Page 47 of The Penalty

“Hey, my dad is here to pick me up,” Kylie announces.

I stiffen in my seat but hope Hayes doesn’t notice. Thankfully, he’s looking in the other direction and talking to Ryan about something.

“You called your dad?” I ask.

She shrugs. “I knew he’d still be up. And it’s a hell of a lot safer to have him come get me than get in a stranger’s car.”

I nod, trying to calm my pulse. “Right. Yeah. That makes sense.”

She stands from her chair. “You coming?”

I shake my head. “No. I’m going to stay here tonight.”

She raises her eyebrows, and then a slow smile spreads across her face when she looks between me and Hayes. Not what I intended, but I’d rather her think I’m finally into Hayes than into her dad, so I don’t correct her.

“K. Call me in the morning, and I’ll come get you,” she says.

I nod, and she walks back into the house.

Not even two minutes later, Tyler is standing at the backdoor without Kylie, his eyes glaring at Hayes’s hand on my shoulder.

“Coach!” someone calls when they notice him standing there.

He nods his head in acknowledgment. “Boys. I’m going to pretend that I didn’t see that keg in there.”

Everyone laughs. Everyone except me. Why is he here? Kylie went out to meet him, so he should’ve left.

“McKenzie, can I talk to you a sec?” he asks. His tone is casual, but the glare in his eyes is not.

Hayes removes his arm from my shoulders and is still talking to Ryan.

Reluctantly, I stand and follow Tyler inside.

“Why aren’t you coming home with us?” he asks in a low voice once we’re away from the remaining party guests.

We’re alone in the living room, and Tyler is standing closer to me than usual. I sway slightly on my feet as I say, “I’m going to stay here tonight. Hayes said I could.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “Come back with us. That way, I know you’ll be safe. You’ve clearly had a lot to drink.”

“You want to know I’m safe or that I’m alone? Because one of those is none of your business.”

His dark eyes meet mine. “McKenzie.”

“Tyler,” I say in a mocking tone. “I’m an adult, and I’m choosing to stay here with Hayes.”

He leans in closer to me. “Do you want me to beg, McKenzie? Because I will.” When I don’t say anything, he continues, “Please come back to the house with us. I need to know you’re there.” He pauses, and his eyes soften. “Please.”

I swallow hard. The ‘please’ makes my insides feel like jelly. Why can’t I say no to him? “Fine. Let me tell Hayes.”

He nods and takes a step back. I walk back outside. “Hey, change of plans. I’m gonna head out.”

Hayes looks a little bummed, but he doesn’t try to change my mind. “Ok, babe. Do you need me to call you a ride?”

“No. Coach is going to drop me off.” Thankfully, I’m not drunk enough to admit to everyone that I’m secretly crashing at Tyler’s house.

“Cool. See you next week.”

I smile, nod, and then turn back toward Tyler. He’s leaning against the kitchen counter, likely surveying the mess and the alcohol. He’s also wearing my favorite pair of gray sweatpants that fit him perfectly in all the right places.