True Colors (The Masks #1)(51)

We chatted over dinner, I heard all about the weekend with his grandpa in detail. I loved it. And then that night we’d gone to bed and kissed until our bodies were on fire. He’d caressed my skin and I’d slid my hands as close to the line as he’d let me.

We finally pulled away breathless and Eric had faced me away from him and held me tight, until we’d both calmed down.

“You’re gonna make this really challenging, aren’t you?”

I grinned. “It’s not my fault you’re hot.”

He kissed my neck, his arms squeezing me tight. I was expecting a teasing reply, but he didn’t give one. Instead he sighed, his breath tickling my exposed shoulder. He pulled my T-shirt back into place and rolled me over, his expression serious as he ran his finger behind my ear.

“I want to keep kissing you, keep distracting myself with your soft skin, but we need to go to sleep and I can’t do that until we’ve talked.”

I pressed my lips together.

“I want you to walk away from this Liam thing.”

My face crumpled.

“But I know you’re not going to.” He looked disappointed and I hated that I was the cause of it.

“Eric, I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

“I know.” His smile was pained. “I just suddenly wish I went to Pali High, so I could watch your back.”

I grinned. “That’d be good.”

“I was thinking about what Nicole said, about people helping you. I know you don’t want to tell anybody, but maybe you should ask that guy, Micah, to help you. Out of everyone you’ve told me about, he seems the most genuine and if Indie does like him the way you think she does, then maybe he can get her talking.”

I ran my hand up his bare arm, hating the idea of burdening Micah, but knowing Eric was probably right.

“It’d make me feel better, knowing he was there to help you.”

“I just don’t want to pull anyone else into this.”

“If Micah feels about Indie the way I feel about you, then he’ll want to be pulled in. Trust me.”

It was all I could do to breathe. I slid my hand up his neck and threaded my fingers into his hair, pulling his lips down to mine. His warm body pressed against me, a secure blanket that I wanted to hide beneath. I’d do anything to take him to school with me on Monday, but I knew I couldn’t. Eric was right. I had to let Micah in.





Chapter 23




“Hey, Micah.” His easy lope didn’t falter as I jogged up beside him. I knew I’d find him on the track. He always got to school an hour before first bell to run and workout. I was determined to talk to him no matter what he was doing and was relieved to see him pounding the track.

“You’re here early.” He kept his eyes ahead, his body straight. He was such a natural athlete; his running style was a pleasure to watch. I hoped I could keep up with him. Thankfully I wasn’t a shorty and was pretty fit, so keeping up with him was going to be manageable as long as we didn’t run for too long.

“I need to talk to you.” My shoulders relaxed as I eased into a steady rhythm beside him.

He gave me a sidelong glance and I read his immediate wariness. I didn’t want to push him away before I even got talking, but I had to win this conversation.

“Micah, I really need your help.”

He remained silent at first; the only indication that he’d heard me was an acceleration in his pace. I matched easily, but knew I wouldn’t be able to last as long at this speed.

“Micah, please.”

Shaking his head, he pursed his big lips. “Look, I don’t know what you’re into Caitlyn, but I can’t.” He felt bad saying no. “I’m usually down for anything, but this is my shot at playing college ball. I’ve gotta keep my nose clean.”

“I’m not asking you to get it dirty...I don’t think.” I winced.

He scoffed and picked up his pace even more, leaving me in his wake. I had no show of catching him.

“Micah, wait!” I slowed from a run to a walk. “It’s about Indie. She’s the one that needs our help.”

I hadn’t intended to shout it across the track and was grateful we were there on our own. Micah came to an abrupt stop. He turned and walked back to me with his hands on his hips, his dark eyes anxious. “She in some kind of trouble?”

“I think so.” I put my hands on my knees, trying to slow my breathing. Micah had fully recovered already, standing over me, silently demanding more. “I’m trying to figure out exactly what she’s into, but I know she’s, um...” I stood up and scratched my nose, not wanting to say it. “She’s really scared of Liam.”

“What are you talking about?” Micah’s wide mouth turned down at the corners. “Liam? He’s a bunny rabbit. They’re always making goo-goo eyes at each other.” This hurt him, big time. He hated it with every fiber of his being, but knew he had to accept it.

“It’s fake, Micah.”

I watched hope flitter across his face, dark concern followed in its wake.

“Liam Donovan is not at all what he appears, and Indie only looks at him that way because she knows that’s what he wants. She’s petrified that if she lets her true feelings show he’s going to hurt her.”