Page 24 of Guarded Love

“Right,” she says, her tone showcasing just how pissed off she is that we have to share the same air. “Because looking where you’re going is optional.”

"Wasn't expecting obstacles," I counter, my voice flat. I straighten up, shoving my hands into my pockets to stop myself from reaching out again, from doing something stupid like brushing a stray piece of lint off her dark sweater. She smellsfaintly of vanilla and something else…coffee, maybe? I can’t pinpoint the scent nor will she give me an opportunity to.

And I understand why, even though it’s the way things need to be.

She narrows her eyes. "Funny. I could say the same thing." She tucks her phone into her back pocket. “Anyway, I should get going. I don’t have time to waste.”

"Neither do I," I reply quickly because I know the longer I stay in her vicinity, the more my thoughts will circle the drain about what could have been if circumstances were different. “What are you doing over here anyway?"

She adjusts the folder under her arm, avoiding my eyes. "I needed a quote for an article from Professor Simpson. Satisfied?"

Not even close. But I just shrug, leaning back on my heels slightly. "Just curious. Don't usually see campus reporters around these parts.”

A ghost of a smile touches her lips, gone as quickly as it appears. "Wouldn't want to miss any potential scandals, Dalton. You guys are full of 'em."

"We keep things interesting," I say, the corner of my own mouth twitching despite myself. Why were we engaging in this conversation anyway?

"Right," she says as she looks around for a moment before her gaze returns to my face. “Are you going to be around tomorrow evening? I’m sure Knox told you I need to interview the senior hockey players for a special in the newspaper. Everyone is meeting up at your house.”

“Can’t. Group project meeting.” It’s true, but the excuse feels flimsy even to my own ears.

Willow raises a single, perfectly shaped eyebrow. A small, almost imperceptible smirk plays on her lips. “Surprise, surprise. I guess I’ll follow up with you another time then.”

“Sounds like it.”

"Well. See you around."

"Yeah," I manage, watching as she turns and walks away, her dark hair swaying slightly with each step. The scent of vanilla and coffee lingers for a second longer before it, too, is gone.

I don’t make a move as I watch her walk away until she disappears around the corner. All I can do is replay in my mind the way the sweater hugged her curves and how she’d probably want to rip my face off if she knew I was thinking that.

Fuck.

I drag a hand down my face, exhaling slowly. This is exactly what I don't need right now. I've spent years building walls between us, carefully maintaining distance after that night. And all it takes is one accidental collision in a hallway to bring it all rushing back.

That and running into her at Knox’s birthday party. And seeing her when she stopped by our house sometime before that.

My feet finally start moving again, but my mind is somewhere else entirely. Somewhere dangerous. Somewhere I promised myself I wouldn't go.

I can still feel the warmth where her body briefly pressed against mine. The way her green eyes flashed with the fire I’m used to seeing directed at me. How her lips parted slightly when she first saw me.

Those lips.

I swallow hard and pick up my pace, as if I can outrun these thoughts. It doesn't work. Because why would it?

By the time I get back to the apartment, my jaw aches from clenching it so tight. I slam the door harder than necessary, tossing my backpack onto the couch.

"Someone's in a mood," Knox calls out from the kitchen. The microwave hums in the background.

"I'm fine," I mutter, heading straight for the fridge. I grab a water bottle, downing half of it in one go. Who knew thinking such dirty thoughts about someone’s sister would cause me to feel dehydrated. Then again, I’m thirsty as hell for her so it all tracks.

Knox leans against the counter, arms crossed. "You're not fine.”

He’s right, but I can’t tell him I’m thinking about how much I would love to bend his sister over and fuck the hatred she has for me out of her. I polish off the water in the bottle in two gulps.

"Just school stuff," I lie, avoiding his gaze as I crush the empty water bottle in my hand. I toss it toward the recycling bin, missing by a good foot.

Knox tilts his head, giving me a look that says he knows I'm full of shit but won't push it. "Right. Well, whatever it is, maybe punch a pillow instead of slamming a door next time."