Only Human

Chapter 6

Before I can fully process it, two weeks have passed since Alec and I started dating.

At school, we steal quick, coy smiles when we pass each other in the halls. Once, I even snuck into the caretakers’ basement just to hook up with him. Dangerous, but worth it.

The lookout at Lillyville has become our spot—our secret escape where we can just be alone, talking and making out. Nobody ever seems to show up when we’re there.

The only downside? Alec still hasn’t opened up much about himself. And while we’ve kissed until I couldn’t breathe, we haven’t taken things further. Yet.

But it’s Friday, and tonight Alec is taking me on a picnic dinner at the lookout. I’m hoping I can persuade him to stay the weekend. He said he’d think about it.

---

At my locker, I grab books for next period. As I shut it, I spot Alec cleaning the windows, already watching me. I give him a subtle smile, and he flashes back that heart-melting grin.

I’m just about to pass when I hear my name.

“Jess!”

Clay. Running down the hall toward me. Crap. Alec is within earshot, and I’ve never told him about Clay.

Clay stops in front of me, breathless. “Uh, can I talk to you for a sec?”

I narrow my eyes. “If you can actually make eye contact with me, you’ve got two minutes.”

He groans. “Jesus, Jess, why do you always bust my balls?”

Finally, he looks at me—regret in his blue eyes. “I need help. I’m behind in English. If I don’t pass, I can’t get into my college choice. Please, Jess, tutor me.”

“The school has a study group on Mondays and Thursdays.”

Clay’s face sours instantly. “I don’t want a stupid group. I want you. You’re good at English.”

He grabs my hand. I flinch. And out of the corner of my eye, I see Alec’s glare.

“Please, Jess. You know how much this means to my mom.”

I sigh. I do know. “Fine. But Monday. In study group.”

Clay brightens. “Yes! Thank you!” Then he pouts. “Come on, can’t you come to my place? Mom would love to see you again.”

“Study group or nothing.”

He groans but finally agrees.

Before I can leave, Dean strolls up, draping an arm over Clay’s shoulder. His smirk is all venom.

“Well, well. Clay, trying to milk a cow you’ve already milked?”

Heat rushes to my cheeks. And in my periphery, I see Alec stiffen. That look in his eyes—hurt, betrayed.

“Cut it out,” Clay mutters, pushing Dean away.

I back away quickly. “See you Monday, Clay.”

“Aw, no goodbye for me, Taylor?” Dean clutches his chest dramatically. His mocking laugh follows me down the hall.

My stomach sinks. Tonight, I’ll have explaining to do.

---

When I meet Alec at the gas station, something’s off. His Jeep’s running, but he doesn’t get out to open my door. Doesn’t even roll down the window.

Inside, he sits stiff, staring straight ahead. No kiss. Not even a smile. Just drives.

By halfway to Lillyville, I can’t take it. “Alec, what’s wrong? You haven’t said a word. This isn’t you.”

He pulls over hard, slams the door, paces. Then gets back in, still seething.

Finally, he turns, eyes blazing. “What’s going on with you and Captain Douche’s sidekick number two, Jess?”

Clay. Of course.

“Clay is my ex,” I admit.

Alec stares, wide-eyed. “You dated him? For how long? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because you never asked. You don’t exactly tell me much either.”

“Jess—”

“No, let me finish. We dated in 10th grade. Almost six months. He wasn’t in Dean’s group then. We broke up before 11th. And I don’t want to talk about why right now.”

He exhales sharply, calmer but still tense. “Is there anything between you anymore?”

“No. Not then, not now. You’re the one I want, Alec.”

He nods, silent, and keeps driving.

---

At the lookout, I lean against the fence, watching the sunset. Warm arms wrap around me, lips brushing my neck.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Alec murmurs.

“Not as beautiful as you.”

I raise a brow. “Really? That’s the best you’ve got?”

He laughs, leading me to a blanket laid out by the Jeep, picnic basket waiting.

“Oh, Alec—it’s perfect.”

We eat cobb salad he made himself. “It was my mom’s favorite,” he says softly, then clams up. The first time he’s mentioned her.

Later, leaning against his chest, I feel his hand tense.

“Jess… when you were with Clay…” He hesitates. “…did you sleep with him?”

I sit up. This is not a conversation to have without eye contact. “Yes. Clay was my first.”

Alec shuts his eyes, jaw tight. “Then I don’t want you tutoring him.”

“You don’t have to worry. It’ll be in a group. With other people.”

He snaps up, storms to the fence.

I follow cautiously, wrapping my arms around him. “What if I tutor him once, then pair him with someone else? Just one time.”

He exhales heavily. “Fine. Just once.”

Relief washes over me. I kiss his neck. “Thank you for trusting me.”

But then Alec spins, kisses me hard. Urgent. Almost rough. Rage still lingering in every touch. He pushes me onto the blanket, between my thighs, fumbling with my jeans.

Something feels off. Too much anger. Too much jealousy. Not love. Not care.

“Alec, stop.”

He freezes. “What’s wrong?”

“Not like this. I won’t sleep with you just so you can mark your territory.”

His face darkens. “What the f**k, Jess? You’ve been begging for weeks, and now—” He kicks the picnic basket, voice sharp.

My chest tightens. Hurt. Angry. “Don’t you dare talk to me like that. You wanted to wait. You wanted it to be special. And now, because of Clay, you want to use me to prove something? No.”

I storm to the car. “Take me home.”

The drive back is silent until Alec pulls over again. This time, his voice is low. Broken. “Jess, I’m sorry. I f****d up. Please… don’t push me away. I can’t lose you.”

His eyes beg, desperate.

“You hurt me, Alec,” I whisper. “You disrespected me. Is this the real you?”

“No. I promise. I was jealous, seeing you with him, hearing Dean’s comment. I couldn’t handle it. But you’re right—I was wrong.”

I cross my arms, but some of the anger drains away.

“I forgive you. Just don’t do it again.”

Relief floods his face. He pulls me into his arms, holding me tight.

---

Back at the gas station, I know what I need to do.

“Alec… tomorrow, if you stay the weekend, I’ll tell you the full story about me and Clay. Everything. You deserve to know.”

He kisses me softly. “Yes. I’ll stay.”

Excitement buzzes through me. I grin, hugging him. Already, I can’t wait for tomorrow.

That night, at the grocery store, I stock up for Alec’s stay—roast lamb, veggies, tiramisu. And maybe… a box of condoms. Just in case.

Tomorrow can’t come fast enough.