Page 32 of Never Tear Us Apart

She looks at me for another moment then flicks her eyes back to Cal and wraps her arms around his neck. “That was some night,” she purrs.

“Was it?” he asks cockily.

“You know it was.” She tosses her hair back and flashes him a winning smile. “Now, how about some coffee?”

“Sure,” he nods to the kitchen, “help yourself.”

She brings a hand to her neck and fingers it playfully, and I can’t help but laugh. Hearing it, she whips her head in my direction.

“Guess southern hospitality hasn’t rubbed off on your friends yet, huh All American?”

“Their manners are just fine,” I toss back.

Cal lifts his chin and gives me a clipped nod. There’s a lot to be said with the simple gesture, including thanks and truce.

Seeing the silent exchange between Cal and I, Marcus clears his throat and addresses Mildred politely.

“I was going to run out and grab some coffee and bagels. Why don’t you come with us and we can drop you home on the way?”

“Us?” Cal arches his brow.

Marcus grips his shoulder and squeezes. “Fresh air could do us both some good, don’t you think?”

“Great idea,” Jake agrees.

“Can you drive?” I ask Marcus.

“Yup,” he nods. “Switched to water at midnight. I’m good.”

“Alright. Take the Jeep. Keys are on the table in the hall.”

“Cool. Thanks man.”

Maude studies Marcus, Cal, and I, and zeroes in on the ice wrapped in a towel on the table. “Looks like I missed something earlier?”

“Nothing you need to be concerned with,” I fire back.

Cal grins and lifts his chin. “When I get back, how about I wipe your ass at SEGA?”

Feeling the tension between us lift, my lip hitches and I give him a clipped nod. “You’re on, dick.”

“Alright.” Marcus runs a hand through his hair, then holds it out indicating for Miriam to head out first. “Shall we?”

Maylene looks over at me and narrows her eyes. “See you around, Cruz.”

“I wouldn’t count on it.”

Cal starts his way down the hall and she and Marcus follow. When I hear the front door open then close, I exhale with relief.

“What was that about?” Jake asks with a laugh.

“Former classmate.” I turn back around. “Started some shit with me last night.”

“About?”

“Nothing important.”

“Okay,” he drawls, and reaches for the ice and puts it back on my hand. “So, do you want to talk about what just happened?”

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