Page 45 of First Chance

His confession stops me just before I get to the guesthouse.

“Why would you tell them that? It’s not their job to watch out for me? It was those other weirdos’ fault.”

“Their job is to do what I tell them to. And, if they’re too dumb to realize that there could have been a worse outcome to what they did, then they need to be reminded not to be dumb asses.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“No, you’re naive.” His condescending words roll over me painfully.

He probably doesn’t realize how close to home his comment hits. How being sheltered by my parents has set me back in life significantly. That’s why I’ve worked so hard in school. I can control my knowledge, and no one can take it from me.

“Maybe I am naive, but they shouldn’t be blamed for it. I’ll apologize to Arizona and Jordy in the morning.”

“You better fucking not.”

“If you think I’m going to listen to you about this, then you’re naive.”

“You’re the only person who gets away with this shit, Jo.”He curses under his breath and stomps up the porch steps.

“Lochlan!” I call after him.

“What?” He yells back,fullyannoyed with me.

“Can you take my ice cream inside? They won’t fit in my mini fridge.”

He stomps back down the steps and over to me before I can take a step in his direction. “Give me the fucking ice cream.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he grumbles.

* * *

Jo: The guys are having another fire on Friday

Lochlan: No

Jo: I didn’t even ask a question

Lochlan: Answer is no

Jo: Can I go?

Lochlan: No

Jo: URGGG!!

Jo: What else am I supposed to do all summer?

Jo: Are you ignoring me?

Jo: I’m going to the fire

Chapter Fifteen

Lochlan

8 years ago…

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