When the door bell rings at exactly five, I get up from the couch, groaning. I rub my eyes and make my way towards the front door. Chris is standing with his backpack in front of me and I open the door wider for him to enter.

His gaze go behind me and he looks back at me, and then behind my back and frowns, again looking at me. I scowl at him and turn around to see a shirtless Evan coming down the stairs, his hair all messed up and my eyes almost bulge at the site of him.

He has these defined six packs and I can't stop staring at his abs. It's not like I haven't seen him shirtless before, because I have, but in those moments, my thought are more clearer and not clouded with sleep.

"Stop drooling, An." He says, his voice all groggy and I shut my up. He grins at that and I frown at him.

"What the hell, Ev?" I ask.

"You slept with him?" Chris asks, finally catching our attention and my frown deepens.

"What?" I yell.

"I meant, sleeping.. as in sharing the bed and sleeping together?" Chris clears out and I shake my head, turning towards Evan.

"What gave you that idea?" I ask.

"Oh, I don't know, Claire, both of you have sleep laced eyes and voice, and your hair are a mess, a lot like his." He points out and I notice that he's absolutely correct.

"Where the hell did you come from?" I ask Evan and he shrugs.

"I was waiting for you in your room." He says as if that should be enough to explain everything.

"Shirtless?" Chris asks and Evan's eyes snap at him. He runs a hand through his hair before turning to me.

"I must have fallen asleep waiting for you, you never came to your room. And you know how I get while sleeping, I must have removed the shirt during my slumber." He explains and I nod.

Chris' eyes follow me as the three of us move to the living room. When Evan is a few steps away, Chris holds my arm, "Should I know why you are aware of his sleeping habits?" He whispers and I blush, shaking my head at him.

"I thought you were with Rose." I say to Evan and he nods.

"I was, but she left around the same time school ends, because her parents were home. So I came over, I thought we could have lunch together." He explains and looks at me, "Did you eat?" He asks and I shake my head.

"No."

"Why didn't you sleep in your bed?" He asks and I gulp.

Oh, I don't know Evan, because I didn't remember if the curtains to my room window were drawn and I didn't want to witness Rose and you making out?

Yup, not something I can say to him. But Chris seems to catch on as he narrows his eyes at me but I ignore him, answering Evan, "I must have fallen asleep on the couch while watching tv." I say and he nods, rubbing his eyes.

He looks adorable, and I try my best not to stare at him but I know I fail miserably because Chris clears his throat.

"What is he doing here?" Evan asks and Chris finally looks at him.

"He is standing right here." Chris says, an edge to his voice and I sigh.

"We have biology paper to do together." I say and Evan nods.

"I am going to go now, Mom must be home. She invited you to dinner, by the way. Sawyer is coming home." He says and I immediately grin.

"He is?" I ask and he laughs.

"Yup, his ass cannot stay in California for more than three weeks." He says and I nod.

If I didn't know better, I would say that Sawyer has a reason why he comes home every three weeks, because plane tickets are costly. But I am sure Paul has no problem with that, he gets to see his son just as much. I sigh and Evan rush upstairs to get his shirt and when he comes downstairs, he's texting on his phone and runs a hand through his hair.

Call me crazy, but even such small gestures are what makes my insides warm at his site. He looks incredibly attractive doing nothing! His eyes meet mine and he gives me that breathtaking smile as he walks to me. He leans down and presses a kiss on my cheek and smiles.

"See you at dinner, An." He says and leaves me blushing like crazy.

I am still staring at the door when Chris clears his throat, and this time, my cheeks flush due to embarrassment.

"Is he always that affectionate?" He asks and I shrug.

Pecking on cheeks and forehead is pretty normal for Evan, and I know it's not something he's secretive about because he has kissed my forehead in front of Rose once or twice, and she seemed pretty alright about it. She understands that it's a best friend gesture and it's not like they are lingering pecks or anything. They are pecks, just that.

"Either he's completely oblivious to your feelings or he's just stringing you along." Chris says and my head snaps at him as we sit on the couch.

"Evan would never do that do me." I snap and he looks taken aback by my rude tone but I don't care. I won't hear anything against Evan, especially where it concerns me.

"You trust him a lot." He points out.

"He has earned that trust, more than enough times." I tell him truthfully and he nods.

"How long have you guys been friends again?" He asks and I shrug.

"A lot of years, I guess?" I say with a laugh and he nods. "Since we were four." I tell him and he nods.

We both end up on the couch, him with his laptop and me with mine. We divide a few subtopics amongst ourselves and as soon as either of us find anything, we exchange the laptops and read through it. I don't even remember the last time I was this engrossed in a study project, but when the front door opens and Evan enters, I frown at him.

"Dinner time." He announces, probably assuming that I am upstairs but his eyes flicker to the couch and he frowns. "Still here?" He asks Chris who just shrugs.

"What time is it?" I ask Evan, straightening my shoulders because they have started aching and he gives me a small smile.

"It's seven, An. Mom called you on your phone but you didn't pick up." He informs and comes to sit on the couch's handrest.

His hands end up on my shoulders and he starts massaging the exact points that are tense and it takes every amount of will power not to groan when his touch sends tingles down my spine.

"Have you been doing work all this time?" He asks, sounding concerned and I nod.

"Yeah, lost track of time." I say and Chris is staring where Evan is touching me. When he feels my gaze on him, he meets my eyes but immediately looks away, as if I just caught him doing something I shouldn't have.

"Come on, Mom made your favourite pasta." He says, finally removing his hands from my body and I let out a breath.

But I immediately miss his touch and gulp, removing my glasses and rubbing my eyes before saving the documents in the laptop and shutting it off.

"You go ahead, I'll be there in five." I tell him, wearing my spectacles again and he looks hesitant for a moment when his gaze meets mine and he sees my stern expression, he just nods.

As soon as front door shuts, Chris speaks up, "If he didn't have a girlfriend, I would say that every time I am around he's marking his territory." He mumbles and I frown.

"What does that mean?" I ask and he chuckles, shaking his head.

"Please tell me you notice that he touches you a lot more often when I am around than he does when you are alone with him." He says and I take an awkward gulp, trying not to meet his eyes but he stares at me, "Oh." He breathes as if the realisation hits him.

"What?" I ask.

"This thing is pretty normal between you guys, isn't it?" He asks, his eyes almost turning cold and I frown.

"Not that it is any of your business, but yeah." I shrug and he stands up from the couch and pushes his stuff in his backpack.

"And here I thought I was getting the special treatment." He laughs, but it's humorless.

He turns towards the door and I follow behind him, frowning, "What is your problem, Jones?" I ask, clearly missing something and to be honest, I am a little offended.

All this time when we were working together, he was calm and we actually got along, but then he goes and tries to be this cold person which I am not buying anymore.

I pull at his arm and he turns to face me, "You! You are my problem." He breathes and pinches the bridge of his nose, "Stop touching me without my permission, Brooks! I have said it enough times." He barks and I take a step back from him.

"Okay." I say, but my voice is almost a whisper.

I want to argue back, but I cannot find the strength within me to do so. I am done for the day, I had enough bullshit to deal with today or last week to actually argue with Chris anymore. His gaze softens a little but I shake my head before he can take a step forward. I am not a punching bag for him to vent at when he gets frustrated.

And what is his thing about touching? He touches me when he wants, and when I even lay a finger on his arm to stop him from storming out, he yells at me. Well then, fuck it. I will stay at least at a five feet distance from him from now on.

"I'll pick you up at seven thirty tomorrow, I already informed Breanna so I am your only ride, take it or leave it." He says before leaving.

I frown at his retreating figure but go upstairs and take a quick shower. I change into a pair or shorts and a baggy t-shirt and pick up my phone and house keys before exiting. I lock the door behind me and leave a text to my father to inform him that I'll be at next door.

Before I can even knock at Smith's house, Miranda opens the door and engulfs me into a bear hug and I hug her back, slightly taken aback.

"Everything okay?" I ask when she lets go of me and she nods.

"Just pick up your phone next time I call, I was worried." She says and I immediately smile at her motherly instincts.

"Sorry, the ringer was off and I was doing project work." I tell her and she nods, leading me into the house.

"And the better looking brother is home!" Sawyer announces as soon as he sees me and I laugh at his childish antics while Miranda goes into the kitchen.

Sawyer makes his way to me and gives a hug, pressing a kiss to my cheeks and I hug him back. Honestly, I miss having him around. He's been like that brotherly figure to me, always.

"Missed you, shorty!" He says and I swat at his shoulder.

"I am not that short, you ass." I say and Miranda walks out of the kitchen.

"Language, Adrianna!" She says and I bite my tongue.

"Sorry, Mrs. Smith."

She shakes her head at me with an amused smile before setting up the dinner table and I help her with it. Evan comes downstairs five minutes later and when he sees me, a smile stretches across his face.

"Hey," he says.

"Hey again, Ev." I stick out my tongue at him and he shakes his head.

"Will Dad be joining us for dinner?" Sawyer asks Miranda and she nods, just on cue the door bell rings.

I smile, "I'll get it." I say and everyone nods at me.

When I open the door, Paul grins at me, ruffling my hair and I am surprised that my father is standing besides him. Paul gives me a quick hug and Dad pats my hair and I pout at him.

"Hey, kiddo!" He says, chuckling and I roll my eyes.

They enter and the gate is still open when I notice Chris standing by his car across the street and his glare is set on me. My jaw twitches at his sight and I immediately shut the door and follow my father to the dining table.

We all settle down and the parents lead the conversation as we have food. Then, my father looks at Sawyer.

"Hey Sawyer, when are you coming next? I was hoping the four of us could make some time and go to that fishing trip we always keep postponing." He says and Sawyer grins.

"Really? I couldn't execute it last time I was here, because Evan ditched. But I'll be here in three weeks. We can definitely plan on the weekend." He shrugs and Dad nods.

"How is Uni treating you, all good?" He asks.

"Yes! It's totally different from the high school experience, but it's a good different." He says with a smile on his face and Dad's gaze shifts to me.

I try to hide behind my hair because the topic of University and going to college freaks me out, a lot. Mostly because I haven't decided any major or what I want to do, at all. And also because I cannot imagine staying away from my father. We have been each other's backbones and I can't stomach the thought of him living alone in that house. I know how lonely it can get to be there alone.

Everyone converses amongst themselves and Evan's hand comes to rest on top of mine underneath the table and my eyes meet his, and he gives me a comforting smile, something I desperately needed and my heart warms up.

It's easy to assume that I feel the way I do for him because he's drop-dead gorgeous. While I am definitely attracted to him because of that, my feelings for him began because of how kind of a person he is. To be honest, four years back when I realised that I am in love with him, he was in the braces phase and nothing about his appearance was attractive back then. But puberty did him good. It hit him like a bulldozer in fact.

"When are you bringing your girl for dinner, Evan?" Paul asks and I immediately pull my hand back to myself at that question.

His touches are not mine to savour, his kisses are not mine to keep. He belongs to someone else, he will always belong to someone else. I feel my dad's eyes on me but I avoid his gaze, and then I feel Evan's gaze on me and when I look at him, he's scowling at me.

Evan shrugs at Paul's question and Sawyer's gaze flickers between the two of us. He speaks up, "How about this weekend? I'd like to meet her." He says.

"Sure, why not." Evan mumbles.

I make a mental note to ask him about today's cafeteria scene when we are alone. I know he'll tell me even if it concerns me. We don't hide such things from each other. Everyone finishes the dinner and Sawyer, Evan and I clean up the table while the grown ups settle down in the living room.

"Alright kids, I am off to bed." Sawyer says, giving me a two finger salute that immediately reminds me of Jordan and I laugh. "What's funny, shorty?" He asks.

"Jordan does exactly that thing when he greets me off." I say and for a second, Sawyer gulps and then meets my eye.

"Jordan?" He asks and I shrug.

"Jordan Woods, Chris' best friend?" I say and Evan nods beside me.

"Are you guys friends amongst yourselves?" He frowns

I nod, "Yup. I don't know how that happened, and I am not sure if Chris is my friend, but Jordie definitely is." I say.

"You call him Jordie?" Sawyer asks and I laugh.

"Annoys the shit out of him." I say and he gives me a smile before nodding.

"You sure you don't want help doing dishes?" He asks and I shake my head, looking at Evan.

"We got it." I tell him and he grins before getting out of the kitchen.

I wash the dishes while Evan dries them off before placing them on the kitchen counter. A few dishes are left when I turn to him, he's sitting on the counter just by the sink.

"Hey, Ev?" I ask and he turns his full attention to me.

"Yes, An?"

"What happened today in the lunch break?" I ask and he immediately looks away and I gulp, turning off the water tap as I turn to face him. "Come on, tell me?" I push a little and he sighs, running a hand through his hair.

"It was nothing." He says and I give him a stern look.

"I am pretty sure it was something, why did she run off?" I ask and when I know that he would never voice it out himself, I pose the question, "Had something to do with me?" I ask and he gulps. Yup, bull's eye.

"She was just being stupid, An. Don't worry about it." He says.

I shake my head at him, "Ev, we have known each other all our lives, alright? Tell me what she said." I say and he sighs.

"She was a little insecure, I guess. She mentioned something about you getting all the attention whenever we have lunch, but I told her that wasn't the case, and that she was just overthinking." He shrugs but his words shoot right at my heart.

I definitely didn't see that one coming. But, when I think about her words, it isn't wrong. Chris and Jordan usually talk to me, and Breanna and Evan are obviously my best friend so they talk to me as well. I was included in all the conversations, maybe I shouldn't do that anymore. She was right, after all.

I nod, "What else?" I ask, pretty much sure that wasn't it.

"About what you said, I know it was unintentional and it turned into a joke but she said that two of us are too close and sometimes she feels like she continuously has to compete with you to get my attention."

Ouch.

Evan reads my face, and I want to be mad at him but I cannot be mad at him for telling me the truth I pushed him for. He knew it would effect me and that's why he didn't want to tell, but I asked for it.

"That's not true, Ev. This isn't any competition, she's your girlfriend and I'm your friend. There's a huge difference in that, and I am honestly really sorry if she felt that way because of me." I mumble and he catches my wrist in his hands, pulling me closer and wrapping his arms around me.

"I'm going to tell you exactly what I told her. You're my best friend, An, and nothing, absolutely nothing is ever going to change that." He says in my ear and I nod before parting away.

For some reason, even being this close to him brings the feelings of guilt. I know Rose wouldn't be comfortable if she saw us hugging like this, or with us hugging at all. Shame fills me for having feelings for my best friend as I make some distance between us.

"Evan!" Miranda calls out and I give him a small smile.

"Go, I got this." I tell him and his eyes roam around my face before he slides off the counter and leaves the kitchen.

I let out a huge breath and curse under my breath as I try to keep myself collected. God, I would do anything to not feel this way for him. Earlier I used to wish for him to feel this way about me, but thinking about Rose, I wish I could just get over Evan.

My father and I soon bid goodnight to Evan's family and as soon as we enter home, we call it a night. I am agitated as hell while sleeping but around five in the morning, sleep finally comes to me.

In the morning, I dress up a black flair skirt that ends at the middle of my thighs, pairing it with a baggy grey t-shirt that's mostly tucked in. I collect my bag and rush downstairs. My father is sitting at the kitchen counter and I devour my cereal quickly before pressing a quick peck on my father's cheeks.

"Have a good day, Dad! See you at dinner." I say and he shakes his head at me.

"Love you, kiddo!" He says and I open the front door.

"Love you too, Dad!" I shout before getting out.

Chris is waiting for me by the passenger door and as I walk towards his car, his eyes roam from my head to toe. Okay, I'll agree that I usually don't wear skirts but it was the first thing I got ahold of in my dresser along with this baggy t-shirt. Honestly, my dressing sense is zero.