Words Left Unsaid (Love Hurts 3)

“Yeah,” Tilly yells enthusiastically.

I laugh and close the door, walking around to the driver’s side. As soon as I see my sister I’m going to kill her. There’s no way she could’ve not known that he was Tilly’s principal, given he’s apparently one of Grant’s oldest friends.

“I swear I didn’t know,” Ellie cries when I confront her, her eyes wide.

“I’m so embarrassed,” I groan, collapsing onto the sofa. “He drove me home because I was crying so hard. I made a total fool of myself because of you, and now he’s in my life permanently.”

“Come on,” Ellie scoffs, earning her a glare from me. “Seriously, you’re overreacting a little. How many times did you see her old principal?”

“Enough,” I growl, narrowing my eyes at her.

“Are you annoyed because you’re attracted to him?” she asks delicately.

“What? No. I’m angry because of my ass of a sister.” I get up and call out to Tilly. “We have to go,” I mutter, gathering our things.

“Kee, I’m sorry. Stay for dinner. I promise I won’t mention him again, okay?”

“Fine,” I mumble, giving her a look that clearly reads back off. I put my bag back down just as Tilly walks into the room.

“Yes mommy?” She asks, out of breath as she jogs over to me.

“I just wanted a kiss,” I say, wrapping my arms around her. She giggles and tries to duck out of my embrace, but I’m too strong for her.

“Mommy,” she squeals, the cheeks going red as has smothered her with kisses.

“Okay,” I sigh, unable to hide my grin. Go back and play with Cassie,” I say, watching her as she skips out of the room.

As I help Ellie prepare dinner, I’m actually enjoying myself. I love spending time with my sister. She always seems to know how to cheer me up. We’re just putting the last of the vegetables on to cook when I hear the front door open.

“That must be Grant,” Ellie says. A few seconds later, Grant rounds the corner into the kitchen, followed by Max.

My eyes widen. Max winces, as if he senses something is wrong. At least he looks surprised to see me, but had been burnt by Ellie too many times not to believe this is another one of her set-ups.

“Seriously?” I huff, under my breath, loud enough so only she can hear. “Till, get your stuff. We’re going,” I yell. I glare at Ellie, completely ignoring Max, and storm outside to wait. Ellie races after me, swearing she had no idea he was coming over.

“How could you not know?” I say, too annoyed to do anything but laugh.

“He and Grant are friends,” she pleads. “You know him, he’s always dropping home with friends and not telling me.”

Max comes outside, his face apologetic. “I had no idea you’d be here. I’ll go,” he offers.

I sigh and shake my head. “It’s fine,” I say, gritting my teeth.

“You sure?” he asks, furrowing his brow. “Then why are you leaving? If you’re leaving, then so am I.”

I sigh, not wanting to ruin everyone’s night. Surely I can get through dinner and then kill Ellie?

“Fine,” I grumble, still annoyed. “I'll stay.” I keep my expression stoic as I move past him and back into the house. I take a seat in the living room where Tilly and Cassie are playing. My arms crossed over my chest, I hope I'm giving the impression that I don't want to be bothered.

Apparently not.

Max sinks into the seat beside me. Having him so close both terrifies and excites me, which only fuels my anger. This was exactly why I want to avoid seeing him again. Damn Ellie, this is all her fault.

“So, this pretty much ruined your night, huh?” He says, a grin creeping on to his lips. My heart melts a little bit.

“No, it's not that,” I say feeling like a complete bitch. “I just don't like feeling like I'm being pressured into something.”

“If it's any consolation, I had no idea you are going to be here, and I’m pretty sure Grant didn't either.”