Mila Wilson is quiet, anxious and a little bit of a mess. Panic attacks have ruled her life for as long as she can remember - but starting college is her chance to take control. Love? Not something she believes she's built for.
Then she meets Jace E...
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After ten minutes, Jace pulls into the campus parking lot, the soft hum of the engine slowly fading as he shifts the car into park. I stretch my arms over my head, trying to shake off the heavy quiet that settled during the drive.
"So..." I glance over at him, a little unsure. "Did you want me to come back with you or... what did you have in mind?" I ask, voice slightly awkward, like I'm asking for something more than I realize.
He doesn't answer right away. Instead, he smirks, turning to look at me like I just did something adorable. "Did I ever tell you you're cute when you're awkward?" he says, grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
I feel heat rise to my cheeks instantly. Of course he noticed. "Thanks for pointing that out," I say, nudging him with my elbow, trying to deflect the way his words make my chest flutter.
"You don't have to be like that around me, babe. You should know that by now," he says, voice softer now. Then, without waiting for me to decide, he adds, "Come back to my place." There's no question in his tone. Just quiet confidence.
I nod slowly. "I'll go grab my bag. You can stay in the car if you want," I say as I push open the door.
"No way. It's dark out," he says, already climbing out of the driver's side. "I'm coming with you." Of course he is.
We walk together across campus, his steps matching mine without effort. There's something about walking next to him like this—no rush, no pressure—that makes me feel a little steadier.
When we reach my door, I pause, surprised. "Bree! I didn't know you were here," I say, peeking inside as I crack it open.
She's lying on her bed, curling her hair, her legs crossed like she hasn't moved in hours. "Hey, girl! I'm practically out the door. Nice to see you though!" she chirps.
I push the door open further once I see she's decent, stepping in with Jace right behind me. She freezes for a moment, curling iron hovering mid-air. "How was your week—" Bree starts, but her sentence cuts off as soon as she sees him. "Good, I see," she laughs, setting the curler down as she walks over to us. "Good to see you again, Jace."
"The girl making Austin act like such a pussy lately," Jace says, grinning as Bree rolls her eyes.
I give him a playful smack on the chest. "Jace!"
"Bree. Good to see you to," he says, nicer now.
Bree laughs anyway, getting the joke. "Can't help it. I'm awesome," she tosses back as she finishes fixing her hair. They're laughing now, and I can't help but feel a small sense of relief. I'm glad they're getting along. That matters more to me than I realized. Because this—whatever this is with Jace—it's real now.
"So, what are you two up to?" she asks, grabbing her lip gloss from the vanity.
"I'm just here to grab my bag for class tomorrow. What about you?" I say, my eyes scanning the room until I spot my bag near the chair. I walk over, start loading it with my notebooks and charger while Jace makes himself comfortable on my bed, already scrolling through his phone like he owns the place.
