Page 19 of Pucking Snowed In With My Ex

“If you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine, but you really should talk to Cal. He needs to know, and you’re not sleeping down here alone. So, you can either go and sleep with him, or you’re coming to my room. But if you do that, it will lead to an awkward conversation I’m not prepared to have with my best friend or my girlfriend.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Besides, I’m too sexy to die this young.”

I shook my head and smirked at his effort to make me laugh. “Thank you,” I mumbled softly.

“Come on, I’ll walk you up and make sure there isn’t anymore awkward exchanges.” Ty put his arm around my shoulder, and I hated that I felt so small and weak. Being six-three and all muscle had its benefits. Blinking back the tears that wanted to fall as we reached Cal’s bedroom, I turned to Ty.

“You’ve always been such a great friend to both of us. I’ve missed this.” My lower lip trembled as Ty lifted my chin and stared into my eyes.

“You can call me any time, day or night, even if things don’t work out with Cal. I hope they do, but never feel like you’re not my friend, okay?” I nodded.

He hugged me, then turned and disappeared down the hall. Even with the two fireplaces burning, it was still cold enough to see your breath, and I shivered.

I tapped softly on Cal’s door and was surprised when he said come in right away.

“Hi, um…can I….”

“Of course, come here,” he said, putting down the book he was reading with a mini flashlight.

Closing the door, I locked it and took a deep breath. Ty was right. I should talk to Cal, but I couldn’t take the risk with potentially Sammie’s life on the line.

“Did something happen?” He held up the blankets for me to get in beside him, and I couldn’t stop the sobs as I gripped him tight. He was warm, real, and right here. I’d hugged pillows at night, imagining it was him. I hadn’t realized until he was gone that he had become as much of a best friend as Hales. When he left, he took part of me with him, and it terrified me that those feelings were creeping in and filling me up.

“Shh, it’s okay. I’ve got you.”

I knew I shouldn’t cry. I knew I needed to pull my shit together so he didn’t become any more suspicious. The problem was that I’d pieced myself together with flimsy tape. There were extra locks on my doors, I never drank anything or left a cup alone, I jumped at loud noises, carried a can of mace, and I always looked over my shoulder. For the last three years, I’d tried to papier-mâché myself whole, but my efforts to feel normal were peeling away from the cracks as I stared all my demons in the face.

I closed my eyes and decided to let myself be weak just for tonight. I was so tired of trying to be strong and instead fantasized about a future with Cal. There were plenty of days ahead to hate myself for this, but right now, I didn’t care.

CHAPTER TEN

CALLUM

Skye’s tears stabbed me through the heart. Each one made me angrier, but I didn’t know where to direct that anger. Alex for whatever was happening, or myself for not questioning things three years ago.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get all emotional. It’s just been a really weird couple of days,” Skye said, and although it was accurate, I still didn’t believe that was what was making her cry. Skye lifted her head and wiped away the tears. “Wow, look at me, I’m such a mess.”

“Don’t.” Her eyes met mine. “Don’t hide behind a fake smile with me. I know you too well for that.” She looked away, and a thought occurred to me. “That’s what you meant. That I know you so well, why would I think you decided to cheat on me?”

She sucked in her shaking bottom lip, and I knew. I knew deep in my soul that whatever happened, she hadn’t wanted it.

“Cal, please. Just let it go. I…I can’t deal with this right now. I’m begging you to drop it for tonight.” Her eyes were pleading with me, and yet I wanted to push. I needed the confirmation. Could one of my closest friends really do something so horrific? Did he set out to hurt her, or me, or both? Was he just a piece of shit, and I never saw it? Fuck, a fire was burning in my gut, but Skye’s pleading stare kept my mouth shut…for now. I would get to the bottom of what happened if it was the last thing I did.

“Okay, for tonight, I’ll let it go. But I’m not dropping it forever, Sugar.”

I thought Skye was going to storm out, but she leaned closer and nipped at my bottom lip like she used to, and it sent a shiver racing through my body.

“Night, Cal. Thanks for letting me sleep in here,” she whispered, and my heart soared. She tucked herself under my arm, and I pulled the thick comforter up and held her tight.

“Night, Sugar,” I said but stared at the ceiling as my brain raced. Everything I thought I knew was being turned upside down.

* * *

I woke up with a start as Skye whimpered. Her hand was fisted as her body twitched against mine.

“No!” She cried out and pushed herself up. The panic in her eyes was as clear as the moon outside.

“Sugar, you’re okay. You’re with me,” I said, my heart pounding as hard as she was panting.

“Cal?”