Page 24

But it was what was marked below it that ricocheted through me like the spray of bullets.

A cragged, spindly-limbed apple tree that sat on a hill. Barren except for one fruit that dangled from the end of a spidery branch.

A young boy stood beneath it with his hand outstretched.

Sorrow pierced me and my throat closed off as I was struck with a wave of lightheadedness.

I knew that tree. A thousand memories written in its branches.

In disquiet, Trevan shifted his powerful weight. “Uh, sorry, left my bag out in the living room.”

I wanted to tell him to stay right there so I could memorize every inch of him. Ask if I could trace the twisted, gnarled images woven across his flesh.

“It’s fine,” I said instead.

He dipped his head and started across my room. His big, bare feet were a slow tolling of thunder as he edged across the floor.

He ticked his head back toward the bathroom door. “All yours.”

I couldn’t do anything but remain frozen in the middle of my bed until he snapped the bedroom door shut behind him.

Disoriented, I tried to shake myself out of it.

Out of the chains I seemed to be under.

The sight of that tattoo rocking me into unrest.

Little Apple.

I stumbled into the bathroom.

It wasn’t huge, but it carried the same vintage vibe as the rest of the apartment.

A vanity straight ahead, the toilet next to it, and an old-style clawed tub to the furthest right that also served as the shower.

My knee bounced as I peed, as hard as my heart seemed to bounce in my chest.

Unsure of where it was supposed to land.

Had he noticed my disorder of thoughts?

The need?

This thing that burned inside me?

I usually prided myself on keeping it contained, but he would have to be oblivious not to notice the energy that had been banging around my bedroom.

I reached into the tub, turned on the faucet, then stripped down to nothing.

The water was already hot, and I hurried to step into the spray, hoping it might be enough to wash the reaction away.

I drew in some calming breaths and tried to convince myself that I could do this.

I could live under the same roof as Trevan and not get my heart broken all over again.

We were friends.

Family.