Giselle
Watching Thayer try to stifle his smile for the next half an hour was adorable. I was so happy for him. Despite him playing it off like he might not take Kincaid up on their offer—whatever it might’ve been—it was going to happen. I’d seen him on the mountain. I’d witnessed firsthand his love for being on a board, landing tricks, and living. Since losing his mom, he’d lost a piece of what made him Thayer. And slowly, I was witnessing it return.
Boom!
The sudden sound had terror racing through me as I shielded my head.
“My bad,” Jesse said, picking up a decorative statue he’d knocked off the end table.
With my heartbeat a jackhammer in my chest, I quickly righted myself and looked around the room at everyone else, all unfazed by the loud noise. Thankfully, it didn’t seem as though any of them noticed my reaction.
Why hadn’t it startled them, too?
Was this my life now?
Would I forever be the person who jumped at loud noises? Unexpected taps on my shoulder? The dark?
“I’m gonna head to bed,” I said as I climbed off the sofa.
“Are you serious?” Kason asked. “I thought you could hang.”
“Guess not,” I said, my racing heartbeat slowing down some.
“Dude, she slayed on the mountain today,” Thayer said. “She’s gotta be tired.”
“Good night,” I said as I made my way upstairs.
“’Night,” they called.
After washing up and brushing my teeth, my heartbeat had returned to normal. I pulled on my pajamas and climbed into bed. I will not have another nightmare. I will not. I focused on all the good things in the world. My family…ice cream…snow covered mountains…beautiful sunsets…tropical beaches…margaritas…koala bears…clown fish…
At some point in the middle of the night, I heard my bedroom door open and close, then the lock clicked. Was Kason checking on me again?
My bed dipped, and strong arms snaked around me from behind. That familiar crisp scent wrapped itself around me.
“Did I cry out?” I whispered.
“No,” Thayer admitted.
“No?” I whispered.
“I saw you jump when Jesse dropped that thing.”
“You saw that?” I’d hoped no one noticed.
“I just wanted to be sure you were okay. I can go,” he offered.
Did I want him to go? Everything about him being there was wrong. I had a boyfriend. He was my brother’s best friend.
Knowing I was incapable of making him leave, I exhaled a long breath. No matter the reason, I wanted him there with me. “No,” I admitted.
He didn’t respond, but I could feel him sigh behind me.
“Congrats on Kincaid.”
“Nothing’s happened yet,” he said.
“But it will.”