• 25 •

EVA

"The first time we met? Do you remember that day? "

He had the decency to look chagrined. "That was a very rough day for me. "

"Of course it was," I said sarcastically. "Then there's the girls that are always at your table during lunch in the cafeteria. "

He sat up immediately. "Wait. That one isn't on me. Most of them are either there for Hen or Alex. I—"

"Everyday, Axel. Every single day. I'm not blind. I see you talking to them. "

His eyes darted away. "Well, yes, I do. But there's nothing. That's all it is. Just talk. "

Was I wrong? Was Laura wrong?

My eyes dropped to the bed and I fingered the duvet, picking imaginary lint from the soft material. I could tell he didn't like my silence because his hand was on mine in a second, tugging on my fingers. I felt the tug low in my stomach. I watched his big hand move over mine, covering it completely. The skin of his palm was slightly rough and hot and the assault on my nerve endings was too much all at once.

I pulled away.

"Cg...