CHAPTER THREE

I woke up with a migraine, lights were shining in through the curtains. I got up and looked at Zara’s side and she was nowhere to be found.

Groaning, I got up and paddled to shut the blinds so I could see without squinting. Classes are to start in two weeks time so I have time to prep myself and also to visit my sister, Eva.

My phone began to rang and I looked at it, it was Eva. Speak of the devil. “Hi sissy”

“Hiii, how’s college life so far?”

“It’s good, how’s married life treating you” i could feel my head split, i walk to the bed and sat in it.

“Fine fine, when are we expecting you. You should come spend some time in the house before classes start”

“I was just thinking about you, I’ll be coming over this weekend. Can I come over with Ann?”

“Sure, she’s family”

The call ended and I opened my drawer to bring out a drug to help with the headache before I got on the bed and slept off. When I woke up the sun was already down and Zara was still not home.

I peeled my clothes from my body and headed to the shower to wash off yesterday’s sweat and also so I could go get some things I needed from the mall.

When I got out of the shower, my head was almost headache free. The water had worked it magic, I wrapped myself with my towel humming softly as I got dressed in a loose white tee, ripped jeans, and sneakers.

I tied my hair up in a messy bun, grabbed my tote bag, and checked my wallet. It was barely enough to survive a mall trip, but who was I kidding? I was still going.

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

Annabel: You alive?.

Me: i was having a migraine but I’m much better now, heading to the mall to get some things.

Annabel: Don’t die there.

I smiled, shaking my head. Typical Ann.

When I got to the mall, it was crowded. I walked into the supermarket section, grabbing a cart and heading straight for the snack aisle.

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

I was crouched low, debating between two brands of shower gel, when someone’s shoulder slammed into mine and sent me stumbling forward.

My cart jerked and before I could react, the bag of chips, my phone, and half the things in my hand went tumbling to 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.

My jaw slackened. “Ian?”

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

I bent down to grab 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 beat in my chest, heat crept up my skin.

“Sorry,” he said quickly, handing me the jar.

“It’s fine,” I muttered, focusing very hard on the pile of snacks instead of the way my face was heating up.

Once we’d picked everything up, he stood, holding my basket “You’re shopping alone?”

“Yeah, my roommate Zara has 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 said with a teasing grin, pushing my basket toward the checkout line. “And better at not crashing into people.”

I rolled my eyes. “Barely.”

We moved through the line quickly. He insisted on helping me carry my bags despite my protests. “I got it, seriously.”

“I hit you hard enough to send your groceries flying, least I can do is help you home,” he replied

He carried the heavier bag in one hand and the other slung casually in his pocket. I noticed the faint stubble on his jaw, the easy smile he wore.

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

“Yeah, just settling in. Still feels weird though, everything is 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 quietly.

We reached the curb and he waved down a cab with ease. “You’re heading back to campus, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Cool.” He opened the door for me, placing the bags carefully inside before I climbed in. Then, just as I was adjusting my seat belt, he leaned in slightly to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

The touch was light but it sent a jolt straight down my spine. I froze, my heart pounding. His fingers lingered a second too long, his eyes meeting mine, there was a pull between us.

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

“Thanks,” I murmured, trying to keep my voice steady.

He stepped back, clearing his throat as he did before he gave directions to the driver. Text me when you get there, okay? I’ll let Eva know I saw you.” I could only nod, words failed me.

He smiled and closed the door as the driver pulled away, I watched through the window as Ian’s figure disappeared into the glow of the mall lights.

The ride back was quiet except for the radio. I sat there, my pulse was still racing, his touch still lingering on my skin.

Why do I feel this way? I pressed my palm against my chest, exhaling slowly. He was my sister’s husband, my brother-in-law. There was no reason for my body to react the way it did.

I looked out the window, trying to focus on the city lights but my mind was somewhere else. When the cab finally stopped outside the dorm, I paid the fare and stepped out.

I could still feel the buzz of adrenaline under my skin, the echo of his voice saying Text me when you get there.

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

My phone buzzed with a message.

Ian: I’m glad you got home safe, tell Eva I didn’t completely forget how to be polite.

I smiled despite myself, my fingers hovered over the screen before I typed back.

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

A few seconds later, the bubbles appeared.

Ian: Anytime, kiddo.

Kiddo. Right. I exhaled, setting my phone aside. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the way he’d looked at me, the small smile tugging at his lips, and the warmth that had flooded through me when he’d tucked that strand of hair away.

I groaned, dragging a pillow over my face. “Nope. We’re not doing this.”