in my chest to expand.

“I won’t.” She gives him a toothy smile before all but falling into the back seat when Kai opens the door.

“Too early.” Maisie groans, throwing an arm over her face when I flip on the small lamp that sits on my desk.

“Sorry,” I offer, slipping on one shoe and then the other before standing.

“Where are you going?” Maisie props up on her elbows, her brown curls wild around her face as she stares down at me.

“I’m going to get some coffee,” I say, shoving my cell into my pocket.

“Wait, why aren’t you sleeping?” She sits up further. “It’s like seven in the morning.” She glances at the clock on the wall.

“I’m not tired. Besides, don’tyouhave a game to get to?”

“Not this early.” She flops back down.

“Could you two be any louder?” Jackson grumbles from the floor, flopping onto his back as he stares up at me with bright blue eyes.

“You could have stayed with Kai and Lyric like you were supposed to,” Maisie reminds him.

“And listen to those two fuck all night... Pass. Honestly, I don’t think they ever sleep.”

“Must be nice.” I hear the smile in Maisie’s voice.

“I know you did not just say that in front of your big brother.”

“Don’t be such a prude.” She laughs.

“I need to use the facilities,” Jackson announces, abruptly shoving to his feet, swaying slightly the instant he’s upright. He’s shirtless, his well-defined chest and abs on full display. And while normally I might be tempted to look for a bit longer, I quickly glance away.

“Come on, I’ll walk you out,” I tell him before speaking to Maisie. “I’ll be back in a little bit. Want me to bring you anything from Greenberry’s?”

“Yes, please! Double shot of espresso over ice with vanilla sweet cream, just like I like it.”

“You got it.” I move toward the door, Jackson quick on my heels. “Can I get anything for you?” I ask, tugging open the door.

“You offering?” His voice is way too close, and I glance over my shoulder to see his face so close to mine I can smell the alcohol that lingers on his breath.

“You wish.” I grin, stepping out into the hallway.

“You’re right. I do.”

“Well, isn’t this cozy.” My head spins toward the familiar voice, every ounce of color draining from my face when I see River sitting in the hallway across from my door.

“River...” I say his name on a breathy exhale.

“Would appear that you move on quicker than I accounted for.” He pushes to a stand, dark circles under his eyes like he’s been sitting here for hours and hasn’t slept.

My forehead wrinkles in confusion, but then I remember the half-naked man standing behind me and I quickly realize what this must look like.

“No, it’s not—”

“Please don’t insult me by lying.” His face is masked in a blank expression, making it impossible to read his emotions.

Does he seriously believe that I would hook up with someone after a few short days?

Not that I didn’t consider it, wondering if maybe it would make me feel better. But even the thought made me want to vomit.