Page 21 of Muse (The Forbidden Hearts #1)

SOPHIE

W hen I burst into Sal’s, my heart hammering with everything I’m dying to spill, I find her curled up on the couch with Jace. I clear my throat to announce my arrival, and the two spring apart like I’ve caught them in the midst of something I shouldn’t have.

Odd.

But I’m too wired to think much of it. My mind is overflowing, my chest too tight with the weight of tonight’s events. I haven’t yet told Sal everything, not yet, but I can’t hold it in any longer. Sal has always been my confidant, and I know that I can trust her with this secret.

After all, if I can’t trust her, then I can’t trust anyone. And that’s a scary thought.

Jace quickly excuses himself and disappears down the hall. The second he’s out of earshot, I throw myself into Sal’s arms and squeal. “Oh my god. I just had the best night ever.”

Sal’s eyes go wide before she grabs my hand and leads me upstairs.

We slip out onto her balcony, the chilly night air wrapping around us.

I settle into one of the chaise lounges, pull a fluffy blanket over my legs, and get comfortable.

The soft cushions mold to my shape instantly, enveloping me in comfort, like the best type of hug.

She pulls out a bowl and packs it with pungent weed, taking a deep inhale. “Okay, spill.”

And I do.

I tell her everything. About the night after the party, spending the night curled up on his couch. About the slow burn of my feelings, the stolen glances, the tiny electric moments that left me wondering if I was imagining it all. And then, I tell her about tonight. Tonight changed everything.

“I swore off relationships. I was so done with guys. But he…” I shake my head, exhaling. “He makes me want to try again.”

She watches me silently, her expression unreadable as I spill every last detail. I need her to understand. Need her to tell me I’m not crazy for feeling this way. If she shuts this down, I might never let the words leave my mouth again.

When I finally stop to catch my breath, having given every detail I can think to give, she hands over the bowl.

I smile gratefully. Now, it’s her turn to talk.

I take a deep hit, the ember flaring bright as I inhale deeply, almost burning my thumb on the flame.

My muscles go lax, the tension of the night seeping out of me. But my mind stays locked on one thing.

Him.

Theo, as he stood there in the dark, watching me drive away, his expression unreadable. I wanted to turn back, to stay in his orbit just a bit longer. But I could see it, clear as day. He was already pulling away. Jokes on him though, because I refuse to let this go so easily.

In just a few short months, high school will be over. I’ll be an adult, truly. That has to count for something, right? Then my age won't matter. Not really.

Sal kicks my leg, snapping me back to reality. “Earth to Sophie!”

I blink at her, a sheepish grin on my face. “Sorry! What were you saying? ”

“I cannot believe you kept this from me! I mean, I knew you were hot for our teacher and that you guys have some history… but I had no idea the feeling was mutual!”

I snort. “To be fair, I had no idea either.”

“And you slept at his house?” She shakes her head in disbelief, “While I was freaking out, thinking you'd been kidnapped by an axe murderer, might I add.”

Laughter bubbles up my throat, the high making it impossible to stop. “Oh my god. You did not . But yes, I did. I still can't believe it.”

She grins. “I'm so here for this. Your very own romantic fairy tale.”

I roll my eyes. “Well, too bad it isn't a romance book. At least then I'd get a happily ever after.”

“What makes you so sure you won't?” Her voice is soft, genuine.

I sigh. “Well, he's my teacher, Sal. Can't get much more forbidden love than that.”

“Forbidden or not, if it's meant to be, it will be.” She smirks, “Plus, you two would make cute babies.”

I chuck a pillow at her face. “Sal! What is wrong with you?”

We dissolve into a fit of giggles, and I feel lighter. I'm so grateful to have finally shared this with her. The secret isn’t just mine to carry anymore. She knows. And no matter where this goes, I know she’s always in my corner.

“Well,” she says, catching her breath. “Just let me know if you need an alibi. Happy to cover for you anytime!”

“Ditto.”

The silence settles around us. We relax back into our seats, enjoying the silence and the stars winking high above us, when my phone vibrates in my lap. My heart leaps into my throat as I fumble to unlock it, already knowing who it is.

Him.

Sal notices my reaction instantly and scrambles to my side, nosy as ever. When she sees the name on my screen, she shrieks, gripping my arm. “I told you! Happily ever after, here you come!”

She watches over my shoulder as I type, as I wait, as his responses trickle in. And then.. nothing. The conversation stops dead. My stomach twists, but I force myself to breathe. It’s late, maybe he fell asleep.

“I want an invite to the wedding,” Sal announces.

I groan. “Ha ha, hilarious.”

“Want something to eat? I've got the munchies.” She asks.

At the mention of food, my stomach rumbles. “Yes! Let's go.”

We raid the kitchen, demolishing chips, ice cream, and candy like we haven’t eaten in weeks. I find a bag of wasabi almonds, my favorite, tucked high on a pantry shelf. Sal throws on a movie, and we settle in, my eyes growing heavier with each passing moment.

Jack and Rose whisper their tragic goodbyes on the screen as my eyes finally slip shut.

A loud bang jolts me awake. Sunlight streams through the windows, way too bright. Sal groans beside me, rubbing sleep from her eyes. I sit up, pulse hammering, searching for the source of the sound.

Jace saunters in, a duffle bag slung over his shoulder. I exhale deeply when I see him. Just Jace, being loud as hell with no regard for those who are sleeping. Jerk.

Sal pushes up onto her elbows. “Did you just get home? Where were you?”

Jace meets her gaze, his expression tense, then walks past without a word. Most likely retreating to his cave. I rarely see him out and about in the house, he avoids people like the plague. Fair enough. I’d do the same at home .

She lets out a frustrated breath, smoothing back the flyaways from her braid. “Any plans for today?”

“Nope,” I stretch, shaking my head. “But if you do, I can head home.”

“Absolutely not. You're mine today, then. Let’s spend the day right here watching sappy romance movies… you in?”

I grin. “You know I am.”