Chapter 8 Jealousy Is A Good Look On You

• "Ow," I groaned, clutching my head as my eyes fluttered open. My breath hitched as I stared at an unfamiliar ceiling. Before I could panic, a sharp pain between my legs forced me to sit up slowly.
• I realized I was completely naked under the sheets, my body marked with love bites. My head felt foggy, and the events of last night were a blur. The last thing I remembered was chasing after Emily and her boyfriend, getting lost in the forest, and asking for help from two strangers. Everything after that was blank.
• But who had I ended up in bed with? God, I hoped it wasn’t someone from my school. The last thing I needed was gossip about me sleeping around, even if it had been just one guy.
• The sound of the door opening pulled me from my thoughts, and I hastily pulled the sheets up to cover myself.
• "Hey, you're awake. I was afraid you might sleep through the whole morning," Matt said, stepping into the room with a warm smile. He handed me a glass of water, which I accepted gratefully. I was parched.
• "I’m guessing you’re the one I had sex with?"
• "You don’t remember anything, do you?" he asked, guilt flashing across his face. "I should’ve known this would happen. I’m so sorry, Kerry."
• "Why are you apologizing?" I said after taking a sip of water. "I might not remember much, which is weird, but I know I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t want to. It must have been good. Too bad I don’t remember."
• Even my first time hadn’t left me feeling this sore. Matt must have been... well-endowed. I could only hope I’d manage to walk without trembling legs.
• Matt chuckled, his laugh light and pleasant, drawing a smile from me. The sunlight streaming through the curtains caught his blond hair, making him look almost ethereal. Damn, he was good-looking. Did I really sleep with him? I’d have to tell Emily about this later.
• "You should freshen up," he said, his grin widening. "You’ll feel better without dried cum on you."
• "Um… you’re right. Thanks."
• Matt nodded but didn’t leave. Instead, he just stood there, half-grinning as his eyes lingered on me. Knowing I wasn’t wearing anything under the sheets, I rolled my eyes and wrapped them tighter around me before heading to the bathroom, shutting the door firmly behind me.
• The sheets fell to my feet as I turned on the shower. The hot water cascading over my skin felt soothing, and I sighed in relief. I ran my fingers through my hair and reached for the shampoo on the ledge. It smelled like coconut, and I didn’t think Matt would mind me using it.
• After scrubbing myself clean, I dried off with a towel, but it wasn’t until I was fully dry that I realized I hadn’t brought any clothes. My dress lay crumpled on the floor, but it looked far from wearable. Biting my lip, I opened the bathroom door slightly.
• "Um… Matt?" I called hesitantly.
• He looked up from his phone, his gaze sweeping over me as I stood wrapped in a towel. I shifted uncomfortably under his eyes.
• "Do you maybe have some clothes I could borrow?" I asked, my voice soft. "I mean, I could wear my dress, but I don’t know if it’s clean, and I—"
• "Relax, Kerry," he interrupted with a small smile. "Of course, you can borrow something. It’s partly my fault your dress isn’t in the best state anyway."
• I blushed at his words as he chuckled. Matt brushed past me to his walk-in closet, quickly returning with a T-shirt and sweatpants. He handed them to me, rubbing the back of his neck.
• "It’d be a bit weird if I offered you underwear too, right?"
• "Not as weird as you’d think," I said with a smile. "But these will do just fine. Thanks."
• Once back in the bathroom, I changed into his clothes, which were baggy on my small frame but comfortable enough. After tying my loose brown hair into a messy bun, I stepped out to find Matt handing me my phone from the nightstand.
• "I can drive you home," he offered.
• "It’s alright, Matt. I think I left my purse in your kitchen. I can just take a cab."
• "Why take a cab when I’m offering you a ride?"
• "I wouldn’t want to keep you from your main task," I teased.
• "Main task?" he asked, frowning.
• "Cleaning the house. It must be a mess after last night."
• "But it wasn’t even my party," Matt protested. I giggled, standing on my toes to peck his lips and smooth the frown from his forehead with my fingers.
• He grinned, giving me a perfect view of his fangs. They weren’t as sharp as Silas’s or Carter’s but still looked dangerous.
• "I’ll call you," he promised.
• "You better," I said with a smirk. "Wait… you don’t have my number."
• "Don’t worry. I took it from your phone," he said with a wink.
• "Okay, weirdo." I laughed as he kissed me passionately before I left his room with a broad smile.
• As I descended the stairs, I caught a glimpse of the messy living room. I didn’t envy Kevin, who’d likely have to clean it.
• When I stepped into the kitchen to search for my purse, I froze. Carter and Kevin were deep in conversation but stopped when they noticed me.
• "Kerry?" Kevin called, his gaze curious.
• "Hello, Kevin," I said with a forced smile, scanning the counters and tables for my purse. It wasn’t in sight, meaning I’d have to stay longer.
• "Did you sleep over?"
• "None of your business."
• "It’s kinda my house. And are you wearing my brother’s clothes?" Kevin’s observation made me freeze. Could he smell Matt on me too?
• "Have you seen a red purse around here?" I asked, ignoring his question.
• "No."
• "Then you’re useless," I growled, turning to leave.
• As I stepped outside, I heard footsteps behind me. Glancing back, I saw Carter following.
• "Do you want a lift?"
• I shook my head. "I can take a cab."
• "Do you even have money on you?"
• "Why do you care?"
• "You’re being rather sassy for someone who needs a ride home," he said disapprovingly. "We live a street apart. I’d be a jerk to leave you stranded."
• "Come along, Kerry," he said, cutting off my protest as he dragged me toward his car.
• The ride was silent and tense. My hand twitched by my side, and I kept glancing at Carter, who didn’t take his eyes off the road.
• "This thing with you and Matt," he said abruptly. "Is it official or just a hookup?"
• "Aw, don’t tell me you’re jealous," I teased.
• "Don’t be delusional. Matt’s my friend, and I don’t want you messing with his head."
• "How sweet of you," I said sarcastically. "Don’t worry about us. I didn’t sleep with him just because he’s good at it—though, wow, he is good at it."
• "Shut up. I get it."
• I smirked, resting my hand on his lap. "It doesn’t mean I love him or anything. It’s you I—"
• Carter slammed the brakes, jolting me forward. His eyes glowed red as he turned to glare at me.
• "Don’t you dare," he growled. "You think this is funny? It’s pissing me off."
• "Carter—"
• "Save it. The only reason I tolerate you is because of Emily. Don’t think you’re helping anyone with this nonsense."
• Anger flared, overshadowing my fear. "Emily doesn’t want you! Why can’t you just move on and let her be?"
• "You think it’s easy?" he snapped. "Humans are fickle. Emily’s been my friend since childhood—"
• "And what about me?" I yelled. "I was your friend before Emily moved here. How could you ignore me all these years but obsess over her?"
• He looked away, his expression conflicted.
• "Just take me home," I muttered, wiping away tears.
• Silence filled the car as he restarted the engine. I stared out the window, my chest heavy. This was why I hated Carter—because I liked him too much.
• But In Carter's life, only Emily existed and no one ele I should get used to that. I have to get used to that