“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you,” he said softly.
“It’s fine, I meant to wait up for you. I guess I was more tired than I realized.”
He pulled me close to his body and wrapped his arms around me. “You’ve had a long last three days, you needed to sleep.”
“True. Did you guys have fun talking?”
“Yeah, it’s good to see him again. It’s been a long time since we hung out.”
“I’m sorry I’m ruining that; you really shouldn’t have brought me, Ty.”
He leaned back a little so he could see my face. “Cassi, I’ll take you with me everywhere I go. And don’t worry about Gage, he’ll get over it eventually. I’m sure it’s not you that he doesn’t like, he just said it’s going to mess up his relationship with Brynn having a girl live with him.”
“I don’t want to do that.” Yes, yes, I do. I’d never experienced jealousy until I met Gage last night, and it was one ugly feeling. “When I turn eighteen, I’ll get my own place, Ty.”
“No, you won’t. He’ll get over it, and I want you with me, okay?”
I curled into his chest and nodded. “Love you.”
Tyler leaned back again and tilted my face up to his. “I love you too, Cassi.” His lips fell onto mine and I scrambled back, pushing against his chest as hard as I could.
“What the hell, Tyler?!” We slept in bed with each other, but we’d never actually kissed before.
“I’m sorry! I thought you wanted me to.”
“What? Why would I want you to?” Oh my God, seriously, what the hell just happened?!
He sighed and relaxed his hold on me. “I don’t—I don’t know what got into me. I’m sorry, that was really stupid.”
“Is that why you brought me to Texas with you?”
“No, it’s not, I swear. You’re my best friend, I would have never left you there. I’m sorry, like I said, that was really stupid.”
I crawled off the bed and grabbed my pillow. “Maybe I should sleep on the couch tonight.”
“No! Cassi, come on, don’t do that. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine, it hasn’t just been a long three days for me. It’s been even longer for you. I think we’re both too tired and we aren’t thinking clearly.”
“Cass.” He sighed and got out of the bed as well. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking doing that.” He hugged me loosely and stepped back. “Please get back in bed.”
“It’s all right, I promise. I’m just going to sleep out there tonight—I think it would be best for us. I’ll be back in here tomorrow, okay?”
“I’ll go out there, you can stay in the bed.”
I put my hand on his chest and pushed him onto the bed. “I’m way shorter than you; that couch was practically made for me. Good night, Ty, see you in the morning.”