Page 33 of Detour

“You in or what?”

Coty shakes his head, loosely wrapping his arms around his folded legs. “Not tonight.”

My heart warms. He’s ditching his friends. For me?

They look to me.

“Hey, neighbor girl.”

“Hello again.” To Coty I say, “You should go. I don’t want you to miss out on your special Sunday night ride.”

“Will you go, too?”

I shake my head. If we’re going to be friends, I can’t ride with him. It’s too enticing. He’s too enticing. The physical contact, however ordinary they try to make it seem, clouds my judgement.

Without taking his eyes from mine, Coty calls out, “Have fun without me, boys.”

They, including Coty, do their usual “ride it” chant and then we listen as the bikes take off before I move to stand.

Coty looks up, curious.

“It’s uncomfortable out here.”

“So uncomfortable.” He chuckles. “I didn’t want to say anything.”

I grab his hands to help him stand but once he’s up, he doesn’t let go immediately. When I try to pull away, he unfairly uses his superior strength, gently bringing me forward again.

“Are you okay? You’re always beautiful but today you look…tired.”

Just what every woman wants to hear. “You woke me from a nap.”

He runs his hands up my wrists, then to my elbows, warming my skin.

“That’s not what I meant,” he says softly.

I quirk an eyebrow. The truth is I am tired. I’m tired of living this life that wasn’t meant to be. I can’t escape my mother’s abuse even being out from under her thumb. I’m tired of fighting to control the constant emotions working their way out. I’m tired of having to watch my every move. The rigged game that is my life has left me worn out and reeling. I’m tired of having to justify a life that I haven’t even been allowed to fully live yet.

That’s what goes through my mind when I reach up and kiss Coty on the cheek. Inhaling sharply, he presses his cheek closer.

“I could use a friend.”

“You got one.” His eyes flick between mine. “Let’s go to my place. It’s empty and has lots of seating. And a TV.”

“Hey.” I smack his arm.

“I mean it does though. You can pick a movie and I’ll make popcorn.”

Well, when he puts it like that.

I choose a comedy that I haven’t seen before but Coty swears will be my new favorite. Doubtful, considering I fall asleep halfway through.

I wake up to Coty holding me under my knees and shoulders. Too tired to argue, I snuggle in closer as he takes me back to my apartment, mindful not to bang my head against any doorways. Marc holds their door for us to pass through, then Beckett’s at mine, unlocking it with my keys I brought over. He pushes it open for us then disappears from sight.

Coty lays me down gently, tucking me into my bed.

“Goodnight, Angela.”

He presses a sweet kiss to my hair, but I’m fast asleep before I can even thank him.