Page 109 of Tell No Lies

“That’s strike one. Watch it, mister.”

Before he could respond, I shoved the rest into his mouth. He groaned and glared at me while trying to keep it in. My laughter was making me shake on his lap.

“What’s going on over here?”

I looked up and met Mike’s disapproving gaze. “Nothing.” I said it so fast it sounded suspicious even to me.

Mike crossed his arms over his broad chest and sized up Tucker. “I had space saved for you over by me. That’s where your friends are sitting too.”

I looked down so he couldn’t see my indecision. I should go with him, but I was actually having fun with Tucker. He wasn’t as bad as I’d thought.

“It looked pretty crowded earlier. I’ll just come find you guys later.” I bit my lip, waiting for his reaction.

His eyes darkened, and his jaw clenched. “Fine.” He turned and walked away before I could say anything else.

“You could have gone with him.”

I met Tucker’s gaze and saw the surprise in his eyes. I guess I had shocked all of us with my choice.

“I promised you tonight.” I tried to push away the dread. I needed to prove to myself that I could survive on my own. I knew I would hear about it when I got back to our room tonight, but for right now, I wanted to enjoy the evening.

☼ ☼ ☼

None of the girls said anything about my choice to hang out with Tucker, which shocked me. At the very least, I was expecting a verbal beat down from Alexis, but nothing was said. I kept waiting for it even as we changed into our pajamas and figured out the sleeping situation, but it never got brought up.

I was lying next to Mckayla on the bed, drifting to sleep, when Talia broke the silence. “Tonight was not forgotten, missy.”

I sighed and sank farther into my pillow.

“Yeah, I don’t know what possessed your brain tonight, but I’ll just assume you weren’t yourself.”

Gee, thanks, Alexis.

“Girls, stop. She looked like she was having a good time. Maybe she brings out a good side in Tucker.” I nudged Mckayla, silently thanking her.

“Or he just wants in her pants.”

“Alexis!” This time Cassie had my back.

“What? That’s how he is.”

Finally, I broke my silence. “It was just for one night. He was a gentleman, but I’m not interested in him.”

“That’s how he lures his victims in.” Alexis wasn’t going to give it up.

“Maybe, but don’t worry. I just wanted to branch out a little this weekend. This doesn’t mean anything.”

I heard Alexis grumble, but I couldn’t make out what she said.

Cassie was understanding, though. “Good for you. If I hadn’t branched out, Caleb would have never asked me out …”

“What?” We all sat up and looked at her. Through the dim light, I could see her blush growing.

“I won!” I’d known it wouldn’t take long.

We all laughed before Cassie told us the story. Evidently, Caleb was serious about her and didn’t want to risk any other guy snatching her up. How precious.

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