“Cool.” He’s grinning happily, back in his element. One of the few who are actually happy to be back in school. “So we hang out with Lucy until bed, then we can play.”

My eyes instinctively dart around the crowded halls. He’s not being loud, but he’s as bold as always. I just give a clipped nod, hating that I haven’t mentioned college, even though I’ve known for a week now.

We’ve had sex a couple of more times since that first time and fooled around a hell of a lot. But I’ve been harboring this secret. Keeping it in because I don’t want to ruin the fantasy. Knowing he’ll be upset.

And it feels gross keeping it from him.

“I need to talk to you about something before though,” I say with more determination than I feel.

“You okay?”

I try to keep my tone even and my face neutral. He’s worried, and I don’t want that. “Of course. But you know, talking is still good too.”

He laughs happily at that and then shrugs. “I don’t know. It might be overrated.”

That pulls a chuckle out of me, even though I’m feeling slightly gross for not telling him. It’s just so damn hard to upset him. He’s so happy.

I hate to be the one to ruin it.

But I have to. Tonight, I’m going to tell him, and we’ll deal with it.

Like we deal with everything and always have.

It’ll be okay.

I think.

28. Kingston

TWENTY-EIGHT

KINGSTON

I’m nervous about what Camden wants to talk about tonight. I’m not stupid. I could see something’s on his mind, but I’m also on a high. We spent so much time over break together, fucking, kissing, and fooling around.

It was fun.

It was beyond fun in ways I’ve never really experienced before.

Everything with Camden is fun, though, so I shouldn’t be surprised this is too. More guys should fuck their best friends. I really think we’re on to something here.

I smile to myself as I grab a book from my locker in between classes, but my stomach actually lurches when I turn around and nearly run right into Kennedy.

“Kennedy. Fuck.” That’s all I can come up with when I see my former girlfriend. She’s in an oversized green sweater, jeans, and boots, and ready for winter. Her makeup is done perfectly, along with her hair. Just like always. But she’s not scowling at me. “What’s up?”

“Nothing.” Her voice sounds sugary sweet. “Just wanted to see how your break went. We can still be friends.”