Page 136 of Lose You Twice

I don’t know what the rules are now. I knew the rules when we were avoiding each other. I knew the rules when she was Harlow’s best friend and my ex and the girl I wasn’t supposed to stare at across my own locker room.

Now I know what she tastes like when she stops pretending that whatever it is between us ended all those years ago.

I know the exact spot where I can leave a feather-light kiss that will have her moaning my own name against my mouth.

But that doesn’t mean I know what to do next.

Still, I open her contact.

you good?

Smooth, Mercer. Smooth.

I delete that and try again.

Kai: didn’t see you at practice. everything okay?

Better, but still chill.

I send it before I can overthink myself into silence.

The response doesn’t come until after I shower, dress, and sit through Coach’s post-practice notes with my phone burning a hole in my pocket.

Wrenley Mae: Lily woke up with a fever. Mom’s on an overtime shift, so I told her I’d stay home today.

Well, at least she’s not purposefully avoiding me.

Kai: how high?

Wrenley Mae: 101.8. She’s miserable but still bossy, so she’s fine.

I smile despite myself.

Kai: daisy?

Wrenley Mae: Irritated that Lily gets extra attention, but she’s not acting sick or anything. Yet.

Kai: sounds serious.

Wrenley Mae: Very. She may start a revolt.

I hesitate, thumb hovering.

Then I type the thing I want instead of the thing that feels safest.

Kai: do you need anything? can i stop by?

The dots appear, disappear, then appear again.

Her response takes long enough that my pulse changes, and my brain starts to spin. Does she feel weird? Would she even let me know if she actually needed anything?

Wrenley Mae: You don’t have to.

I breathe out through my nose.

Kai: I know.

Another pause.