Chapter 27

I couldn’t decide what to wear to the party and was making myself crazy.Everything I owned I’d tossed onto Jeff’s bed.I wanted to look good because,well,this was going to be the first time I went to a get-together and people would know I was out.I wanted to feel confident.Even though I hadn’t told anyone other than Jeff—and clearly Jon knew—I wouldn’t deny it anymore.If Jon flirted with me,I’d flirt back.

Jon was cute and clearly interested.Plus,I needed to get over my crush on Jeff before I ended up getting hurt.

“Shit,just pick something,Aaron,”Jeff exclaimed as he entered the room after taking a shower and dressing.

I glared at him.He obviously didn’t know this night’s importance for me.

He picked up my stonewashed skinny jeans.“Wear these.They fit you nice.And the gray V-neck sweater.”

My mouth gaped.Had he really just told me I looked good in something?

He laughed and patted my cheek.“Go get ready and let’s get this night over with.”

“Gee,don’t sound so happy there,Jeff.”

He rolled his eyes.“Whatever.I’m sure you’ll be hanging with Jon.I’ll have nothing to do.”

“I still don’t know why you’re so upset with him.He’s flirty,but not rude.He’s not really my type anyway.”

Jeff stepped closer,his face inches from mine.I could feel his hot breath on my cheek.“What isyour type,Aaron?”

I swallowed hard.I couldn’t tell him or he’d know.My gaze darted around the room.“I was just kidding.I don’t…I don’t really have a type.”My voice quivered.

“Everyone has a type.”

“Oh,what does it matter?”I was getting hard,and if he didn’t move back,he would be able to tell.“Let me get ready and we’ll head on over.It’s going to be fun!”

Jeff cocked his head and I could almost see the gears turning in his mind.He knew me well enough to realize I was avoiding the question.When he finally stepped back,relief flooded me.He watched me for a few seconds before heading out the door.

“I’ll be waiting downstairs,”he whispered.

I only nodded,not even sure if he saw me.Shit,this was getting difficult.I was so confused about my feelings.How had I let myself fall for my best friend?And while my mom was in the hospital—what was wrong with me?

The thought of my mom brought on a pang of guilt,which spread through me.I hadn’t even seen her that day,and now I felt I really needed to.I threw on the clothes Jeff had recommended and headed downstairs,not even taking time to fix my hair.

Jeff was sitting at the kitchen table with a glass of milk and some cookies his mom had set out for us.Chocolate chip.Just like my mom used to make all the time.Fear coiled through me as I stared at Jeff.

He jumped up and quickly came around the table,placing his hands on my shoulders.“What’s wrong,Aaron?You’re white as a sheet.Breathe,okay?”

I had no idea what was wrong with me.I shook my head.“I need to see my mom.Now.I have this…weird feeling.”

Jeff squeezed my shoulders.“Okay.Let’s go.”

My eyes widened in surprise.“You don’t mind?We’ll be late to the party.”

“If you feel like you need to see your mom,it’s important.The party will still be there later.”

My heart stuttered.I didn’t even have to tell him why I needed to see her so desperately—not that I really understood it myself—but he hadn’t batted an eye.How could I notfall in love with him?

We rode in his truck.I had my new car,but still needed to get it inspected and titled.I was out of sorts anyway and didn’t think I was in the right mindset to drive.

What was wrongwith me?How could I have notseen my mom today?And how could I even thinkabout falling for anyone—let alone Jeff—when my family was torn apart?So many thoughts swirled around in my mind,and I closed my eyes in an effort to shut them out.

I felt Jeff’s hand on my wrist.“Hey,just breathe,okay?Whatever’s going on in your head,we can fix this.”

I chuffed out a hard breath.“Nothing can fix this,”I muttered,opening my eyes.

He pulled up to a stop light and turned to look at me,not moving his hand.“Is this because you have to see the detective soon?”

“I don’t know.It’s just that,when I realized I hadn’t seen Mom today…it felt wrong for me to be going to a party.Does that make sense?”

He squeezed my wrist before pulling away his hand to drive.“It makes perfect sense.And even if it didn’t make sense to me or anyone else,it doesn’t matter.It’s about what you need.”

Tears welled up in my eyes and I looked out the window.The sun had already set and lights burned in the houses we passed.I wondered what went on in those houses behind closed doors.How many mothers hid their bruises?How many children?I shuddered at the memory of seeing my mom being kicked as she lay bleeding and broken.

I wiped at the tears as they spilled onto my cheeks,then took a ragged breath.It would be okay.I would see my mom tonight and talk with the detective tomorrow.Jeff and I had both been lucky enough to get several days off to take care of a few things.My manager was being incredibly generous.Even though I liked earning money,I had so much on my plate right now,I didn’t mind being off.

We pulled into the hospital parking lot and Jeff stopped at the main door.“Do you want me to wait out here?”

I blinked at him,surprised.It hadn’t even occurred to me he wouldn’t come up.“Come with me,”I answered.Maybe he didn’t want to?“Unless you would rather not?”

The corner of his lips turned up.“No,I want to.Come up,I mean.”

I grinned.“Okay.See you up there.”I got out of the cab and headed toward the double doors,but I didn’t hear the truck move.I turned around,crinkling my brow.My breath caught in my throat.Jeff stared at me,his eyes dark and his jaw tense.He looked…sexy.And a little guilty.I raised my eyebrows,but he just shook his head and drove off.