36

In a matter of sheer seconds, Alice’s mood flipped from hopeless to near manic. Her heart fluttered wildly as she rushed to Adam’s house, forgetting all about the violent episode in his front yard. It was as though her brain had neatly boxed that memory away, placing it on a high shelf she couldn’t—or wouldn’t—reach.

She barely noticed the chill in the night air or the misty drizzle clinging to her hair as she rang the doorbell.

“Just come in!” Adam’s voice called from inside.

It sounded like laziness, and maybe it was. But when Alice stepped into the warm glow of the living room, her irritation melted. Adam had set out snacks on the coffee table: bowls of popcorn, crisps, and gummy worms. A steaming cup of tea sat waiting for her, the aroma of chamomile rising in soft curls of steam.

“Wow, look at you, Mr. Hospitality,” Alice teased, trying not to grin like an idiot.

Adam shrugged, flopping onto the sofa. “I’m full of surprises.”

Alice’s cheeks ached from holding back her smile as she slipped under the sofa throw. She tucked her legs beneath her, leaving a small, polite gap between them, though every fiber of her being wanted to close the space and curl into him. She was hyperaware of everything about herself—the way her arm brushed his when she adjusted the blanket, the soft rustle of her clothes as she shifted into a flattering pose.

She crossed one leg over the other, her body angled to accentuate her curves, though Adam didn’t seem to notice. He was busy scrolling through movie options, his face lit by the blue glow of the screen.

The air in the room felt charged, every small movement magnified in her mind. Alice struggled to keep her breathing even, each inhale too loud in the quiet of the room.

“I’m just going to pop to the bathroom,” she said abruptly, needing a moment to gather herself.

When she returned, she stopped short, frowning at the empty sofa.

“Adam?” she called softly, glancing around the room.

Suddenly, he jumped out from behind the door, shouting, “Boo!”

Alice shrieked, her hand flying to her chest as her heart nearly burst out of her ribcage. “Oh my God, you scared the crap out of me!”

Adam grinned, stepping forward to scoop her up effortlessly. “Aww, come here,” he cooed, carrying her back to the sofa like she weighed nothing.

He lay down, pulling her on top of him, and Alice felt her heart skip a beat as their bodies pressed together. She laced her fingers over his chest and rested her chin there, her eyes fixed on his face instead of the TV.

“Who’s going to keep me safe from you?” she asked, her lips curving into a teasing smile.

Adam’s expression darkened playfully. Without warning, he flipped her over, pinning her to the sofa. His hands braced on either side of her head as he loomed over her. “Nothing can save you from me.”

Before Alice could respond, a voice cut through the moment.

“Not on the sofa!”

Startled, Alice glanced toward the stairs to see Mike standing there, looking both exasperated and amused. Roxy followed close behind, bounding into the room and leaping onto the sofa.

Alice and Adam scrambled apart as Roxy nosed her way between them, wagging her tail furiously.

“Damn,” Alice muttered, glancing at the clock. It was past ten. “I should get going. My mum’s probably freaking out.”

“Stay here,” Adam said, the suggestion casual but inviting.

Alice hesitated, torn. As much as she wanted to, she knew her mum would be all over her if she started staying out on school nights.

“I still have work to do at home,” she said reluctantly.

Adam shrugged, his expression tightening.

“I’d stay if I could,” Alice added quickly, hoping to soften the blow.

“Whatever,” Adam muttered, his tone flat.

“Please don’t be mad,” Alice begged, tilting her head and giving him her best puppy-dog eyes.

“I’m not mad,” Adam said, though his stiff posture and clipped words suggested otherwise.

“Okay. I’ll see you soon,” Alice said softly, biting her lip as she headed for the door.

“I’ll give you a lift home,” Mike offered, appearing behind her.

Alice froze. The thought of being alone with Mike sent a ripple of unease through her, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on why.

“Oh, erm, it’s okay. I can walk,” she said with a nervous smile.

“It’s dark out,” Mike said firmly. “Come on.”

With no room for argument, Alice followed him outside and climbed into the passenger seat of his black VW Golf. The car smelled faintly of weed and something musky—Mike’s cologne, perhaps, or just Mike.

As he started the engine, Alice’s unease deepened. Is he driving while high? she wondered, gripping the edge of her seat. I’d be safer walking.

They drove in tense silence for a few minutes before Mike spoke. “So… you and Adam an item?”

“Erm… well… that is…” Alice stammered, her face heating up.

Mike chuckled. “Relax. It’s not a trick question. You don’t know if you’re an item?”

Alice fiddled with the hem of her sleeve. “It’s… complicated.”

“Adam’s complicated, all right,” Mike said with a knowing laugh. “I’ve known him my whole life.”

Alice glanced at him, unsure how to respond. Mike’s tone was light, but there was something behind his words—a weight she couldn’t quite decipher.

“Complicated doesn’t even begin to cover it,” she murmured, more to herself than to him.

Mike shot her a sidelong glance but said nothing, the rest of the drive passing in a silence that felt heavier than the rain outside.