The Secret Between Us (Unedited)

16: A Sentimental Chat & a Slap From Reality

Free - Kidswaste

     Nic and I made it back to the hotel by two in the afternoon. I made it known that I wasn't in the mood to talk and thankfully, Nic didn't bombard me with questions on the walk back.

So when he expectantly barged into my suite about an hour after we got, I sighed deeply, already knowing he would question me sooner or later.

Leaning back against the headboard of my bed, I watched him enter cautiously, closing the door quietly behind him.

"Are they back yet?" I ask, patting the empty spot next to me.

He shakes his head slightly, quickly obliging and hopping onto the bed.

Biting his lip, he looks at me innocently.

"Ask away," I answered dramatically.

He didn't hesitate. "What happened? I know you don't like that guy, but what else is bothering you?"

That guy being Torez.

Pulling the comforter further up my lap, I whistle lowly.

"Nothing's wrong, I was just really tired. I think I was dehydrated too, with all that walking we did. I just needed to rest, that's all." The words flowed out of my mouth easily.

The thing that scared me the most was the fact that I didn't know if I was telling the truth or not.

Nicholas seemed to see right through me as he took my hand in his. "Adalyn, you know you can talk to me, right?"

I took that moment to look at him. I mean, really look at him.

He was so beautiful. So...innocent. Something I'd never be.

Not trusting my voice, I settled on nodding.

We were silent for a few minutes. Just looking at each other.

"You know you can talk to me too, right?"

He laughed deeply, looking up at the ceiling. "Babe, this isn't about me--but yes. I know that."

I couldn't help the bright smile that spread across my face. "Good. I just want you to know that."

His lips parted slightly. "I know. But we're talking about you right now, Adalyn Dominski." He winked teasingly, offering my hand a tight squeeze.

Setting my lips into a thin line, I looked at him impatiently. "Well, what If I want to talk about you? I mean, we always seem to be talking about me. What I want, how I feel. I know I'm self-centered, but damn. I agreed to be your girlfriend--so we can confide in each other." The words tumbled out of my lips without actually thinking much about it.

I tried telling myself I was only trying to be a good girlfriend--for once, but I knew. Deep down, I just wanted his focus to get off of me and what had gotten into me.

Releasing my hand, he leans up and adjusts himself so he's directly in front of me.

"Okay," he said. There was a challenging tone to his response.

"What do you want to know?"

I was taken aback by how quick he was to turn this conversation to him.

Was I really that selfish that he'd take any chance he gets to talk about himself?

Duh, Adalyn! You're a self-absorbed snot. I don't even know why--or how he likes you.

Ouch. That stung--even if it was coming from my subconscious.

Shaking my head to rid my thoughts, I leaned closer to him. "Hmm, how are you feeling? Do you regret coming to New York with me?"