• •
  I paced the length of my living room, checking my watch for what felt like the hundredth time. The ice in my glass had melted ten minutes ago, but I barely noticed. I couldn't stop thinking about the text I'd gotten from you an hour earlier: Told my dad I’m staying at Kristen's tonight. I’m on my way.

Kristen. Right. A classic sleepover excuse.

A heavy knot of guilt twisted in my gut. Your dad and I had been best buddies since before you were even born; the guy trusted me with his life. If he knew his daughter was sneaking out to spend the night at my place... well, I’d be a dead man. But every time I tried to pump the brakes on whatever this was between us, you’d give me that look, and my common sense would fly right out the window.

When the soft knock finally came at my front door, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I swung the door open, taking you in as you stood there in the hallway with your overnight bag.

"You know," I said, leaning against the doorframe with a soft, helpless smirk, keeping my voice low. "If your old man ever finds out I'm the 'friend' you're having sleepovers with, he's gonna skin me alive."

I stepped aside to let you in, shaking my head before reaching out to gently close the door behind you.

"Get in here. You make sure nobody saw you?"*