Chapter 14 : Trying to Impress

Cal's POV

Her eyes bore into mine, doe-like and glossing over. She wanted to say something—I knew she did—but she didn’t. Her gaze tore away, but I held onto her all the same.

"Lena, you don't have to pretend with me," I said softly.

I could tell that the party was a lot for her, and I could relate to the social anxiety that parties like this tended to induce. And even though she looked put back together now, I swore I heard her puking when I got to the door.

I had waited to knock to try and make her feel like I wasn't invading her space. It would just embarrass her further to know that I had heard it all…

My words were meant to comfort Lena, but right in front of my eyes, I watched her gaze return to mine, sharp and piercing.

She pulled her arm out of my grip. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Oh, crap. Her voice was irritated now. What had I said wrong? I thought I was helping her, that we—

I shook my head. "I, uh, I don't know. I just meant that I am here for