Unbreakable(44)

“Probably,” I say, nodding.

“He’s what, 6’5”? I’d climb him like a damn tree. And he’s really built, too.” Peyton waves a hand dismissively. “Ah, it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t seem like the type of guy to go for a one-night stand. And right now, that’s all I’m interested in.”

I exchange a glance with Violet, who frowns. Last year, Peyton was in a long-term relationship with a guy named Finn from the University of Toronto. He broke up with her six months ago, and I don’t think she’s gotten over him. She’d fallen really hard for him, and the breakup blindsided her and broke her heart.

When Peyton gets brokenhearted, she gets restless. She parties too hard, drinks too much, and hooks up with guys to prove to her exes that they’re missing out.

Of course, they are missing out, but I wish she didn’t feel the need to go to extremes to prove to herself that she’s worthy of love. She has a habit of picking guys that just aren’t good for her—stereotypical bad boys.

I glance over at Dylan. Maybe he’d be able to tamper down Peyton’s wild side. They say opposites attract, right?

“What about you, Em? Any prospects after the Aidan disaster?” Peyton asks. “Have you at least gotten back on the horse and ridden that jerk out of your system?”

Somehow, I manage to answer their question without raising any suspicion.

“Nope. I plan on laying low for now. I just want to enjoy this vacation and forget the rest,” I say airily.

Not being able to tell my best friends that I’m crushing on Will really sucks. We tell each other everything, so not being able to discuss the best sex of my life and gush over a guy I’m totally falling for? Well, it doubly sucks.

Peyton lets out a yawn. “Sorry, ladies, but I’m beat. Been up since six a.m. I think I’m going to head to bed.”

Violet nods. “Yeah, I’m fading fast here, too.”

“Sounds like a plan,” I say. “I’ll head up with you guys.”

We clean up in the kitchen and wave goodnight to everyone. Lilly, of course, is still parked next to Will on the couch.

“Night, all.” I wave. “See you guys tomorrow.”

They barely even look up from their game to acknowledge us, except for Will. His eyes lock with mine, and I can see the concern on his face plain as day. But I ignore it and go upstairs with my friends. Maybe a good night’s sleep and a fresh start in the morning will help me process everything.



Aaaaand so much for getting a good night’s sleep. It’s now three thirty in the morning, and I’m still staring at the ceiling.

I heard Will come upstairs about a half an hour ago, and Lilly was right behind him. She tried to talk him into letting her sleep in his room, but he turned her down cold. I’d nearly gotten up and done a silent victory dance around my room.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have been sure what to think if he’d accepted her offer. In my heart, I seriously doubt he would have after what I saw downstairs, but knowing their history of sex together, I still panicked.

My phone buzzes with a text, and I grab it off the nightstand.

Will: How are you holding up, Sunshine?

Tears sting the back of my eyes. How do I even begin to answer this question? I just want to be in his arms.

Me: I don’t know. Not that great.

Will: Me, neither. Will you be awake in twenty minutes?

Me: I’ve been staring at the ceiling since I came to bed, so yeah.

Will: When I’m sure everyone’s asleep, I’ll come over. We’ll talk.

An odd sense of relief rushes over me before I realize he’s actually taking a huge chance. Odds are everyone will be totally asleep by then if they aren’t already, but it’s still risky.

Me: Okay. See you soon.

Twenty minutes drags by oh so slowly. Finally, my bedroom door opens. I hear the faint noise of the television from Will’s bedroom as he steps inside.

The moon is bright, illuminating the bedroom so I can see him clearly. He’s wearing a fitted white cotton t-shirt and his sleep pants—the sexy ones that hang low on his hips. He closes the door silently behind him then turns the lock.

“Hey, Sunshine,” he whispers, sitting down next to me.

“Hi,” I manage. I need him to hold me, but I’m terrified he’ll reject me now that things are all over.

He runs a hand through his hair. “I just wanted to check and see how you’re doing.”

I hug my knees to my chest before looking over at him. “Honestly? I just want everyone to go home. Maybe that sounds terrible, but it’s true. I just want to be with you.”

He sucks in a breath before looking down at the floor. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want things to end like this.”

“What happens now?” I ask. “Is this… I mean, are we back to being friends?” My voice cracks, and I glance away as the tears threaten again.

He goes to his knees in front of me and brushes the hair away from my face, then gently caresses my cheek. “Did we ever stop being friends, Em?”

The look on his face is so broken that I lose my breath. “You’re my best friend, Will. These past few days have only made that more clear to me.”

His gaze drops to my lips, and I see the spark of heat there, even in the darkness. I have to know if he feels the same way I do right now.