Page 186 of Tell Me I'm Enough

She makes me feel alive for the first time in…well, hell, forever. And as much as my brain wants to question how genuine she’s being around me, I know deep down she is. She needs nothing from me. She’s enough all on her own. If anything, she’s risking a lot by being aroundme.

The sun is beaming down on us, I’m sweating, and the day has gone from fun to exhausting real quick. I’m leaning againstthe hood of Chase’s car, thinking about absolutely nothing except my plans for tonight.

I’ve been trying so hard not to let her be the only thing I think about, but it’s pointless. It’s not like I even want to stop, honestly, though.

I need a drink.

“Mase,” Tanner calls, jogging over to me. “We’re almost out of soap. Towels too. You and Tank mind running to grab more? We’ve still got like ten cars lined up.”

Tank pops his head up from behind one of the cars. “I call shotgun.”

I let out a resigned sigh. “Yeah. Sure. Come on.”

I peel off my wet shirt and throw it on a chair nearby. “Hand me a dry shirt.”

I put it on, and we walk over to my car. I slide into the driver’s seat while Tank’s big ass squeezes into the passenger seat.

“No wonder you have an SUV, your ass can’t fit in any normal-sized car.”

Tank shoots me the bird, and I laugh, starting the car. I hear him struggling, trying to adjust the seat. He finally finds the button and scoots it back until it hits my football gear in the backseat. I stifle a laugh and try to cover it up with a cough, keeping both hands on the wheel and my eyes on the road.

“Shut up, Sinclair. You want me to point out allyourflaws?”

I fully let the laugh out now. “Please share. But I’ll have you know I don’t have any.”

He scoffs. “Neither do I. Girls love a big meathead who can pick them up, throw them around, and protect them. It’s your tiny prissy-ass little car that’s the problem.”

I hold a hand up in surrender, but he keeps going.

“How about we talk about the one weakness youdohave that’s so blatantly obvious.”

I shoot him a quick look. “What weakness?”

“A pretty one with the last name Edwards.”

I bite down on my cheek, trying not to give him any reaction.

“See!”

“See what?” I shoot back. “I didn’t even say anything.”

“You didn’t have to,” he says with satisfaction written all over his dumb face.

I try to ignore him, but no way can the giant dumbass drop it. He found his ammo, and he’s gonna use it.

“So,” he says casually, “you gonna admit it or what?”

I hit the gas, making him fly back in his seat a little. He shakes his head and laughs.

“Admit what?”

“That you’re into her.”

“She’s my friend. I’m notintoher.”

I can feel him staring a hole through the side of my head. “Does yourfriendknow you’rein lovewith her?”

My mouth drops open. “In love? Are you insane?”