“I promise,” I giggle as I recall last Halloween. “While we’re on this topic. There is something I have to tell you.” I hold his stare while sucking in as much courage as I can. “Miles and I had a thing last summer, and we semi-dated in the fall.”
He’s still for a moment like he’s processing. “Semi?”
“We went on a few dates. I ended things with him in early December.”
“He was there at Horror Fest. Why didn’t I put two and two together?” he asks himself while looking off into space.
“You were under a spell. I’m surprised you remember any of that night.”
“Yeah, well, I’m sorry you felt like you couldn’t tell me about Miles. It makes sense now why he was so upset at the end of the semester.”
“It was my fault,” I mutter.
“No, no, it wasn’t,” Zack states without hesitation. “You did the right thing. You shouldn’t have forced yourself to stay if you weren’t feeling the way he was. You did the right thing for yourself. Which, in itself, is commendable.”
Tears sting my eyes. I lean across the gap between us and wrap my arms around him. “What did I do to deserve a brother like you?” I ask before sniffling.
He hugs me and pats my head. “You’re you, and while I may want to shake you sometimes, I love you and that’s enough.”
Pulling back, he messes with my hair while I wipe my tears away. “Thank you. It means a lot.”
“I’ve only ever wanted you to be happy. If Rome makes you happy, if he’s the one you want, all you had to do was tell me.”
“He makes me happy, trust me.” I smile at Zack before smirking mischievously. “Veryhappy, if you know what I mean.” And I give him a sloppy wink.
“Oh, come on, gross!” He gags and pushes me away from him. “Ash, I need that barf bag!”
I cackle and almost fall off my stool as Zack continues to pretend to throw up. He gets up and starts to walk away from me.
“Wait, come back! I have more to share.”
“No! Stay away from me, you freak!”
“Let me love you!” I chase him into the living room and giggle manically.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Rome catches me in his arms and weaves his fingers into the hair at the base of my neck before tugging.
“Hey, you.” I greet him as he lifts me off my feet.
His pecs press into my chest while his arms secure me close. He’s wearing a red Castle Brook football shirt and black shorts, and his hair is damp from the shower, messy yet sexy.
“Have I told you how stunning you are?”
My cheeks flush. “Multiple times.”
“Well, you are beautiful.” Rome kisses me, and the butterflies in my stomach flutter rapidly into my chest.
“I think I’m gonna cry,” Gwen whimpers.
Our lips part, and I turn to face the audience gathered by the front door. Gwen pretends to dab the tears from her eyes, and Ash is slipping on a pair of sandals while Max scrolls through his phone.
When Zack peeks into the room, he purses his lips. “I lied.Now, I need the barf bag.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Rome
I’m not sure how this happened. It was like I blinked, and Zack shouted “Shotgun!” and then he was in the front seat, leaving Chrissy in the back. Ash, Max, and Gwen are following in Max’s car. Zack is drumming his hands on his legs while I focus on the road. It feels weird not having Chrissy next to me while I drive. She’s only been in the passenger seat a handful of times, but to me, it’s her seat, and now, a hyperactive golden retriever is sitting next to me.
