Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 122030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 610(@200wpm)___ 488(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 610(@200wpm)___ 488(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
“I’ve been thinking about it…” I start.
“Yeah?” Fenn looks down to meet my eyes.
“Where we went wrong the first time.”
“All right…”
He’s understandably wary. We did make each other a promise that if we were going to do second chances, it meant leaving the past behind. No throwing our mistakes in each other’s faces every time we have an argument. We now operate in a strict guilt-free zone.
“We have to agree to trust each other with the truth.”
His shoulders relax on a relieved exhale. “That sounds reasonable.”
“Like, I’d rather someone be honest with me than try to spare my feelings, you know?”
“Same.”
“There’s a kind of manipulation in withholding information. I don’t like feeling controlled. And I’d never want to make you feel that way either.”
Fenn kisses the top of my head. “I can make that deal. You have my word—I’m never going to let you down again.”
“You’re allowed to screw up sometimes,” I remind him with a playful yank on his lapels. “Let’s just try not to make the same mistakes twice.”
His eyes wander over my shoulder. “Off-topic… How long you think before Sloane is off surveillance duty?”
I follow his gaze when he spins us around to see Sloane and RJ conspicuously monitoring us through the crowd.
“She isn’t subtle, is she?”
“As an air-raid siren.”
I snicker, and we gradually shimmy our way farther from their prying eyes.
“She’ll get there eventually,” I tell him. “Sloane needs a little time to process the new normal and trust you again.”
“I think you underestimate the pleasure she takes in despising me.”
Yeah. Those two are a good distance from becoming friends again. As much as Sloane has preached forgiveness lately, she’s not quite ready to trust Fenn yet, least of all with me. Still, it’s enough that she’s agreed not to give me grief about us getting back together.
“If it’s any consolation, she’s going away to college next year. Even Sloane can’t have eyes everywhere at once.”
He gives me a skeptical frown, which is sort of adorable. She puts the fear of death in his soul. I guess that’s what big sisters are for.
“Speaking of trusting people again…”
His shoulders stiffen. Fenn knows exactly what I’m going to say before I even get the words out and rolls his eyes on a frustrated sigh.
“Sulk all you want,” I tease.
“Let’s not ruin a good night.” His voice goes rough. Tired.
“I’m sorry, but you can’t forgive me and still hold a grudge against Lawson.”
“Counterpoint: Yes, I can.”
“Fenn.”
“I’m a multitasker.”
He’s a pain in the ass.
“What does it matter anymore? We’re together. You’re the one I want. Can’t you let him off the hook?”
“It’s not about jealousy,” he insists.
“Then what?”
Fenn’s voice grows more agitated. “He betrayed our friendship. I’d never have done that to him.”
“Maybe not premeditatedly…”
For that, I get a chastising glare. “You didn’t owe me any loyalty, Case. We weren’t together. But Lawson did owe me that. So, no, I can’t forgive him.”
“It’s not like he pursued me,” I argue, while fighting an inward battle between guilt and frustration. “It just happened.”
“Sorry, I don’t believe that. Lawson’s a conniving piece of shit. Everything he does is designed to inflict maximum damage. He can go to hell.”
Fenn’s demeanor takes a drastic dive, and it’s clear we’re not coming to any compromises about this tonight, so I let it go. No sense ruining the whole night over it. Better to let some time pass when cooler heads can prevail and the wound isn’t as fresh.
We take a break from dancing, and Fenn goes to grab us a couple of drinks while I dart off to use the restroom. As I reach the double doors, Gray Robson intercepts me, flashing an awkward smile. He looks like a movie star with his black suit and handsome clean-shaven face.
“Casey. Hey.”
“Hi.” I offer a quick smile.
“I, ah…” He slides his hands into his trouser pockets. “Have you spoken to Jaz lately?”
Damn it. Jaz told me this week that Gray’s been pushing her about dating officially and she’s not on board. I sort of regret introducing those two. Especially now, when I can feel Bree’s murderous gaze boring into me and Gray. She’s standing at the punch table with Ainsley, and while she might not be the brightest bulb in the bunch, even Bree knows when her boyfriend’s up to something shady.
“I talk to her every day at school,” I say before edging toward the exit. “Sorry, can we do this later? I need to hit the ladies’ room.”
His low, frustrated voice stops me. “Could you just tell her to call me? Please?”
My response lacks any sympathy. “Go dance with your girlfriend, Gray,” I tell him, then duck out the doors.
I’m halfway down the hall when I hear footsteps behind me. For fuck’s sake. I spin, expecting to find that Gray had followed me.
But it’s not Gray.
I freeze on the spot.