Page 46 of Cru's Crush

Alex turned and looked between Trevino and me.

“Go ahead.”

She held her index finger up to the nurse, then walked over to us.

“I appreciate you coming so much, but you don’t have to stick around.”

“You guys take my SUV. I’ll stay here with Alex,” said my brother.

My eyes met my sister’s, and she nodded. “I’ll be okay.” She turned to Trevino. “They said one person can come back with me.”

He handed me his key fob and followed my sister and the nurse.

“Ready?” I asked Daphne.

When she said she was, I led her out to the parking lot. Thankfully, Trevino’s fob had a long range, andwhen I pressed the unlock button, it was easy to find where he’d left his vehicle.

“You’re quiet,” I said once we were in the car and on our way.

She shrugged a shoulder. “I didn’t want to be in the way.”

I reached over and squeezed her hand. “You never could be.”

“Cru, about…”

I knew the question was coming. “I’m sorry. I never should’ve done what I did.”

“What did you do?” she asked.

“The kiss.”

She nodded once. “You’re sorry.”

Her words were so monotone I couldn’t get a read on how she was feeling beyond her being upset. “I’m giving you mixed signals. On one hand, I say there’s too much for us to lose if we become more than friends, and on the other—you know what happened.”

“Almosthappened.”

“You’re right. So, uh, thoughts about dinner?”

“I’d hate for all the fish to go to waste,” she said without looking at me.

“Have you spoken to your parents?” I asked.

“I told them I’d give them an update after I knew more about Maddox’s condition.” Her hand was limp in mine, so I released it.

“Do you want to call them now?”

She shook her head. “I’ll wait until we’re at Los Cab.” She raised her head. “Unless you want to drop me off at Norman. We’re not that far.”

“I doubt you’d trust me to finish making dinner without your assistance.” I smiled and nudged her with my elbow.

She smiled too. “You’d manage.”

“I doubt I could manage much without you by my side.” The words were out there, and I couldn’t take them back. It didn’t matter that I’d just admitted I was giving her mixed signals.

“I think we need to talk, Cru.”

“Okay.”