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“Or none that campus security can get word of,” Liam amended.
Ares grunted. “We’re getting off track. What’re you gonna do about Aurora? Because you need to do something. Ignoring what happened or what you guys had won’t help either of you.”
“I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but please, just stay out of it.” I stood, went into my room, and slammed the door behind me.
Thoughts of Aurora swam behind my eyes. Her laugh, that gorgeous smile, when she finally trusted me and leaned into merather than away as if something startled her. Her generosity with Mom.
I leaned against the door, and my head thumped against it.Were they right? Did she break up with me because of guilt from what her ex did? Did my dad get involved and scare her away? Ordid she show her true colors once she thought I could no longer play football?
CHAPTER THIRTY
AURORA
Isat cross-legged on the deck, the afternoon sun warming my shoulders on the unseasonably balmy day. The boat’s gentle rocking soothed me in a way I’d never thought possible. It was home. I hated that I would have to leave soon. But it was about time to get on the road. For the moment, I enjoyed the relative peace while I worked on altering a recipe for the café on campus, where I’d found a part-time job.
It wasn’t too difficult, since I loved to cook and the owner had given me some creative liberties with the menu. I wanted to be close to Kylian, even if I could no longer be with him.
I’d stayed on at the café in the hopes that I would run into him and maybe we could talk. I’d heard from his mom that he was back in school. And since I’d committed to the job, it felt right to see it through until the end of October—that was what I told myself. Then, I would figure out my next step. I missed him like crazy. I’d never thought that our business agreement would result in me wishing it was real. An ache throbbed in my chest at the thought because it had sure felt real. Or it had until his dad had made me put an end to it.
I’d spoken to Evalyn several times. She hadn’t held it against me that I’d broken up with her son. According to her, I was suffering from misplaced guilt and the two of us would figure things out and get back together. She’d even asked if Kylian’s dad had had a hand in it, which had terrified me. I hated lying to her, but if he found out I told her… I didn’t even want to think about it.
I’d been in limbo since the cops hadn’t found Dayton’s body. However, they did find DNA from—gross—a severed finger. Both a blessing and a curse. I assumed he was dead, and so did the cops, but we all would feel better if more of his body were located. The part of me that wanted him to pay for everything he’d done to me and Kylian wished the body of water housed a giant crocodile. I would feel so much better about that. Waiting to find out if he was dead or alive was killing me.
If he was still alive, I was in serious danger. Especially since I hadn’t left the boat. I wanted to stay there, despite the slight risk. It was where I felt close to Kylian, and I wasn’t ready to give that up. Even if it meant Dayton would know precisely where to find me when he was ready—if he’s alive.I chose to believe he’d died because, if he were alive, he would have come for me already.
“Knock, knock.”
I followed the voice and smiled at Kylian’s mom. “Evalyn, how are you? How’s Kylian?”
She held a brown grocery bag in her arms, and I jumped up to help her get onto the boat.
“I’m fantastic, and Kylian is a machine. The only spare time he has between physical therapy, watching film, and class is to catch a few hours of sleep. I’d forgotten what a whirlwind he is when his mind is set to accomplish a goal.”
“I’m sure he got that from somewhere.”
“Flatterer.” Evalyn laughed. “But yes, he gets some of that from me. Stubbornness too.”
“Hmm.” I didn’t know what to say to that.
“I’m here to drop off some groceries and, ah, pick up some clothes for him.”
Neither of us believed the fib about the clothes, but I didn’t care. It was so good to see her. And I salivated to hear any tidbit about him because I couldn’t get him out of my mind, no matter how hard I tried. “Thank you, and sure, grab whatever you need.”
She paused, her gaze lingering on my face. “How are you?”
“I’m fine. Promise.” I flashed a too-bright smile.
She wasn’t buying it. “He’s been staying with me, but it’s probably time for him to return to the condo. I wouldn’t be surprised if he sent me on a fool’s errand, and he’s already back there.”
“Sure.”Is he really still at his mom’s?She’d hesitated over that part. I didn’t believe her excuse for a moment, especially when it was accompanied by her wink. He had clothes at the condo and probably his mom’s apartment too.Why is she really here?“So, his dad isn’t causing any more problems about the condo?”
“No. Not that I’m aware of. I think his lawyer stepped in and straightened out his right to be there.” She paused, her eyes sad. “Kylian asks about you often.”
“Oh, ahh… that’s so thoughtful, but you can tell him I’ll be out of his hair and won’t be here much longer.” It was the truth. And I wouldn’t let myself cling to the hope that he still cared. Not after how I left things with him. Though I wanted to stay on the boat, I had no right to remain. I’d tried to leave before, but I couldn’t make myself go.
I could get a room in a basement apartment near the college. I didn’t like the additional expense that would come with that, but it made sense. “The last thing I want is for something worseto happen to him because of me.” Dayton could still be out there. It wasn’t likely, but maybe. “I’ve already ruined his career.”
I took the groceries from her and set them by my feet. She sat next to me, a wistful grin curving her lips. She had more color than I’d ever seen on her face. It was promising. I wondered if something had changed. Mr. Wilder had said she was seeing positive results, but his word meant little.
