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“Michael?”

I snap my head to my right and find Sienna standing a little too close. Jeez, when did she get here?

“I said your name three times. Are you okay?” Eyes narrowed, she tilts her head.

“Yeah, just tired. Practice yesterday was rough, and, with all the party prep, I didn’t have much time to rest.”

“I understand,” she says, stepping closer. “But you only turn sixteen once. You should be enjoying yourself.” She puts an arm on my bicep and brushes up against me. “Can I ask you something?”

I hold my breath, her overly sweet caramel scent making me nauseous. “Sure.”

“Do you like Isla?”

My whole body jerks, and my neck burns instantly. “What? No. Why would you even⁠—”

She lifts her brows. “You’ve been staring at her since she walked in.”

I swallow hard, willing my pulse to slow but having no such luck.

I do like Isla. I like her more than I should. But there’s no way in hell I’ll tell Sienna that before I tell Isla herself.

“It’s not like that,” I say, too quickly. “She’s just my friend. That’s all.”

The lie is like sandpaper on my throat. My shoulders lock up, and I look anywhere but at Sienna.

“Yeah?” she says, her tone deceptively light. “Kind of hard to believe, considering how you clench your jaw anytime she talks to Cade.”

I take a step back and glare at her. “Since you’re so observant, you must have noticed Cade and I don’t get along. We never have. Of course I don’t like my best friend hanging out with him, but it’s her choice, not mine.”

Her eyes flare. “I’m observant, all right. You, not so much. Don’t you notice how she looks at him?”

The hair on the back of my neck rises. “Turner is her friend.”

“You sure?” She gives me a sympathetic smile. “Just a friend?”

What is she talking about?

Before I can figure it out, she shifts closer again and grips the front of my T-shirt.

“If you want to prove she’s just your friend,” she whispers, “then kiss me. For real this time, and not whatever the hell that was at Jones’ party.”

My ears ring, drowning out the sounds of the party as she looks up at me expectantly.

Maybe it should be tempting to lean down and press my lips to hers. She’s a beautiful girl. But I feel nothing. There’s no spark, no curiosity, no urge to discover more. Just a quiet but firm no.

“Sienna,” I say gently, taking her hand off my shirt, “I’m not gonna do that.”

Eyes narrowed, she studies me. “Why not? You’re not dating anyone. You like me. Everyone knows that.”

Everyone knows we’re friendly. That’s it.

“You’re a great person,” I say. “And I’m not dating anyone. You’re right on that account. But I don’t want that. Not with you.”

The corners of her mouth drop, and a look of hurt flashes across her face. “Is it because of Isla?” she asks quietly.

A sharp breath leaves me. “I told you we’re just friends. I’m not repeating myself.” I duck my head so we’re eye to eye. “And I’m definitely not kissing anyone to prove a point.”

She chews her bottom lip, gaze downcast. “I really thought you liked me,” she whispers.