They glance at each other, then back at me. “Dude, we’re outside.”

“Right.” I exhale, scanning the space. Maybe I need more than just air. Maybe I need to leave.

“Here, take my keys,” Sarah says, pulling them from her pocket and handing them to me. “Go hang out at my place for a bit. You can come back whenever you’re ready. Take your time. Just... don’t go in my bedside table.”

“What’s in your bedside table?” Theo grins.

Sarah blushes and shoots him a look. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Okay, I’m out of here. Theo, you good?” I ask.

He looks down at Sarah and smiles. “Yeah, dude. I’m good.”

I give them both a nervous smile and brush past them.

I push through the rooftop doors and rush down the stairs until I find her floor.

I don’t know what I’m thinking, coming here. If Caleb wanted me, he would’ve sought me out. He’s been back for a week and hasn’t reached out. Clearly, the time away wasn’t as euphoric for him as it was for me. And I’m not about to chase him. We all know what happens when I chase someone. Chaos. That’s what happens.

I find Sarah’s door at the end of the hallway and push it open, slamming it shut behind me. Relief rushes through me. Away from the people. Away from the questions spinning in my head about Caleb.

I close my eyes and lean against the door, breathing in, then out.

Suddenly, the door flies open behind me, shoving me forward.

And there he is—Caleb. Breathless and determined. He hurries inside and slams the door shut.

“What’s going on? Did you follow me?” I ask, heart pounding.

He’s panting. “I forgot how damn fast you are. I really need to work on my cardio.”

I laugh, despite myself. “Yeah, you really do.”

Then it clicks.

He chased after me.

After me.

“Why did you—” I start to ask.

But before I can finish, Caleb closes the space between us, places his hands on either side of my face, and kisses me like it’s the only thing he’s ever wanted to do.

31

caleb

The sweet, charming boy I met years ago in that cafeteria. My best friend.

God, he kisses so damn well. Why did this take so long? Right—because I knew the moment this happened, there would be no going back. I am, and always have been, in love with him. And this? This wraps my feelings in a pretty bow.

His lips move perfectly with mine, pressing together in sync. I moan softly, inhaling his faint cologne. He smells so damn good. And tastes even better.

I part my lips, inviting him in—and the moment his tongue slides over mine, my whole body ignites. We fight for dominance as I back him up into the kitchen island, not far from where we were standing.

Nathaniel throws his head back, gasping for air, and I seize the chance to kiss, lick, and bite at his neck.