Page 22 of HER SISTER

"I shouldn't."

I frowned dramatically, "But she's away for the night," I pointed out, hoping Mili would consider staying the night.

Mili only shook her head, "It's still a risk—especially if she comes back early," she explained, easily earning a sigh from me.

Mili pressed a fleeting kiss to my temple, "Trust me, Ati, I'd love to stay—but I don't want to put you in an uncomfortable situation," she said, knowing that I was really conflicted earlier.

It was nice to finally get those thoughts out of my head.

I nodded, knowing her intentions were coming from a good place, "Okay."

Mili smiled slightly, "Okay," she repeated back to me, leaning down toward me as she said, "Now I'm going to give you a kiss without managing to take you inside—and you're going to close the door as I walk away and text me something to keep me from coming back."

Her words alone lit something up inside of me, knowing she was trying to practice a clear restraint with me.

And even imagining a scenario where she let that restraint go seemingly sent my brain into overdrive.

"Okay," I breathed out.

Mili hummed, leaning down further and easily closing the space between us.

The kiss was warm and passionate—very passionate.

Especially when I unconsciously tugged her into my body.

Mili's arms snaked around my waist as she pressed my back to the door, holding me in place as her warm tongue slid into my mouth.

And as soon as a moan vibrated in my throat, Mili forced herself to pull away—leaving us both panting as she took a full step back from me.

Recalling her instructions, I forced myself to turn away from her and unlock the door before entering the empty apartment.

Within seconds, I was typing up a text to send to her.

And as soon as I sent the text, the grey typing bubble popped up.

I smiled slightly to myself, knowing we were definitely playing a game right now.

I laughed to myself, knowing it was a lie, but it was enough to keep her away as she instructed.

My eyes darted back down to my illuminated phone which suddenly buzzed.

And just like that I was smiling goofily to myself as I reread her sweet text before hearting it and locking my phone.

My brows furrowed, looking around for my clutch that I thought I brought up.

I must've left it in the car.

I shrugged, knowing it would give me an excuse to meet up with Mili tomorrow to get it.

A content sigh fell from my lips as I slid my heels off, walking toward my room before picking out some pajamas.

Soon I was showered with my nightly skincare done, and I swear I had never felt more at peace.

I felt so warm and happy—I felt like I could legit scream just from how happy I felt.

My brows furrowed slightly when a knock sounded at the door.

But within seconds, I realized it was probably Mili with my clutch.

I mean it's almost twelve in the morning so it really couldn't be anyone else.

I smiled slightly to myself, navigating to the door before opening it, "Back so..." I trailed off when I noticed Cam standing there instead of Mili.

She was dressed in grey joggers and a black muscle tee with her short hair brushed back.

I shook my head a few times, feeling completely caught off guard, "Sorry I thought you were..." I suddenly trailed off, realizing I couldn't finish that sentence, so instead I covered it up by saying, "Mya. I thought you were Mya."

Cam only smiled slightly, "Sorry, for just randomly coming by—I was just thinking about you and how we left everything..." she trailed off, tilting her head slightly, "Can we talk? I brought wine," she said, and I suddenly noticed the wine bottle in her hand.

I blinked a few times, feeling conflicted for what felt like the hundredth time today.

I still liked Cam, and I did feel bad for how I dodged her kiss the other night.

But I also just had the most perfect date with Mili.

I mean... it's just a talk—it would be a little weird to decline her offer especially since she has no idea about Mili.

Besides, it'll be nice to clear the air, especially since we're in the same friend group.

I opened the door wider, "I'll grab the wine glasses," I said, causing Cam's smile to grow as she entered into the apartment.

"You swear I'm not intruding? I know it's really late," Cam said, clearly not wanting to bother me.

I only shook my head as I walked into the kitchen, "You're not intruding at all—what did you want to talk about?"

Cam sat down at the kitchen island, "I don't know, I kind of just wanted to check in with you. I can't tell if I'm coming off too strong?" she said, and while it sounded like a statement, it also seemed like she reverted the question to herself, like she was clearly troubled by it.

It made me feel so bad—especially since she hadn't done anything wrong at all.

She was sweet, caring, always gifting me flowers or coffees, and she seemed to be very communicative too.

She was everything that any girl would want.

Meanwhile, I'm still unsure of what I want.

Even after Mili and I's date, it still felt like she was the risky choice while Cam was the safe choice.

It's like they both provided two different worlds, yet either choice felt appealing to me.

"I just... when I like someone—I really like them. If that makes sense? And I haven't really been in a relationship with someone since my last and only ex," Cam explained as I sat down beside her with the wine glasses and corkscrew, "And I haven't really met anyone like you."

I smiled slightly as I tried to open the wine bottle, "You didn't come on too strong, Cam," I assured her, knowing that this was all on my end.

Cam suddenly guided the wine bottle and corkscrew out of my hands before screwing it open, "Are you sure? Because it won't hurt my feelings if I am—the last thing I want is for you to feel uncomfortable."

I frowned slightly, suddenly feeling guilt naw at me.

I didn't exactly know how to get out of this situation without lying again, and I really didn't want to lie anymore.

I mean, I could tell her I'm also interested in someone else, but then comes the question of who, and that might lead directly back to Mya, who would ask the same question.

Overall, I know it's best to stay away from that topic.

So what do I say?

I mean, I still like Cam—I wasn't lying about that, but there's also Mili, who I have this insane chemistry with.

I'm not exclusive with either, but I know sooner or later, I'll have to make a choice or I'll end up with neither of them.

I suddenly pressed a hand to Cam's shoulder as she poured the red wine into the glasses, "I'm not uncomfortable whatsoever—genuinely, you haven't done anything wrong," I said, hoping to ease her worries while I manage to get my scattered thoughts together.

I really wish I had someone to discuss this with outside of my friend group and romantic interests.

I laughed internally, perhaps I really should try to make more friends.

Cam sighed, handing me a wine glass that I instantly took a brief sip from, "Okay, so I can only assume that this is about Mili?"

Almost immediately, I was a choking mess, coughing on the wine I had previously had a sip of while Cam patted my back with furrowed brows.

"I'm sorry—" I coughed again, shaking my head to myself, "—I... what?" I questioned, feeling completely caught off guard.

Maybe I wouldn't have to lie to Cam anymore.