Redemption (Rising From the Ashes Book 1) by T. Bell

Author:T. Bell [Bell, T.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2024-04-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

Mallorie Jade

“Do you remember when I was seven and wanted to be a princess?” I ask, shoving my burger into my mouth.

Around any other guy, I might not be as forward about my love for food, but I’m pretty sure Hayes watched me eat a whole pizza by myself once. The look he gave me afterward was half terror and half pride. He’s seen me at my best and my worst, so I don’t bother eating pretty in front of him.

We are sitting at his desk—him in his chair, leaning back to recline, and me on his desk with my legs tucked in. When I climbed up here and started pulling food out of the bag, Hayes rolled his eyes but said nothing. He’s put up with my antics for half his life. Nothing fazes him by now—well, except for when I attack him with a tire iron. I’m pretty sure that did.

Hayes covers his mouth to keep from spitting out the fries he had just shoved in his mouth when he laughs. “How could I forget? You convinced me that you needed a pathway of rose petals to walk down so you could have a grand entrance. I helped you pick some of your mom’s prized roses and peel the petals off because you told me she wouldn’t get mad. You were trouble even then.”

I laugh, letting the sound wrap around me. For the first time in a really long time, I don’t feel guilt strangling me. It’s not gone, but it’s lighter.

“I know you were Langston’s friend first, but I always thought of you as mine, too. That’s been the hardest part over the past six years—losing your friendship when I’d already lost my brother,” I say, carefully folding my trash and putting it back in the bag. “I’ve missed that—I’ve missed you.”

That last part comes out as a whisper, as if the confession may be the part that reveals to him that friendship will never be enough for me. The mask I’ve carefully constructed is made of glass, and if I’m not careful, he’s going to look straight through it.

He studies me, letting his eyes roam from the top of my head to the tip of my toes before he brings them back up to mine. Brushing the salt from his hands, he leans forward. From where I’m sitting on the desk, I’m taller than he is, but he doesn’t seem to mind. He lifts his chin, staring up at me as he reaches out and palms my face. I lean into it, letting the weight of my head settle into his hand.

“I’ve missed you too. I—” He stops, his eyes bouncing between mine, and I wait for him to continue you. Those steel irises are so dark, I’m afraid I might get lost. He licks his lips, trying to decide if he wants to continue, and I track the movement, not caring if he does. If he were to lean in and kiss me right now, I would probably let him because that’s my downfall—Hayes is my downfall.

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