Page 35 of Hard Hitter

Laughing, Quinn pointed a finger at her. "Don't use my middle name out loud. People willknowmy mom was on drugs when she named me."

Rae clapped a hand over her mouth, trying to cover up her laugh.

"Are you laughing? You're laughing because my mom is a drug addict? That's really insensitive, Rae, wow," Quinn pressed, amused. She was really the only person he could joke like this with, and it felt good after the strain that had been put on their friendship over the last couple of weeks.

They continued joking around and talking like they always did. It was as if nothing had changed, and they really had come to the dance together. Quinn asked Rae to dance during a slow song and they stayed on the dance floor for a few more upbeat songs after that. He wasn't sure at what point he remembered that he actually had come with a date, thinking she must be around here somewhere. Although, hewasn't particularly interested in another savage attack. Unfortunately, Liam hadnotforgotten that he'd come with a date.

The DJ put on another slow song and Liam cut in, glowering at Quinn before he and Rae could couple up again. At first, Quinn felt slighted, but the friendly, even flirty, banter between him and Rae was still making him buzz. Plus, he couldn't really blame Liam for wanting to dance with his own date, especially when she looked like that.

Quinn wandered over to the beverage table, where he was sure someone had spiked the punch, as was some sort of tradition at these things. Jett was holding a plastic cup in each hand, sipping from one of them when Quinn approached.

“Britney was looking for you,” Jett said with a sly grin. “Looking for a little more back seat limo action probably.”

Quinn groaned and rolled his eyes. “I can’t fucking believe that happened.”

“And what happened exactly?” Jett asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

“I was viciously attacked,” Quinn replied, searching the room for his date. He wasn’t interested in another round, but he’d need to keep tabs on her location so he could successfully dodge her.

“You looked pretty relaxed for being attacked,” Jett said. “Soundedpretty relaxed, too.”

“Shut up,” Quinn grumbled. “I should’ve stopped her. Jesus, I got a fucking blow job in the back seat of a limo and all I can think about is what Rae’s gonna think if she finds out.”

“What if she does?” Jett shrugged. “She doesn’t own you, dude.”

More than I’d like to admit.

Sighing, Jett handed one of the cups of punch to Quinn. “Like you said, she didn’thaveto say yes to Liam. But she did and she’s here with him and you’re going to have to deal with it.”

Quinn winced, but still didn’t speak.

“Got it that bad, huh?” Jett said, studying his friend. “Well, for what it’s worth, I think the guy’s an asshole. Rae’s smart...she’ll figure it out.”

Quinn gave an indistinct nod, unsure if he should feel better or worse that Rae was out with a guy who everyone seemed to think was a complete ass. Thinking he wouldn't mind some fresh air, he downed the small drink in his hand and headed toward the door to the gymnasium that led outside to the courtyard.

He stopped at the door, turning and scanning the crowd of coupled bodies, some dancing an awkward distance from their partners, others practically squeezed together in a close and intimate embrace. Quinn hoped to catch a glimpse of Rae again before stepping outside, just needing to see her face again, and silently sending up a prayer that she was looking around for him, or at least looking miserable and annoyed to be stuck with Liam Hamilton.

He had to do a double take when he saw her. He'd seen the light blue and lace of her dress, the sparkling headband in her glossy blonde hair that was cascading down the bare back that her dress showed off so elegantly. She was not looking for him or looking annoyed at being stuck withnotQuinn as her date. Rae's arms were wrapped around the back of Liam's neck, pressing their mouths together in a fervent kiss.

Quinn's breath rushed out of him so suddenly, as if he'd been punched in the stomach. A squeezing pain in his chest made his legs lock and a rolling sensation in his stomach had him feeling sick. He looked away and swallowed, then looked back, focusing his sights on Liam rather than Rae. Anger was easier to deal with than whatever this other feeling was. Jaw clenched, hands balled into fists at his sides, Quinn shoved the door open and walked out, past the courtyard, away from the school, and into the chilling night air.

Chapter 13

The silence of Quinn's hotel suite was too quiet. He'd been lying on the couch with his iPad trying to plan out his date with Rae, but everything he came up with sounded weak and underwhelming. This was the date that would make or break his shot with her. This wasn't about just having sex, although that was certainly a point he was looking forward to. This was about having her. Getting her. Keeping her.

At last, when he was about to resign himself to the bar to ask for Chris and Jett's advice, his phone rang. Quinn sat up to see the name Mamacita appear on his phone, a smile tugged at his lips and he got an idea.

"Hola, Mamacita," Quinn said after swiping to answer the call.

"Oh good, I wasn't sure I'd be able to get in touch," Zoey's voice came across the other end. "How are you? How's your mother doing?"

"I'm fine, mom's fine. I need your help," Quinn rushed all in one breath.

"Um, all right, is everything okay?" Zoey asked, now concerned.

"Yes, everything's great," said Quinn. "Except I need your creativity. You're good at coming up with stuff. You've managed to get me out of some tight spots and keep my appearance a hell of a lot cleaner than it should be."

"This doesn't sound promising..."

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