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"You first." I default to a typical comeback, but the defense doesn't stick.
How could I be mad about anything?
Daphne likes me.
Suddenly, I'm fourteen again. I'm ready to skip home because a girl likes me.
I want to send her a notelet's meet in the library after class. I want to kiss her between the stacks of books.
"She's not looking for serious though," Cassie says. "Only a fling. And we both know you can't do that. And if anyone found out—" She shakes her head. "Mom and Dad would start planning the wedding. Her parents too."
Sure, our parents would be happy to see us settle down, but I doubt they'd rush headfirst into wedding planning. They're not exactly begging Cassie and Damon to set a date.
"I can do it," I say.
Cassie shoots me one of those Steele-familydon'tlooks. "Seriously, Jackson. She isn't in the place for a relationship. And neither are you. What happened to Maddie?"
"You knew we were dating?"
"Was it a secret?" She shakes her head. "No wonder her Instagram comments are awkward." Cassie looks to her deep pink nail polish. "No. I know you'll do the right thing. You always do. And you're both adults and, obviously, it would be peak hypocrisy for me to tell you not to date her."
It would, but that doesn't stop most people.
"Just promise you won't break her heart, okay? Whatever you do, please be careful with her. If you promise that, I'll drop my defense for the weekend. You can check on me and Damon as much as you want. You can even get updates for Dad so he stops bugging you."
"He doesn't ask for updates."
She raises a browsure, he doesn't.
Okay, he did ask me to send updates, but I didn't agree. "I'm not sending updates."
"Sure. But you can. Just be careful with my best friend. Okay?"
"Of course." I offer her my hand to shake. "I'd never hurt her."
Unless she asked me to.
But that's not what my sister means.
She doesn't meandon't break her heart, but do bend her over your knee and spank her so hard you leave marks.
Chapter Twelve
Daphne
"So, what's up with you and Jackson." My brother smooths his jeans in a transparent attempt to appear casual.
Of course, I do the same thing. An instinct. Only I smooth my shorts and, despite my outfit, I look even less casual.
We're here, in the dark theater, the only two people in the immediate area.
Zack and Laurel are getting drinks.
Rome and the grooms are with the four of them.
Juliette couldn't make it.
Or there's no Juliette.
