Chapter 05
776 Words
RILEY’s pov;
I was a coward.
I stared out the passenger window, jaw tight, thighs clenched every time Kael swerved. Four hours trapped in this car with him was a slow suffocation.
It had only taken one puppy for eye look from him and I had caved then I lied to myself that my stupid pride wouldn’t let me lose my shot at med school anyway.
So here I was. Stuck with the one person I wanted to forget.
He drove like he was angry at the road, black cropped tank top with half sleeves that his muscles had rolled up. Knuckles white on the wheel.
His eyes looked ready to murder someone. Probably me. The heater blasted, but my palms stayed ice-cold. Every flex of those forearms sent unwanted heat licking across my skin, his cologne filling the car like a taunt.
We stopped at a gas stop and he cleared his throat. Coming down from the car and coming over to my passenger side.
I opened the door and stepped out before he reached me. His eyes were wide “Riley—”
“I’ve got it,” I cut in before he could finish, refusing to look at him.
We weren’t together and we were barely friends anymore.
He didn’t think I’d let him continue his previous relationship with me, right?
It was things like opening doors for me, walking in front of me, protecting me in crowds and even helping me open a can of coke that got me into believing that there might be a world where he could love me back.
How foolish I was!
At every gas stop he tried to open my door, grab my coffee, carry my bag. I beat him to it every single time, slamming doors harder than necessary.
“I’ve got it.”
“I’m fine.”
“I don’t need help.”
My voice stayed casual. Inside, I was already drafting transfer applications — NYU, Boston University, anywhere that didn’t smell like him.
By the time we reached the rival campus, a scattered rain had begun and I kissed my teeth in annoyance.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, my head throbbed signaling the start of my allergies to the change in weather.
My eyes burned. Kael handed me a handkerchief and despite my stubbornness, I accepted it. I hated that he knew me so well.
The hotel was attached to the arena, the sharp scent of ice and rubber greeting us the second we stepped inside.
Kael reached for my suitcase. I yanked it away, accidentally rolling the wheel over his boot. He didn’t even flinch.
I pretended not to notice and walked further away from him.
At reception he leaned on the counter, flashing that easy Alpha heir smile at the blushing clerk. Reaching over, his torso partially exposed.
A sense of jealousy and annoyance descended on me. My eyes ate at the scene before me but I knew it was pointless.
“Reservation for Voss and McCroft.” His voice was smooth and warm. My insides still turned googey despite.
Her fingers flew across the keyboard, then her smile faltered. She exchanged looks between Kael and I before speaking.
“I’m afraid, we only have one room left. The system listed Riley McCroft as male.” She winced. “One king bed.”
My stomach dropped. “Cross-check it.” My voice was barely above an angry whisper.
I wiped at my face just as lightening struck and the lights went out.
Kael dragged a hand down his face. While I fished out my phone, already texting Coach: One room. Fix this. Now.
No reply.
Rain hammered the windows without warning. Kael glanced at his own phone probably texting Coach too. The back up generators came on and our eyes met for a split second before we both looked away.
“Everything within twenty miles is booked,” the clerk said apologetically. “You know it’s tournament weekend.”
I wanted to scream.
“We’ll take it,” Kael said.
“What do you mean we?” I snapped.
He exhaled, sounding exhausted. “It’s been a long day, Riley. Save it for tomorrow.”
He turned and headed for the stairs without waiting. I followed at a distance, fury and panic twisting in my chest.
The room was exactly as warned: one massive bed dominating the space. Kael dropped his bag, peeled off his shirt, and headed for the floor with an extra blanket.
“Take the bed,” he said quietly, not looking at me.
“No,” I replied, already taking off the bed duvet
- Writer
