Unexpected | ??

60- Finally

His green eyes finally snapped back up to me, assessing my reaction. I sat there, dumbfounded. This was a lot of information to process.

I released a breath I didn't know I was holding. It relieved me a little that he had some sense knocked into him. In retrospect, he didn't seem like he openly threatened people anymore.

But suddenly, I didn't want to hear more about gang stuff.

"That stuff Reece told me at the beginning... about a girl ruining your friendship?"

He scoffed. "Big bullshit. He just wanted to see if you'd defend me, but also make you hate me at the same time. Honestly, I still think that kid's an ass." I pursed my lips, knowing I should defend my friend. At the same time, I knew it wasn't the right time. He noticed my reaction and leaned forward. "Speaking of Reece..."

Oh no.

"I just have to ask, okay?" He defensively held his hands up. "Do you feel anything for him? I know at the party-"

"The party!" I gasped. His face fell at the topic change. "Please tell me what happened."

He sighed in defeat, but answered. "Well, not much. I mean, from the looks of it, you kissed Reece, twice, and then I found you guys and you felt guilty and came running into my arms." He looked smug as he finished the sentence.

Hm, so it was real.

"But it wasn't him who slept in my bed..." I trailed. He nodded in confirmation. My face suddenly paled. "Oh God, did I say anything stupid? If I did... kill me," I mumbled, putting my head down on the table. He chuckled, only making things worse.

Then he cleared his throat, making me look up. He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "Arabella, we can't avoid this forever. Please just tell me about the kiss."

I awkwardly averted my gaze to anything but him. My cheeks tinted pink, embarrassed that I'd ever do that in the first place. I mean, kissing Reece? Weird. "What do you want to know? How many times? Tongue or no tongue?" I awkwardly teased. He didn't return the amusement. "Okay, fine. I was...lonely," I mumbled the last word.

He furrowed his brows and leaned in. "What?"

"Loney," I muttered under my breath.

His eyes widened and a shadow took over his face. "Lovely?! You love him?!"

"No!" I hissed, gesturing for him to lower his voice. His little outburst caught the attention of several people, who looked away when I glared at their nosy butts. "I said I was lonely, okay?"

His face turned blank and mine turned red from embarrassment.

"Don't flatter yourself though. It was only because he saved me from kissing Brett," I added. Luckily, Reece filled me in on some of the details after a very long phone call. I needed to know the facts before I faced Dean head-on. I also asked if he'd prefer an open or closed casket funeral.

He didn't find that amusing.

"But from the looks of it, I don't feel anything for him. I mean, I think I'd be excited once I found out that I kissed him, right? But no, all I felt was dread... and guilt," I continued.

He grunted in response, not seeming too satisfied with my answer. I wasn't sure what else I could say to make him believe me.

"Besides, it's not like I didn't kiss you too," I added. He raised his brows, but realized I was right. You could put me in front of anyone and I'd probably kiss them. "Okay, back to me. Um..." I realized I had no more questions. But how? I was full of them.