Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 131789 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 659(@200wpm)___ 527(@250wpm)___ 439(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131789 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 659(@200wpm)___ 527(@250wpm)___ 439(@300wpm)
When he pulls back to meet my eyes, however, there’s something haunted lingering at the edges.
“What’s wrong?”
A brief struggle plays across his face before he sighs and pushes his plate to the side. “I got the security footage from the boathouse.”
“What, seriously?” My outburst is louder than I intend. I quickly lower my voice while asking, “Have you seen it yet? Was there anything on it?”
RJ gives me a reluctant nod.
“What?” I demand.
“I’m warning you,” he says gravely. “It’s fucked up.”
I don’t care what’s on it. I have to know. Nothing can be worse than the version in my head that’s grown more graphic and terrifying every day for months since that night.
Without another word, I drag him into the den and close the door behind us.
Chapter 57
Fenn
She asks me to meet her at the lake. And because I’m a masochist, I can’t say no. Instead, I throw a hoodie on, shove my feet into a pair of sneakers, and practically sprint all the way there. I’m pathetic. Last time we spoke, I told her I fucked her sister and that I didn’t want to be her boyfriend. I burned that bridge. Or at least, I should’ve. Instead, I’m racing through the ashes of that burnt bridge just to see her.
And what the hell is wrong with her that she’s asking to meet? My callous words were designed to push her away and this chick is inviting me right back in.
But of course she is. Because she’s Casey Tresscott, an endless well of forgiveness and compassion. It probably took her all of five minutes to forgive me for sleeping with Sloane and deciding our friendship is too important to lose.
Christ. If she only knew she’s got way bigger things to forgive me for.
“Hey,” Casey says when she sees me emerge into the clearing. She’s wearing black leggings and an oversized blue sweater the same shade as her eyes. Her hair is pulled back in a low ponytail, emphasizing her high cheekbones.
“Hey,” I say gruffly.
“Thanks for coming.”
I shove my hands in my pockets, slowing my gait as I approach her. “What’s this about?”
She rolls her eyes. “You know what it’s about, Fenn.”
A breath gets stuck in my throat. Yeah. I know. “Let me guess,” I say flatly. “You don’t give a shit that I slept with Sloane.”
“Not really, no.” She shrugs. “It happened before you and I ever even had a real conversation. Everyone has baggage. And trust me, I’m well aware of yours.” Her eyes narrow. “With that said, I don’t appreciate that the only reason you told me was because you were trying to hurt me.”
I blink in surprise. “I…wasn’t trying to hurt you,” I lie.
Casey laughs. “Bullshit. You freaked out because you wanted to kiss me and decided the best way to push me away was to drop a bomb like that.”
Frustration creeps up my spine, stiffening my muscles. Fuck’s sake. Why does this girl have to be so damn smart?
“Listen, I’m sorry for hurting you and spitting the truth out like that, all callous like. But telling you about it had nothing to do with the kissing thing.”
She just laughs again.
“It didn’t,” I insist. Taking a breath, I force myself to reiterate what I’d said the other day. “I don’t feel the same way as—”
Casey cuts me off by grabbing the front of my hoodie and pulling me down for a kiss.
Our mouths collide, her warm lips latching on before I can react. And the moment I get a taste, I couldn’t stop this even if I wanted to. It’s the kind of kiss that fogs your brain and makes you lose track of your surroundings. The lake disappears, the grass beneath our feet, the trees, the sky. It’s just me and Casey, her hands on my chest, her eager lips moving over mine.
When the tip of her tongue darts out to tease mine, my entire body clenches and my heart rate becomes dangerously high. I groan, deepening the kiss, all but attacking her with my tongue.
We’re both breathing heavily when we finally come up for air.
It takes a second for my body to stop trembling. “Casey,” I start, my voice shaky. “We’re just friends. I’m not interested in anything more…” I trail off weakly.
She tips her head to look at me, her expression gleaming with satisfaction. “No, we’re not,” she says firmly. “And yes, you are.”
Then she kisses me a second time.
God help me, but once again I don’t stop her.
EPILOGUE
SLOANE
Settling on the overstuffed leather couch, RJ pulls a tablet out of his bag. I sit beside him, impatiently tapping my fingers on my thigh as I wait for him to play the video. I figure we have some time before my dad notices and walks by loudly clearing his throat.
“Here we go,” RJ says grimly.
I lean forward to study the screen. The resolution isn’t great. The images are dark and somewhat blurry.