I place my phone on the nightstand. Snuggling under the soft sheets, I close my eyes, ready for sleep to take me under. The last thing I remember before I drift off, is Adam pressing a kiss to my forehead.
“I’m not sure where everything is. Feel free to rifle through cabinets and the fridge for anything you need,” Dani tells us.
My two best friends and I are cooking breakfast for the two remaining Winters brothers. It’s the least we can do to thank them for having us here this weekend.
“How did things go with you and Adam?” Dani asks.
“What do you mean?”
“Last night? You were going to sit outside around the fire pit with him.”
“Yeah, I did. But nothing happened. It’s not like that.”
“Pfft. I’m not blind,” she says.
Vi elbows my arm. “I’m not either. There are sparks pinging around whenever the two of you are within six feet of each other.”
“You two are delusional.” It’s not that I don’t believe them, but I won’t allow myself to waste time thinking about something that’ll never amount to anything.
“Who’s the delusional one?” Dani scoffs.
“You guys know why I would never go there.”
“Because of the Manfax reports?” Vi questions.
“Yes, and you guys can never speak about that with anyone else.”
“We won’t. Don’t stress about it. You didn’t tell us any details.” Vi dismisses my concern with a flamboyant wave of her hand.
“I know, but I shouldn’t have mentioned it at all.”
“Please, we’re your best friends. Besides, you reacted so strangely when the two of you met, we knew something was up,” Dani adds.
“Good morning.” Adam’s greeting enters the kitchen before he does, startling us. We all spin around at the same time. “What are you ladies discussing so seriously this early in the morning?”
I turn back to face the counter and resume sprinkling powdered sugar on the platter of French toast.
“A little of this and that,” Dani replies vaguely.
“I’ll let you keep your secrets if you let me dig in. Everything smells amazing, and I’m starving,” Adam replies.
I set the French toast, maple syrup, and butter in the middle of the kitchen table. “Help yourself, Adam.” I realize this is the first time I’ve called him by his name, which is odd considering I’ve been here for three days now. Have I purposely avoided saying it or has the opportunity not presented itself? If I’m honest with myself, I’ll admit it was deliberate. But I’m not willing to muse over why.
Moving back to the counter, I grab a stack of napkins and the pitcher of water from the fridge. Retracing my steps to the table, I set everything down in the middle.
Adam touches my arm and I freeze in place. “I liked hearing you say my name for the first time.” His fingers close around my forearm.
He noticed?
What the fuck?
Not sure how to reply, I nod and try to pull my arm free, but his gentle grip turns firm.
“What’s the rush, Rocky? Don’t you want me to ask why you’ve avoided calling me by my name for so long?”
No. I don’t want you to ask.
“Adam, don’t make this awkward. I’m sure I’ve said your name before.” I make sure to use it again.
“Not to my face.”
I shake my head. “Whatever.” I try to dismiss the conversation. “You’re making a big deal out of nothing.”
Drop it, please.
“I’ll let you go, for now.” He smirks, releasing my arm from his grip.
“Oh, thanks. Glad you’ll let me go,” I retort, using sarcasm as a shield. I walk back toward my friends and catch sight of their mouths hanging open. Guess I’m not the only one Adam surprised.
“What was that?” Dani whispers.
“No idea.” I look around. “What else can I do to help?”
“Good morning, everyone.” Rex enters the kitchen. He kisses Dani before taking a seat at the table. He and Adam fall into easy conversation, and I take the opportunity to escape, sneaking back to my room. I want to spend as little time in Adam’s company as possible. Tomorrow morning Violet and I will go home and life will return to normal.
12
Adam
Roxanne made it obvious she was trying to ignore our connection at breakfast this morning. When she denied realizing she’d never said my name and I called her on it, I really wanted to shout bullshit. I knew that wouldn’t be doing myself any favors, so I let it go. That doesn’t mean I won’t be discussing it with her some other time.
Since she snuck out of the kitchen while I was eating