Page 8 of Reed

I’m a fucking mess.

She drops her plate into the trash and turns around, almost knocking into me.

“Oh my gosh. “ She clutches a hand to her chest. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were behind me.”

I just smirk. “You should be more aware of your surroundings. Anyone could just sneak up on you.”

Her brows raise and she tilts her head slightly before smiling, “You’re right. I’m just in the clouds right now. It’s been years since I’ve smoked.” She pulls her phone out of her pocket, checking the time. “Shit, I still need to study. I should probably get going.” She looks back up at me briefly before trying to pass me, but without thinking about it I jut my arm out, my hand landing on her stomach.

She stills looking down at our connection then at me with a questioning look.

“You really shouldn’t be walking home alone like this.”

Her brows raise, “How do you know I didn’t drive?” Her head slightly tilts.

Fuck. Think Reed.

“Well, I don’t know for sure, but I assumed since you go to college here and there are dorms and apartments on every corner.”

“Oh.” She says. “I’ll be okay. I’m not that far.”

Liar. Four blocks is too far to be walking at this time of night high as a kite.

“I’d feel better if you let me take you.”

She shakes her head, “No, you don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine.”

My hand is still splayed across her stomach and I bore my eyes into hers, “Lainey?” I say loud enough for her to hear me across the apartment.

“Yeah?” She yells back.

“Lexie needs to borrow your helmet.”

Lexie’s brows shoot to her hairline, “Why do I need a helmet?”

“I’m taking you home.”

She shakes her head. “I’m not getting on your bike.” As soon as the words leave her mouth, Lainey comes around the corner and I drop my hand from Lexie’s stomach.

Lainey tries to hand the helmet to Lexie but she gently shoves it back towards her. “I don’t need it. I’m going to walk.”

“Ohh kay.” Lainey says as she starts to back up.

“Hand me the helmet.” I hold my hand out and she places it in my hand hesitantly. Her eyes bounce between mine and Lexie’s wide ones.

“Grab your things, Honeybee.” I demand and her brows scrunch in confusion.

“I said I was going to walk and would be fine.”

“And I said for you to grab your things, I’m taking you home. You’re not walking by yourself this late at night while high. End of discussion. Let’s go.”

“I don’t even know you like that. So you can’t make me do anything.” She says and puts her hands on her hips like she’s ready to continue to argue with me.

“Wanna bet?”

Lainey giggles, “Oh this is great.” Smiling at her friend she continues, “Lex, he’s right. You shouldn’t be out late like this.”

Lexie purses her lips and closes her eyes briefly, “Fine.” She says as she opens her eyes.