Page 129 of Tell No Lies

“I know I let you down as a boyfriend, so I’m glad you have Mike. He’ll treat you how you deserve.” He smacked me once on the shoulder before leaving.

I sat there, stunned. That had almost been an apology for being the lamest human ever and dumping me while my world was crumbling around me. Almost.

I noticed people looking at me and smiling when I opened the classroom door and entered the hall. It was as if I entered the Twilight Zone. I was ready to make a run for it when I felt arms slide around my waist, pulling me against a hard body.

“Hey there, beautiful.” Mike’s breath tickled my neck.

I turned in his arms and smiled up at him. “People have been staring and smiling at me all through class. How do they already know?”

He grinned but shrugged his shoulders. “Mckayla probably alerted the troops, and they spread the word. Don’t worry about it. People are just excited for us.”

Sure, people I didn’t know were happy for me, but now I was just thinking about how Gage would feel about the news … or Carter, for that matter. Brandon would probably be happy about it, and he might even let me leave the house with Mike.

Once we got to the lot, Mike twisted me around and pressed my back against my car. He leaned forward with a shy smile and kissed me lightly once. My eyes fluttered closed when his lips pressed against mine again. After a heartbeat, he deepened the kiss, making my toes curl.

Stepping back, he looked down at me with his megawatt smile. “Since you don’t have dance today, do you want to come watch practice?”

I bit my lip to keep myself from responding too quickly. “Actually, I have to practice my solo. Competitions start soon, and I’m one of the three who may be showcased.”

His shoulders fell. “Really? All the other girlfriends come to watch us, though.”

Did he really expect me to forget about my practice to come watch his? “I bet those girls aren’t new on a nationally ranked team. I need to be able to hold my own with these girls.”

“You’re right. I’m just not used to having such a talented girlfriend.” He winked and turned toward his car. “I’ll see you later.”

I stood leaning against my car as I watched him leave. Who knew being in a relationship with him had extracurricular requirements?

Pushing the thought out of my mind, I got in and drove to the studio, counting out my routine. Once I had changed and found an empty room, I turned on my music and began warming up. I had been working on this solo back in Chicago, and it was one of the most difficult pieces I’d ever done.

I lost myself for over two hours before another girl opened the door and asked if she could use the room.

I gathered my things and my bag and headed to my car. I sent Brandon a text letting him know where I was and when I would be home. I knew I was going to be on a short leash for a while. I was shocked he’d even let me go to the studio by myself. I had visions of an ice bath when I got home. Otherwise, I would be too sore for practice tomorrow.

I bought a few bags of ice on my way and waddled through the front door trying to keep a grip on the bags, my dance bag, and my backpack.

I made it a few feet when voices caught me off guard. Brandon had been working late most nights, so I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here for a few hours. Dropping the bags on the floor, I called out for him.

“Hey, Aubrey, we’re in the living room.”

We?

Brandon was sitting on the couch next to Carter with a pizza box between them.

“What’s going on, slackers?”

Carter pulled his gaze off the flat screen long enough to nod and smile before turning back.

I looked at the TV, trying to figure out what had their attention. Basketball. Of course. Soon there was a commercial break, and Brandon turned to me.

“Anything interesting happen today, little sister?” He touched a finger to the edge of his glasses, sliding them up.

I held his gaze. I learned long ago to never admit to anything first. Let him tell me what he knew.

“Anything at all?” Holding out longer earned me a raised eyebrow. He knew something. Nothing interesting had happened, except for Mike, but how could he know that? Actually, there was Mckayla, Diane … even Mike could have already told him.

“We’re going to start a new lab in chemistry next week. We might even get to use real chemicals finally.” I said it with a straight face, not wanting to cave in yet.

“That is interesting. Anything else?”