Tangled- No Strings Attached?

Chapter Twenty-Two: Temporary

But then—

"I'm serious," he says, voice lower now. "Gray's my best friend, but he's not... He's not the guy for you."

I swallow. "And what does that mean?"

He hesitates like he's trying to choose his words carefully. "He doesn't do relationships, Leo. He never has. He never will."

Something tightens in my chest, but I push it down, forcing out another lighthearted scoff. "Good thing I'm not looking for one, then."

Ian's brows furrow. He studies me like he's trying to figure out if I'm serious—or if I'm just lying to both of us. Or, if I mean something else entirely. 

He must decide on the latter because his next words come out more insistent.

"I'm just saying," he mutters, gripping the wheel again, "don't be stupid."

A flicker of irritation sparks in me, but I bite it back. I don't want to fight. Not when I still need a ride home.

So instead, I let the silence settle, let Ian think he's gotten his point across.

But as he finally starts the car and pulls out of the lot, I'm still staring out the window, my thoughts tangled in ways I don't have the energy to untangle.

Because the truth is—

I already know Gray isn't the guy for me.

And yet, I can't seem to stay away.

* * *

The drive is quiet.

Not the comfortable kind of silence, but the heavy, suffocating kind. The kind where every second drags, thick with unspoken words and tension.

Ian keeps his focus on the road, his fingers drumming lightly against the steering wheel. Every now and then, he exhales like he wants to say something, but he never does.

Good.

I don't think I could handle another warning about Gray. Not tonight.

I keep my gaze fixed on the window, watching the city lights blur past, my thoughts just as muddled.

Ian thinks he's looking out for me. That he's protecting me from making a mistake.

But what he doesn't understand is that I'm already making it.

And worse—I'm not sure I even care.

The car slows as we near my apartment complex. Ian pulls into the lot, parking in his usual spot. The second he shifts into park, I unbuckle my seatbelt, eager to escape the tension still lingering between us.

But before I can open the door, Ian speaks.

"I'm serious, Leo."

I pause, my hand hovering over the handle.

Ian turns to me, his expression softer than before but still firm. "I'm not trying to be a dick. I just... I don't want you to get hurt. Again."

Something about the sincerity in his voice makes my chest tighten.

I glance at him, taking in the concern etched into his features. For all the times Ian is an absolute pain in my ass, he does care.

Which makes this even harder.

Because if I tell him there's nothing between Gray and me, it would be a lie.

And if I tell him the truth...

I shake the thought away.

"It's fine," I say, forcing a small smile. "You have nothing to worry about."

Ian doesn't look convinced, but he nods anyway, sighing as he leans back against the seat.

I take that as my cue to leave.

Gripping the door handle, I push it open and step out into the cool night air. I shut the door behind me and start toward my building, my heart still hammering against my ribs.

I should feel relieved.

Ian dropped it—for now.

But the weight of his words still lingers.

Gray's not the guy for you.

I shake my head, trying to clear the thought as I pull out my keys.

It doesn't matter.

This thing between Gray and me—it's nothing.

It's temporary.

It has to be.

So why does it feel like I'm already losing control?

My key slides into the lock, but I don't turn it right away. My mind is still racing—still tangled in Ian's suspicion and Gray's relentless teasing. I just need to get inside, shut the door, and pretend none of it exists.

But then—

A door creaks open behind me.

Gray's door.

I freeze. My heart lurches into my throat.

Footsteps. Light. Hesitant.

I turn my head just as Cleo steps out of his apartment.

She stops dead in her tracks.

Her wide eyes land on me, mirroring the shock I feel clawing up my spine.

For a moment, neither of us move. Neither of us speak.

Because I wasn't expecting her.

And from the look on her face—

She wasn't expecting me, either.