Chapter 54

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

TAM

32 bobas left until we both die …

The press conference is today.

I wouldn’t be doing it if it weren’t for Lake. If we announce our relationship, it’s less taboo. Less reporters. Less harassment for her family. I also think Lake wants to do this because she believes that if we announce it before we die, that her family won’t suffer after she’s gone.

I have to change that mentality.

“Are you excited for the press conference?” I ask her, lying on my side, completely naked. I wanted to see if she’d stare at me blatantly, if she’d look away, if she’d blush. Instead, she turns right toward me, puts her hand on my—

Shit.

Lakelynn works me with her hands, and then uses an already dirty T-shirt for cleanup.

“Don’t worry; I know how to wash these now,” she says, and I laugh, putting my hands over my face.

“I thought I was fucking with you by being naked. Didn’t expect that.”

“Well, a cursed individual has to try harder than the rest. Who wants a soulmate whose weird, spiritual connection kills them?”

I drop my hands by my sides, using a bit of sheet to cover myself up. It’s early. I woke Lake up at nine in the morning so that we could dally and relax and hang out before leaving at two.

“You think we’re soulmates then?” I ask, intrigued by the idea. I don’t know if I’ve ever given the thought true consideration until right this very second.

Now Lakelynn blushes.

“I guess … it’s a theory.” She shrugs. “Or maybe it’s random? Or maybe the curse picks the worst possible Matches on purpose?”

“I’m the worst possible Match?” I ask, turning my head to look at her. She stares right back at me in the light from the bedside lamp.

“Why did you ask me if I was excited about a press conference? Tam, I’m terrified. I barely even know what a press conference is. We just sit there, and you answer questions?”

She avoided my question about being the worst Match. I see how it is.

“They might ask you questions, too.” I grin at her, rolling onto my side again but making sure to keep the sheet in place over my hips. “I asked if you were excited because I’m … I don’t know, publicly claiming you as my girlfriend.”

“Um.” Lake scratches at the side of her head like she’s thinking hard about what I’ve just said. “I … guess that’s nice? I mean, no. No, I’m glad. Thank you, Tam.” She looks up at me, like she’s determined to do the right thing.

Because she thinks she’s still chasing me, that if she says the wrong word, it’s over.

“I’m in love with you,” I remind her, and she scoots away from me. “You’re the one who told me to obliterate your space. Have you changed your mind?”

“No. I just think that I should move us from the bed to the shower. We have to leave in, what, four hours? How are we going to get out of here on time if we keep having sex with each other?”

“So, that’s the problem?” I ask with a grin, and then we both tense. Like maybe we should be having sex with each other. Right now.

Lake’s phone rings, and I groan, rolling onto my back and flinging my hand out to grab it.

“Good morning, Joules,” I tell him, and there’s a long pause before he sighs.

“Give my sister the phone—now. I won’t ask you twice.”

“What happens if I don’t?” I tease him. “You’ll fly to California just to get your ass kicked?”

“So, you’re spineless enough to hide behind your bodyguard again? What’d you even bother to take that punch for?”

I sit up as Lake gestures at me to hand over the phone.

I keep it.

“Last time, I took a punch because I deserved it. There won’t be another opportunity for that. If there’s a next time, I’ll stand up for myself. What I meant was: I’m more than happy to kick your ass.” I glance over at Lake and wink. That’s it. I’ll be nice. “Can I talk to you for a minute though? In private?”

I give Lake a look, and she gapes at me.

I stand up and take the sheet with me, sitting on the edge of the bathtub.

“Didn’t you hear me say no?” Joules is asking dryly. He sighs again. “What is it? What do you want? I called to talk to my sister.”

“I’m in love with Lake. She’s the one who doesn’t love me, so we can’t break the curse. I might need your help.”

There’s a long pause there.

“You’re not in love with my sister,” he replies, like he’s disgusted with me.

“Don’t tell me who I love,” I reply with a bit of an edge. “You’ll lose that argument. Anyway, if you have pointers, I’ll take them.”

There’s a long silence, and then Joules is cursing.

“I’m not surprised. I should be, but I’m not. I should’ve seen this coming. I should’ve prepared for this from the start.” He’s cursing again, and I get that he truly does feel like he’s partially responsible for this. So do I. “You’re in love with her?” he asks.

“I’m in love with her,” I promise him, and Joules gives a little exhale. “I thought if I brought her home, she might relax enough to let it happen. I’m pretty damn confident that she likes me back.”

“Give her the goddamn phone then, and we’ll find out, won’t we?”