CHAPTER THREE

I woke up with a migraine, light shining through the curtains. I sat up and glanced at Zara’s side of the room, she was nowhere to be found.

Groaning, I got up and padded over to shut the blinds so I could see without squinting. Classes wouldn’t start for another two weeks, which gave me time to prepare myself and to visit my sister, Eva.

My phone began to ring. I glanced at the screen. Eva.

Speak of the devil.

“Hi, sissy.”

“Hiii! How’s college life so far?”

“It’s good. How’s married life treating you?” My head throbbed painfully as I walked back to the bed and sat down.

“Fine, fine. When are we expecting you? You should come spend some time here before classes start.”

“I was just thinking about you. I’ll come over this weekend. Can I bring Ann?”

“Of course. She’s family.”

After the call ended, I opened my drawer, grabbed some medication for my headache, and lay back down. Sleep claimed me almost instantly.

When I woke again, the sun had already set and Zara still wasn’t back.

I peeled my clothes off and headed to the shower to wash off yesterday’s sweat and get ready to pick up a few things from the mall.

By the time I stepped out of the shower, my headache was almost gone. The water had worked its magic. I wrapped a towel around myself, humming softly as I dressed in a loose white T-shirt, ripped jeans, and sneakers.

I tied my hair into a messy bun, grabbed my tote bag, and checked my wallet. Barely enough for a mall trip but I was going anyway.

The evening breeze hit me as soon as I stepped outside. My phone buzzed.

Annabel: You alive?

Me: Had a migraine, but I’m better now. Heading to the mall to get some things.

Annabel: Don’t die there.

I smiled, shaking my head. Typical Ann.

The mall was crowded when I arrived. I headed straight for the supermarket section, grabbed a cart, and went straight to the snack aisle.

My stomach growled as I tossed in chips, chocolates, cereal, and toiletries. A jar of peanut butter went in next because, priorities.

I was crouched low, debating between two brands of shower gel, when someone slammed into my shoulder, sending me stumbling forward.

My cart jerked, and before I could react, my phone, chips, and half my groceries spilled onto the floor.

“Oh God, I’m so sorry!”

“It’s fine, I….” I turned and froze.

Standing there, tall and broad-shouldered, wearing a simple black hoodie and a guilty smile, was Ian.

My sister’s husband.

“Ian?”

His eyes widened in recognition. “Felicia? Wow. I didn’t even—damn, I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you there.”

I bent to gather my things, flustered. “You practically attacked me.”

He laughed under his breath and crouched beside me. “Yeah. Not my proudest moment. Let me help.”

We both reached for the same jar of peanut butter, our fingers brushing.

My heart thudded loudly in my chest as heat crept up my skin.

“Sorry,” he said quickly, handing it to me.

“It’s fine,” I muttered, focusing hard on the pile of snacks instead of my burning face.

Once everything was picked up, he stood, holding my basket.

“You’re shopping alone?”

“Yeah. My roommate’s gone MIA, and Ann’s probably still recovering from last night’s party.”

He chuckled. “Ah. College life. I remember those days.”

I smirked. “You make it sound like you’re ancient.”

“I’m just wiser,” he teased, pushing the cart toward the checkout. “And better at not crashing into people.”

“Barely,” I replied.

We moved through the line quickly. He insisted on carrying my bags despite my protests.

“I’ve got it, seriously.”

“I hit you hard enough to send your groceries flying. Least I can do is help you home,” he said.

He carried the heavier bag easily. I noticed the faint stubble on his jaw, the relaxed confidence in his stride.

“So,” he said as we walked toward the taxi stand, “Eva mentioned you’d started school, but I didn’t know you were already here.”

“Yeah. Just settling in. Everything still feels new.”

He nodded. “It’ll feel like home soon. Just don’t let it swallow you. College can do that.”

“I’ll try,” I said softly.

We reached the curb, and he flagged down a cab. “Heading back to campus?”

“Yeah.”

He opened the door for me, carefully placing the bags inside. As I climbed in and adjusted my seatbelt, he leaned closer and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

The touch was light but it sent a sharp jolt straight down my spine.

My breath hitched.

His fingers lingered a second too long. Our eyes met, something unspoken pulling tight between us.

“Your hair,” he said quietly. “It was in your face.”

“Thanks,” I murmured.

He stepped back, clearing his throat, then gave the driver directions.

“Text me when you get back, okay? I’ll let Eva know I saw you.”

I nodded, words failing me.

He smiled and closed the door as the cab pulled away. I watched through the window as his figure faded into the glow of the mall lights.

The ride back was quiet except for the radio. My pulse still raced, his touch lingering on my skin.

Why do I feel this way?

I pressed a palm to my chest, exhaling slowly. He was my sister’s husband. My brother-in-law. There was no reason my body should react like this.

I stared out the window, forcing my mind elsewhere.

When the cab stopped outside the dorm, I paid and stepped out.

Inside my room, Zara still wasn’t back. I dropped my bags and collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.

My phone buzzed.

Ian: Glad you got home safe. Tell Eva I didn’t completely forget how to be polite.

I smiled despite myself, fingers hovering before replying.

Me: Thanks for the ride and for saving my groceries from total destruction.

A moment later, the typing bubbles appeared.

Ian: Anytime, kiddo.

Kiddo.

Right.

I set my phone aside, exhaling slowly. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the way he’d looked at me, the warmth of his touch, the quiet intensity in his gaze.

I groaned, dragging a pillow over my face.

“Nope. We’re not doing this.”