Finding You

Chapter 15

James' POV

I really actually just put myself through the fucking self-torture.

Why am I sitting here, in my car, outside Ally's apartment when I should be studying and writing notes that I missed on Legal Practice regulations?

I don't know why the thought of seeing her again makes me a bit uneasy. She's just a girl, James. Stop being a pussy and go in. Fuck.

I get out of my car and the cold breeze immediately smacks me in the face, making my whole body shiver in unison. My teeth already begin clattering against each other and I can feel the goosebumps that have already formed on my arms underneath my shirt. I curse myself for not bringing a jacket. Only Smith can withstand this kind of weather.

Jesus Christ.

Running through the doors of her fancy apartment building, I make my way to the elevator and rub my hands on my arms frantically and push the button for the 25th floor.

Ally or her parents must be fucking rich to be able to afford a place like this in Manhattan. Her apartment is situated in one of the richest areas of New York, and it's a double-story apartment. This place could easily cost a few thousand dollars for rent. That's money I could only think of once I'm finished studying for my Master's. One more year, James.

It takes a few seconds to reach her floor before the bell sound lets me know that I've reached it. I quickly step out into the monochromatic foyer, with a combination of different shades of grey and white to make it look pristine and elegant. It's a completely different realm from Ally's apartment, where everything is rustic and homey. Everything in her apartment looks friendly and welcoming and suits her so well.

Stop stalling and knock on the door, you square. I stop when I reach her door, my breathing quickening a bit when my hand reaches up and knocks on the door. I know she's here - I saw her car in her assigned parking bay when I arrived here.

After a few seconds of her not answering the door, I contemplate leaving. Maybe she's not here and went somewhere with one of her other friends? Maybe she's out with Jace. My blood boils slightly at the thought of her hanging out with him. Does he like her? Does she like him? I haven't told Jace or Smith about my so-called crush on her, so it wouldn't be my place to call him out for hanging out with her. She's part of the group now.

I knock once more with a little more force, just in case she didn't hear it. If she doesn't open now, I'll lea-

My racing thoughts are cut off by a brunette with ocean blue eyes opening the door slightly, her pupils widening when she sees me at the door.

...

Ally's POV

I open the door fully and take in the sight of James in front of me. His grey sweatpants are hanging casually off his hips, and he's wearing a white long-sleeve shirt with material so thin that I can faintly see the lines from where his abs are accentuated. How is he not freezing in this cold? It's November, half of New York is layering with Eskimo jackets, and this dude is walking around with almost nothing on.

His hair looks disheveled, as usual. His eyes don't share the same sparkle as they usually do and his facial expression is blank as he stares at me intently.

"Uh... what—what are you doing here?" I manage to string some words into a sentence.

"We need to talk," his tone holds no clear emotion that I can decipher.

"Now's not really a good ti-"

"It's the perfect time, actually! I'm gonna hit the hay, so I'll see you later," my heart jumps out of my chest when I see Liv standing next to me. When did she even leave the couch?