A few minutes later, Kiera, Anna, and I were in the elevator on our way upstairs. Dropping Kiera’s bag, I took the moment of near aloneness to wrap my arms around her. My mouth found hers, and the excitement of the moment poured into my kiss. I knew I was being a little too intense, considering Anna was watching, but Kiera didn’t back down from the passionate moment. Between breaks, I murmured, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about this earlier…but I’m glad you’re here.”

I could feel her lips smiling as she threaded her fingers in my hair. “I’m glad I’m here too.”

She let me ravish her until the elevator stopped. I couldn’t wait to get this over with…so I could be alone with her. Grabbing her bag and her hand, I playfully asked. “So, anything you’ve been holding off on telling me?” Like how you got back here?

Before she could say anything, fate decided to fuck with me. My phone started ringing and buzzing in my pocket, making all kinds of noise like the damn thing wanted Kiera to be absolutely certain she heard it. Fuck me…why now? I swear to God, Gavin had the worst fucking timing. And I knew that was who it was. The guys had no reason to call me right now. I’d already talked to Hailey earlier in the evening; she’d been on her way to meet up with friends for a movie. And almost everyone else I knew would have sent a text. I couldn’t—and wouldn’t—answer the phone, but would Kiera think it was weird if I ignored it? Maybe, but what other choice did I have?

Not wanting to listen to the fucking ring anymore, I grabbed my phone, silenced it, and shoved it back in my pocket. He could leave a message. One I would never listen to.

I felt Kiera’s curious eyes on me as I purposefully ignored her, acting like nothing odd had just happened. Goddamn it. I knew I wasn’t handling this right. I knew I was filling her with doubt, probably hurting her, but fuck, I couldn’t handle how much acknowledging this—acknowledging him—would hurt me.

I’m so sorry, Kiera. I wish I could make you understand without actually letting you understand, but I can’t. You just have to trust me.

The longer Kiera stared at me, the tenser I became. Was she going to ask again? Would I have to fucking lie to her again? I didn’t want to; I still felt sickened by the last time I’d bluntly lied to her. Don’t ask. Just don’t ask, then I won’t have to flat-out lie to you. Please.