Page 70 of Beautifully Ruined

There hasn’t been anything that felt like love between us for a long time, not since that wild and bubbly magic of first love, of a boy who looked at me like I was special.

A boy who grew into a man-boy and took me for granted.

So, yeah, I’ve reached for the phone but never called.

And we, Cade and I, haven’t talked about it.

Don’t get me wrong, he asked if I was okay that night. It’s Cade, he’s like that. But what am I meant to say? Other than what Cade already knew. Jack and I were over.

“Wrong?”

“Yeah, wrong.” He folds his glasses after plucking them from his head and slips them into a worn case in his hoodie pocket. His backpack is on the bed, which means he’s heading to Enzo’s place.

“Nothing. I’m okay. I’m happy, nervous over this new internship that starts today.”

“We haven’t just met. I know all about that. I know you’re happy. But there’s something bugging you. Is it Jack?”

I glance at him as I pull my hair back in a sleek ponytail. “I don’t want him back.”

He doesn’t say anything for a long time. “If I thought that you even thought it might be a possibility, I wouldn’t have made a move on you. And if you changed your mind, I would think about giving you up. I’d fail, but I’d think about it.” He sighs. “I feel fucking bad he saw us, as I’m assuming do you.”

“Are you spying on me?”

He smiles. “Always.”

“I just…I feel guilty.”

“Because he was hurt?”

I nod again. “I wish it hadn’t been that way, is all. I knew it was over before the cheating photos appeared, and I felt like shit, so Jack…”

“You’re a good person, Vi.”

“I’m a pervert.”

Cade laughs. “You’re a good, perverted person.” And he comes to me, kisses me on the cheek. “But I get it. His brother and you. It’s a lot. And suddenly, Jack’s feeling outside it all.”

My heart twists.

Cade steps back and gets his laptop, sliding his glasses case in. “Jack… Look, I love Jack. He’s my little brother. I’m meant to be watching out for him, protecting him, but having him coasting and not living and being on my sofa isn’t the way.”

“You have to go?” I drag in a breath. “Of course, you do. So do I.”

“And I’m going with you. Whenever you’re ready, I’m ready. As for Jack? He got mad and left, I think he wants to come back or wants help.” He frowns as I apply a little gloss.

Then I get my bag.

“Or maybe… Jack just missed you.”

“Maybe. I’m sure it’s part of it, but Jack needs to grow up. I’m always there for him. Even if he doesn’t know it.”

I suddenly look at him as we make out way to the door. “Aren’t you worried I might ask you to distance yourself from him, or choose between us if?—”

“Nope.” Suddenly, Cade’s dark eyes flash, and he grabs me and pushes me up against the new door, his thigh sliding between mine as he kisses me.

It’s a claiming kiss, a hot one. It’s a wide-open future and passion. And it’s over almost before it has begun.

He lifts his head.