Chapter 6

Later that afternoon, the three of us stand in the apartment parking lot, snow slush under our boots, breath fogging in the cold. Christian’s trunk is open, a couple of duffel bags and a suitcase already on the ground. Gwen is buzzing—carrying one bag like it’s a trophy, chatting nonstop about how “this is going to be so fun.”

  I’m carrying nothing.

  My arms are crossed tight over my chest, like that can hold everything inside.

  We climb the stairs in silence except for Gwen’s voice echoing off the concrete. “The spare room is perfect. It’s right across from ours—super convenient. And the bathroom’s shared, but it’s big enough for three people. No fighting over the hot water… much.”

  Shared.

  The word lands like a brick in my gut.

  Christian nods. “Appreciate it. Really.”

  I don’t speak. I can’t. Every step feels like walking into a trap I set myself.

  Inside the apartment, the hallway is narrow—too narrow. Gwen leads the way, flipping on lights. “Here it is!”

  She pushes open the door to the spare room. Small. Clean. Bed made with fresh sheets. Desk in the corner. Window letting in pale winter light.

  And directly opposite—our bedroom door. Wide open. My bed visible from the hallway. Gwen’s too.

  Across the hall from that: the bathroom door. One shared bathroom. One sink. One shower. One mirror where we’ll all see each other’s reflections at some point.

  My stomach drops further.

  Christian steps inside, sets his bag down. Looks around. Then glances across the hall—first to our room, then to the bathroom door. His eyes flick to me. Just for a second. But it’s enough.

  Gwen doesn’t notice. She’s already turning to him. “So? Thoughts?”

  “It’s perfect,” he says. Voice low. Steady. “Thanks again.”

  I force words out. “Bathroom’s right there. Towels in the cabinet. Laundry’s down the hall. We… share it. So, uh, knock or whatever.”

  He nods. “Got it.”

  Awkward silence stretches. Gwen claps her hands. “Okay! Unpacking time? Or… we can chill first. I’m starving. Pizza?”

  Before I can answer, Christian speaks.

  “Actually… I got invited to a party tonight. Friend from law school’s throwing it. Nothing huge—just drinks, music, people catching up.” He looks between us. “You two should come. If you want.”

  Gwen’s eyes light up instantly. “Yes! Oh my god, yes. We’re so in. Right, Selene?”

  I open my mouth. Close it. My heart is pounding again—too fast, too loud.

  “I… don’t know,” I start.

  Gwen cuts me off, laughing. “She’s coming. She just needs a push. We’ll get ready together. You’ll love it, Sel. Dancing, drinks, no pressure. And CK’s friends are cool—I met a couple at his graduation thing last year.”

  Christian’s gaze settles on me. Calm. Patient. But there’s that flicker again—the same one from the kitchen.

  Gwen grabs my arm. “Come on, let’s pick outfits. You can borrow my black dress—the one with the low back. You look killer in it.”

  She drags me toward our room.

  I glance back once.

  He’s watching me.

  Still standing in his doorway.

  Arms crossed.

  The hallway between our rooms—and that shared bathroom door—feels like nothing now.

  No walls.

  No distance.

  And tonight, at some crowded party, surrounded by strangers, I’ll have to pretend he’s just Gwen’s old friend.

  While every inch of me remembers exactly what he feels like inside me.

  My heart doesn’t lift anymore.

  It sinks.

  Straight into deeper trouble.