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“The one who touched you against your will?” I snarl.

“That’s excessive, but yes. He was here at the hospital the night I brought Maria in. He tried to talk to me, but I faked that I didn’t recognize him.” His voice softens in an effort to lessen the blow with his tone.

“And what happened?” I prompt, getting into a position to mirror him to create the illusion he’s next to me.

“Not much. Nothing really. He wanted to talk, but I wouldn’t engage, and O’Keefe showed up and ran him off. I don’t think he’ll bother me again. Between you and O’Keefe, it’d be idiotic to come near me.” He sounds casual about it.

“Did he scare you?” I hold air in my lungs waiting for his answer.

“No, he didn’t. But it’s weird to see him in two places in such a short time that don’t have a connection to me. Like, if he showed up at my favorite coffee shop where I edit sometimes or my grocery store, I’d be afraid he was following me. The randomness makes it better, but somehow worse.” His heavy lids droop as he talks.

“Thanks for telling me. Can I help in any way?” The complete story is better and worse than I imagined, so I can relate.

He sits up on an elbow. “You knew, didn’t you? They told you.” He groans.

“O’Keefe ran his mouth tonight. They were only going to give me details if it became an issue. Don’t be angry.” My voice hitches.

“I would’ve told you sooner, but Maria needs me, and the loser isn’t worth either of our time.” He falls onto the pillow with sleepy eyes.

“As long as he stays away from you.” Sky’s lashes are so long, extending to his cheekbones. “I’ll let you get some sleep.”

Sky wrestles his lids open. “Charge your phone, and we can sleep together. You’re the first person I want to see when I wake up.”

“Anything for you,” I say playfully, but my heart has gone into overdrive. Again.

I’m being paranoid. There’s a simple reason Sky hasn’t answered his phone after he said someone was ringing his doorbell. He’s probably with Maria, and they’ll get a good laugh at my expense. Which I’ll happily provide them since nothing’s wrong.

My mom calls continuously, but I ignore her. She’s been overly interested in what I do in my time off. I’m too tired to deal with her. All I want is to collapse in Sky’s arms and sleep for days. This trip wiped me out, wishing I was home for Sky and Maria.

The first thing I hear after arriving home is loud voices echoing from the dance studio. No one gets to speak to Sky in that tone. I’ll throw them out.

“Whatever he told you, he lied,” my mother shrieks at me and points to Sky.

“That’s rude.” I’m not in the mood for her passive-aggressive games. “What are you doing here?” I ask, since Sky’s address is a secret as far as I’m concerned.

“They’ve been tracking your phone’s location on your family plan,” Sky explains. His arms are wrapped around his torso, his shoulders hunched.

“He’s lying to you about us,” Mom says, gesturing between herself and Dad. “I’d never hurt you by doing that.” Her panic increases my suspicion.

“We hardly ever talk about you. There’s no reason for him to lie.” My eyes narrow and replay all the strange things she’s said and done since Sky came back into my life. She’s absolutely trying to hide something and most certainly knew about Sky. Why else would she pretend she didn’t remember him and ask about my hockey tickets; she was fishing for information.

I’m about to lose my shit. “It’s time for you to go.” But my mother has the gall to smirk at Sky. “I mean you, Mom. You and Dad need to leave.”

“You’re not—”

“Kicking you out of Sky’s house because he’s too nice? Sure am. It’s late and whatever you have to say can wait until tomorrow.” My fury increases as I move closer to Sky and his trembling vibrates against me. “Don’t come here again unless you’re invited.”

Sky’s unsteady hand lands on my arm as he shakes his head.

“We think the rumors about the two of you have gone far enough, and you should put a stop to them.” Mom’s chin juts out. She’s never been so direct, and the change is staggering.

“You think I control the media?” I seethe. “What will happen? I’ll say Sky and I aren’t a couple, which is a lie, and everyone will take that as gospel, stop digging for information, and the topic will fade away?” She can’t be that naive.

“They called us for a comment,” she hisses, while my dad stands to the side, scrolling on his phone as though we’re taking up his time.

“Why are you here?” I pinch the bridge of my nose to stave off my headache.

“You weren’t answering my calls.” She throws her hands in the air.