Until Alex - J. Nathan Page 0,58

few days. “Talk to you later,” I called.

She gave a quick wave over her head as she jumped into her powder-blue VW Bug and zipped out of the lot.

Hayden sat down on the chair beside me smelling of fresh shower. He shoved back pieces of wet hair that poked up all over. “Was it something I said?”

My cheeks heated, likely flaming on the outside. Would I ever get used to him? His masculine scent? His body? “No. She had to get going.”

It was difficult to remain composed when I knew how it felt to have my body wrapped up with his, pressed against it, consumed by it. And how it felt when his tongue explored my mouth with long luscious sweeps. Sensing my body temperature rising, I shook off the image.

“Sorry I’ve been MIA this week.”

I shrugged like it was no big deal, though nothing would have pleased me more than to know where he’d been and what he’d been doing.

“How was rehearsal?”

I shrugged, hating how quickly he changed the subject.

“So, has Taylor tried offing any of the other contestants?”

I choked out a laugh.

HAYDEN

I sat mesmerized by the laughing girl beside me.

Most would’ve dropped out of the competition knowing the leverage Taylor held. But not my little survivor. She faced the bitch head on.

I felt like a total dick not being around for most of the week. But Remy had my ass working. Not only shaking down deadbeats, but moving money between Cooper’s businesses like we did back when we were younger.

Once I started college and Remy was released from juvie, Cooper gave him more responsibilities. It wasn’t like he had anything else occupying his time. He loved his new duties. He wanted more. His ultimate goal was to work his way up the ranks in Cooper’s organization.

That definitely wasn’t a long-term goal for me.

Alex waved her hands in front of my face. “Hayden.”

Her voice snapped me back to reality.

“I asked you a question.”

My face must’ve shown my confusion because she continued.

“I asked if you’d heard about tomorrow night’s formal?”

I scoffed. “If you hadn’t noticed, I don’t really do school functions.”

Her eyes cast down. Her fingers played with the hem of her striped shirt. “You just sign other people up for them.”

My eyes narrowed. Had I missed something? Was she pulling some female shit where she expected me to read her mind? And what was so interesting about her damn shirt she wouldn’t look at me?

“I think I might go.” She said it so softly I had to lean in to hear her. “A bunch of the contestants and stagehands are gonna meet up there. I don’t really know anyone, so—”

“You should go.” I sat up so my legs straddled the chair. “You’ll have a good time.”

Alex nodded. “I wasn’t sure what to tell them…” her voice trailed off as she sat up as well. “Like about you.”

Jesus Christ.

She wanted me to go. But she had to know. I wasn’t that guy.

My eyes shifted to the idle pool—my destination until I got distracted by Alex.

Since moving in, that’s what she’d become. A major distraction. It wasn’t her fault. She didn’t even know it. Or maybe she did. Who the hell knew? But I wasn’t used to distractions, and it was just a matter of time before she got me into a shitload of trouble.

My eyes moved to the parking lot. Was that Remy’s Mustang pulling out? I watched until the silver car disappeared from view, then slipped my phone from my pocket. He would’ve called if I didn’t answer my door. And he hadn’t.

A soft hand settled on the back of my shoulder. My body stilled. If I wasn’t so fucked in the head, I would’ve left it there. Instead, I jumped to my feet leaving Alex’s hand dangling in the air.

“I’ve been wondering what that was,” she said casually. But as she settled back into her chair, disappointment shone in her eyes.

“Now you know.” It came out harsher than intended. But I was pissed she saw it.

She tilted her head. “It’s sad.”

I glanced to my bare feet. She was right. My tattoo was sad. I’d gotten it when all I knew was darkness. Loss. Anger. Guilt.

“Mai Più?” she inquired.

I nodded at her reference to the words scrolled in black through the image.

“Maybe someday you’ll tell me what that means.”

I shrugged, hoping I could change the subject. But I didn’t need to. Alex stood up and walked to the building, disappearing inside without another glance.

So that’s how it felt.

ALEX

I lay