No.NO.Nope.That is NOT reality.That is a brain malfunction.A temporary lapse in judgment due to prolonged exposure to his bullshit.
This is fixable.
This is salvageable.
I just need to never, ever, in the history of time, be alone with Joel Price again.
I hate him.I really,reallyhate him.
Only for one single, excruciating moment?—
I didn’t.
CHAPTER16
Joel
Well, that sure as shit didn’t go as planned.
But in some weird way, it actually works.
I exhale sharply, dragging a hand through my damp hair as I lean back against the door.My pulse is still too fast—waytoo fast—and not just because of the shower.
Not just because of what Ididin the shower, either.
Did she hear me?
I squeeze my eyes shut, already knowing the answer.
Of courseshe did.
She was practically standing outside the damn door.
And instead of walking away—she stayed.
Shelistened.
A groan builds in my chest, half frustration, half disbelief.My heart isstillhammering, which is objectively fucking stupid.I should be mortified.I should be figuring out how to avoid eye contact for the next week after the shit she just overheard.
But all I can think about is the way her breath hitched.
The way her face flushed when she realized Iknew.
Jesus.
This is not how I wanted to confirm Anna might actually be into me.There were—are—a thousand better ways to push her buttons.
But this?This is…
Oddly hot.
Itshouldn’tbe, and yet, all I can think about is the way shelookedat me.
Wide eyes.Parted lips.Cheeks flushed likeshe’dbeen the one caught.
And the second she realized Iknew?
Sheshut down.