Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 208

Wishing He Stayed-1

It's midnight.

The numbers from my phone stare back at me, mocking me. I sigh, closing my eyes for a beat too long. When they pulse, I open them again.

I should be asleep. Jake definitely is, with his arm over my waist, his breath slow and even against the back of my neck. Usually, that would be comforting enough for me to get me sleeping.

But I'm wired. Eyes wide open, heart thudding like it's trying to beat its way out of my chest.

I sigh softly and shift onto my back, careful not to wake him. The conversation from earlier replays in my mind like a song I can't stop humming.

The way he looked at me.

The way his voice cracked when he said he shouldn't have let it become what it

is.

Obsession.

That word sits heavy in my stomach.

down at him. His face is peaceful in sleep, softened by the darkness. There are creases around his eyes, lines that have deepened over time. Smile lines, frown

trace one of them with my gaze and feel something twist in

or perfection. He's real. Tangible. Warm. But still, I wonder if I'm the crazy

Is this wrong?

and see myself as a naïve, desperate girl who clung to something she shouldn't have? Who reached out for

my head. No. I won't regret this. Not

1/3

Wishing He Stayed-1

lift Jake's arm from around me and slide out of bed. He stirs but doesn't wake. I make my

except for the faint light from the stove clock. I open the freezer and scowl when I see it's empty.

for a second before making up my mind. It's not that late. The gas station down the street is still open. I grab my

and cool, brushing against

for the freezer section and grab a pint of cookie dough. Comfort

I walk out,

Too familiar. I stop.

They're huddled together, loud and obnoxious. My

Sadie. She's standing there with two other girls, Will,

recognize. I take a step back,

is falling apart, why would tonight go smooth? Sadie stops the group, her jaw

"Oh