If Only

Chapter Twelve: Brushwork

JADE

I made it home just before the clock switched from 8:59 to 9:00 in the evening, which was a relief. I managed to slip into my room without encountering my parents.

Feeling the need to wash off the remnants of the day, I decided a nighttime shower was in order. The warm water helped me relax, and I changed into a pair of pajamas and a large shirt I had bought a few months ago, despite my mom's protests. It was incredibly comfortable, and that's all that mattered to me.

Afterward, I collapsed onto my bed, burying my face in the pillow. I couldn't stop thinking about how the night had ended with Jared. I wasn't supposed to feel annoyed with Natalie, but I did. We were having a great time, and Jared was slowly letting his guard down. It might sound selfish, but Natalie was invading my space.

I groaned and buried my face even deeper. Sleep was starting to take over, but I nearly jumped out of bed when my phone on the nightstand began to ring. I groaned in annoyance.

Who could be calling me at this hour?

I pushed myself up, grabbed the phone, which was face down on the table, and flipped it over. Unknown number.

I knew what I should do with unknown numbers—just ignore them. But as always, curiosity got the best of me. Without thinking, my thumb swiped across the screen, answering the call.

"Hello?" I said, waiting for the person on the other end to respond.

"Hey, beautiful."

The moment that voice reached my ears, the hair on the back of my neck stood on end, sending shivers down my spine. I instantly knew who it was.

"Jared?" I couldn't help but infuse a hint of excitement into my voice, though I mentally scolded myself afterward. I shouldn't give him that satisfaction.

A chuckle came from the other end of the line, a clear sign that he had caught my reaction perfectly.

"You're quick at guessing," he remarked.

I settled onto the bed once more, crossing my legs and placing a pillow on my lap, my excitement to talk to Jared overriding the late hour.

But a question nagged at me: how did he even get my number?

"Wait... how did you even get my number?"

A snicker emanated from the other end, followed by the sound of a door opening and closing.

"From the cop you called when I spray painted the wall," his voice teased, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Ha-ha, very funny. It was just a stunt," I admitted, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, feeling slightly embarrassed about my ill-advised move on the day I first met Jared.

He chuckled again, as if he'd been waiting for that confession.

"I knew."

"You did?"

"Yep... I figured you didn't have your phone on you, or I'd be in jail right now," he confessed, making me feel even sillier. He had known all along and never mentioned it.

I playfully tapped my face with my palm, scrunching it up.

"Why didn't you call me out on it?"

"I like having things go my way... and besides, I enjoy getting you all fired up," his voice dropped a bit, and that tingling sensation returned, causing me to bite my lower lip. I could feel my cheeks flush.

"Are you free tonight?"

"What do you mean, am I free tonight? It's almost 10 in the evening!" I whispered, glancing at my door to ensure no one could hear me.