Worth the Risk

Chapter twenty-two

I ring once before shifting my weight from one leg to the other while I wait. My eyes land on my feet as I tug my purse carrying Colin's shirt closer.

After talking to Lucie about everything that happened during my first summer in Arkenshaven, I decided to bring his shirt back. We agreed to leave our past behind us. To start with a clean slate, yet it isn't fully clean as long as his piece of clothing is hiding in my bedroom, reminding me every few minutes how badly I crave his touch.

If the shirt is gone, the slate is clean and my nerves will stop tingling at the thought of him exploring my body.

Then the problem of him invading my thoughts will be solved.

"August?" My head snaps up to meet a goofy, yet confused smile.

Of course, Colin isn't the one opening the door because when is life ever on anyone's side.

As I grant Daniel an awkward smile back, I try to decipher the meaning behind his bewilderment.

Does Daniel know? Has Colin said anything to him? Does he know what happened three years ago? What I did? He probably does. He's Colin's best friend and Colin talks to his friends. He doesn't wait three years to relieve his heart of the burden of his emotions.

"Hi," I chirp.

But what if he doesn't know about last Friday? What if he doesn't know about the kiss? What if Colin followed my stupid instruction to forget all about it and decided the best way to do that is to erase it from reality by not telling anyone.

But what if Daniel does know and he's currently torturing me in his mind for hurting his friend?

I must admit, not knowing what he's thinking does feel like torture.

I should act normal.

Don't be suspicious. Be cool. I could absolutely be here because of a work thing. Not because Colin had my nipple between his teeth before Lucie interrupted us causing me to flee the scene, stealing his shirt in the process.

Not. At. All.

"Is Colin home?"

"He's studying in his room," he answers pointing his thumb behind his shoulder. "Want to come in?" I accept his invitation.

"How was the feijoada, by the way?" After picking Brooke up the day after the party we had walked in on Daniel cooking eggs in our kitchen. Whereas Brooke took a plate and joined him, I had friendly declined since my stomach was still recovering from the night before. Over breakfast, or rather lunch, Brooke and Daniel had ended their 'agreement' by swapping house keys again. Right before I left the house for my first work shift, I had heard them discussing the formalities of Brooke's part of the bargain which, apparently, included his favorite Brazilian dish.

She was trying to convince him the kitchen in his and Colin's house was way better. I remember grinning at every argument she threw on the table because I knew she was only trying to avoid doing the dishes. We don't have a dishwasher and they do. I think it's a solid reason for her to try to convince him.