I kept my head down, my trainers slipping on the pavement. Every flash of lightning made me flinch, every clap of thunder vibrated through my ribs.
Through it all, one thought burned steady, to get home. Not to shelter—home to Theo.
My chest tightened. I wanted warmth and dry clothes and a mug of something hot.
I wanted Theo.
Thunder rolled overhead, low and close, and I flinched again, my breath catching. Rain stung my face, cold enough to feel like needles. My fingers were numb.
Two more blocks.
By the time I reached the corner of the street, the gutters were overflowing, the water running ankle-deep. My clothes clung to ice-cold skin, my hair was plastered to my forehead, and around me the city roared. I didn’t care. I just wanted to see if Theo would look at me the same way again.
I fumbled the keys as I reached the front door. My hands were shaking, from cold or adrenaline, I couldn’t tell which.
I finally got the key into the lock, shoved the heavy door open, and stumbled into the entrance hall, dripping all over the tiles.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out with numb fingers.
8 missed calls
Theo Sinclair
My stomach plummeted. I tapped open the single text.
Where are you?
Cameron, answer me.
Please.
My breath stuttered as I climbed the stairs two at a time, my heart pounding harder than the rain. By the time I reached the flat door, I was trembling. Before I could unlock it, the door swung open, and Theo was there in the hallway, pale, wild-eyed, looking as though he’d been pacing for hours.
“Cameron.” Theo exhaled my name. He stepped forward then stopped himself, his fingers flexing at his sides. “You’re soaked. You didn’t answer your phone. I thought?—”
Thunder cracked again outside, shaking the window in the front door.
I flinched. “I’m fine,” I blurted. “Just really,reallywet.” I managed a smile. “Theo, I’m right here. I’m okay.” I gestured to the flat. “I’d be even b-better if I was inside instead of d-dripping on the d-doormat.”
Theo backed toward the kitchen, and I followed, closing the door behind me. Once inside, I began the task of peeling off my clammy, icy clothes, leaving them in a soggy heap on the kitchen floor.
“Get in the shower,” Theo instructed. “I’ll make you some tea.”
I smiled, my teeth chattering. “H-hot chocolate would be even b-better.” Then I hurried to the bathroom.
Hot water cascaded onto my shivering, cool body, and I rolled out a huge sigh. I bowed my head and let myself be surrounded by warmth. By the time I flipped off the shower, I felt human again.
Then I saw Theo’s bathrobe on the hook and knew it was meant for me.
I wrapped myself in the soft fabric and stepped out of the steamy bathroom. A fire blazed behind the grate, and I made a beeline for it. I knelt on the rug, holding my hands out, letting the fire warm my face.
“Here.” Theo placed a mug into my outstretched hands. Then he sat in the armchair. “I shouldn’t—” He dragged a hand through his hair. His fingers trembled. “I shouldn’t feel like this.”
I stilled. “Feel like what?”
“Like I’m going to be sick if anything happens to you.” Theo laughed once, a broken sound. “I know, it’s irrational. Luka used to?—”
He froze, and my heart plummeted.