Chapter 9

Nicola Taylor

I snuggled into my bed, pressing the pillow against my ears to drown out the incessant ringing of the alarm. I was exhausted, mentally and physically drained from constantly thinking about Cole and the confusing mix of emotions our recent encounters had stirred up. How did I go from hating this guy who bullied me throughout high school to feeling sorry for him and getting tangled up in his life?

With a groan, I sat up and reached for my phone. Without a second thought, I called Steph. “Hey, Nicola, what’s up? You need a ride?” she asked in her usual cheery voice. How on earth could she be so peppy in the morning?

“No, I was wondering if you could cover for me. I think I’m coming down with something,” I lied, my voice still thick with sleep. I could hear the concern in her silence before she spoke.

“Wow, first day off in years? Of course, I’ll cover for you. Take care, honey! It’s Friday anyway, enjoy the three days off. But you better be back on Monday,” she teased, maki