Page 156 of The Rookie

"Hey, Cass!" she says, her tone pitched too high.

I smirk, crossing my arms as I watch her try to pull herself together. She smooths her dress, but it’s hopeless—it’s wrinkled, her hair’s a mess, and her lips are swollen. And damn if it isn’t the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.

"Where are you?" Cassie’s voice is loud enough for me to hear through the line. "We’re heading to another bar. You coming?"

Avery glances at me, her cheeks flushing, and I can see the gears turning in her head.

"Uh… yeah," she stammers. "I just…needed some air. I’ll be back in a minute."

"You okay?" Cassie asks, her voice softening.

Avery hesitates, her fingers tightening around the phone. "Yeah. I’m fine. I’ll see you soon."

She hangs up, her shoulders sagging as she lets out a shaky breath.

"Smooth," I tease, my voice low and rough.

She glares at me, though the corner of her mouth twitches. "Don’t even start."

I push off the wall, closing the space between us in two strides. My hand finds her waist, my thumb brushing the curve of her hip.

"You sure you’re fine?" I ask, my voice softening as I tilt her chin up, forcing her to meet my gaze.

Her lips part, her eyes searching mine, and for a second, I think she’s going to say something real—something big.

But instead, she shakes her head, stepping back. "We should go. Cassie’s waiting."

I nod, though every cell in my body is screaming at me to keep her here.

Because the truth is—this isn’t enough. It’ll never be enough.

As we step back into the crowded, noisy club, the spell between us fades, replaced by the harsh glow of reality.

But one thought lingers in the back of my mind, as persistent as the thrum of the bass.

Before I can shake it, Avery’s soft voice cuts through the haze.

“Griff,” she whispers, glancing around nervously. “We need to figure out a way to tell her. We can’t let this be a secret. It’s not right.”

I pause, tugging my jacket back into place, my mind racing.

“I’ll figure something out,” I mutter, straightening the collar.

Her eyes narrow slightly, doubt flickering across her face. “How?”

I meet her gaze, trying to summon the confidence I don’t entirely feel.

“Avery, it’ll be fine. I got this.”

Her lips press into a thin line, and for a second, I think she’s going to push back. But instead, she exhales, shaking her head.

“You better,” she says quietly, her fingers brushing mine as we move toward the table.

Cassie’s already waiting, her face lighting up when she spots us. "There you two are! What took so long?"

Avery and I exchange a glance, the silent secret between us hanging heavy in the air.

“Bathroom line,” I lie smoothly, flashing a grin as I slide back into my seat.

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