Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 160

Chapter 160

Miguel cut in cool-“We’ll all get our shot if we’re good.” He always had that patient, even tone.

“No, really-I can do it on my own,” I said, more firm than I felt. “Might take longer, but it’s the right way. I’m not gonna use some girl to get there.” I wanted to sound like I meant it.

Keon laughed-one of those open, pissed-off laughs. “That’s bullshit. You’re amazing. I’d take the shot if I had the chance-don’t give me that crap, Miguel, you’d do the same.” He pointed at me like I was the obvious star. “Now, if you’re not into Lexie, fine. But as far as anyone knows-you already nailed her.”

My face went hot. The truth-what’d actually happened-was ugly. People assuming I was with Lexie when I was with Aiden was already fucked up. I didn’t say that. I only said, “I don’t want anything serious right now.”

Keon cocked his head, suspicious.

“Like you! You’re not dating anyone and you’re fine,” I shot back, trying to sound casual, like I wasn’t all defensive on the inside.

Then Keon grinned-awkward, sheepish. “Well, actually…I kinda am…”

My head snapped up, subtly glancing at Miguel, who was clearly trying to process the stab in his chest. “No way! Who? I haven’t seen you with anyone.”

He smiled like he’d been hiding a prize. “Her name’s Iris. We met at a coffee shop a couple weekends ago. She’s a cheerleader too-not from here-she goes to Lone Oaks-lives about thirty minutes west of Houston.”

Miguel snorted. “An hour away? Wow, wasn’t our town big enough?”

Keon shrugged, still grinning. “Nah-she’s moving here soon. Her dad’s gotten transferred, and she doesn’t wanna commute. She’s unreal, man. Like, the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”

I tried to look happy for him. Miguel smiled-small, wounded, but he hid it. I did my best to keep my voice light. “Good for you, man. That’s-good.”

Keon clapped Miguel on the shoulder. “You’ll meet her. I’ll bring her around.”

After class Miguel and I stepped out together.

“You okay?” I asked.

Miguel shrugged, face flat. “I was stupid to think he’d ever go for me…All these years-all these hints I thought he gave me… I followed him around, passed up other chances for nothing. For him. And now-now he’s with someone else. Just like that.”

“Shit, Mig-I’m sorry,” I said. “That hurts. You’ll find the right guy. Someone who actually sees you.”

Miguel let out a humorless laugh. “Forget it. Guys are trouble. They go for the shiny penny-whoever’s new, better looking, exciting…eventually no one stays, I think I’d rather focus on myself. Like you-career, training. Keep my head down.”

I reached over and bumped his shoulder, “Okay-then we focus. You’re not doing this alone.”

I smiled, while deep inside the same fear lingered because all I was giving up was for him and, if he ever left me for someone else, it’d leave me with nothing.

I shook those thoughts, trying to keep it light-Thanksgiving weekend, long-ass break, time to rest, eat, and show up at The Dominium’s first pre-Xmas event. I was halfway excited to be useless for three days with Aiden-no alarms, no tape, just him and the weird little life we’d built.

My phone buzzed. I grinned, figuring it was Aiden calling from the house to tease me. But then I noticed a number from home. Shit, I thought—I’m gonna get ragged for bailing on the “family” thing, not that we ever had one.

When my mom’s voice came through-soft and already too small-my stomach dropped out of my body as the entire world caved in.