Page 52 of Make You Mine

She smiles. “God, yes.” She intertwines her arm with mine, and we walk into the teachers’ lounge to grab our stuff. “I was worrying you’d never ask again after last time.”

17

MADELYN

Twenty minutes later, Hannah and I clink our daiquiri and margarita glasses. We’re sitting at a table at our local bar, ready to get drunk with class.

“I’m so glad we’re doing this,” Hannah says. “I had the most stressful day. I really need this.”

“Me too.” I chug down my drink and straighten, taking out my phone from my handbag.

Seven thirty. It’s still early. I open the camera app and point the phone at myself. Hannah sees me doing it and joins in for the picture with her drink.

We’re smiling, both with reddened cheeks. We look like we’re having a good time.

Perfect get back image. Perfect bait.

I click on the thread of messages my stalker sent, press on the number he gave me, and add it to contacts. Then, I open a new message, attach the picture, and send it along with a quick note.

Madelyn:

Whoops, sorry, can’t make it to our session tonight. Too busy having fun. You’re welcome to stop by.

My heart’s beating fast as I prepare for my next move. I can’t believe I’m being this reckless.

I click on location and send it.

I’m giving him no excuse not to show up, if he dares.

To my surprise, there’s no instant reply this time.

So, I leave my phone aside on our table and focus on my friend.

“One more drink?” I suggest.

“Keep ’em coming.” Hannah laughs. “As long as I’m able to walk straight tomorrow without a headache pulsating through my temples.”

“If we stay here long enough, I doubt that’d be the reason you won’t be able to walk straight tomorrow, babe.” I wink at her.

“God, I want to get laid.” She groans as she empties her glass. “I’ve been reading this dark cowboy romance where he teaches her how to ride a horse and is an expert with ropes. There are more than a few things I’d love to try, and that’s all I’ll say.”

“That sounds fun.” I giggle. “But I’m perfectly fine having a drink with my friend to detox after work, no guys involved.”

Even if the temptation is big. And it would piss off my stalker even more.

“Okay. Yes, girl. You’re right. Chicks over dicks, anytime.” She clinks her empty glass with mine. “Let’s get another drink!”

And just as we say that, a group of four guys walk into the bar.

Hannah and I follow them with our eyes.

One of them has short blond hair and a trimmed beard, shoulders for days, wrapped in a tight white T-shirt and a denim jacket. Square jaw and full lips. Another one, taller, with dark locks and even darker eyes wears a black jacket, a band T-shirt, and blue jeans.

The next, shorter and leaner, is in a knit sweater and jeans in warmer colors, with a cool mustache and wavy brown hair. His eyes are the star of the show though, green as emeralds behind frames.

The last one to walk in is the one who has my whole attention. Dark brown hair and similar-colored eyes. Arms full of tattoos. Wearing a T-shirt and holding a jacket in his arm. All in black.

Confusion ripples through my face with the recognition of the familiar face.