Page 11 of Trust Me Always

Mason chuckles. “See you guys Saturday.”

We nod, and Brady pins me with a hard look.

“If you go out tonight, I better get a call andnotonly after you’re buzzin’ and need a ride home.”

“Whatever you say, Big Guy.”

“I mean it.” He frowns.

“I know.”

That frown deepens. “Why do I feel like I’m being played right now?”

The twins laugh and my own follows. I take my fave twin and loop my arm through hers.

“Later, boys!” I shout when we’re a few feet away.

“Swear to god, Cammie Baby, if you don’t let me know you’re going out!”

“What’s he gonna do, spank me?” I say to Ari, and the two of us laugh.

We might be out of earshot, but he hears our laughter and shouts again.

“I didn’t mean you can’t call if you get buzzed! Swear, girl, your ass better if you drink somewhere! Do not walk home alone!”

Shaking our heads, we make the five-minute walk to our dorm building.

My mood is uplifted, and I decide a night in with some chocolate pudding, Scooby-Doo! grahams, and last week’s episode ofDatelinesounds like a nice way to end my school week.

I’m so glad I didn’t sign up for hours at the child development center on Fridays. I’m living for these three-day weekends.

Perky and ready for a good face mask and junk food, I add a little skip to my step, and Ari chuckles, following along.

And then we walk around the corner, coming face-to-face with Alister freaking Howl.

He grins and I growl.

Of course, that only makes him grin wider.

But why does it have to be such a good grin? All curved and cool and gorgeous and shit.

“Hey, beautiful. Ari.”

Ari gives a tight-lipped smile before glancing my way and motioning with her head to let me know she’s going to go inside.

He watches her a moment, making this even more awkward, then looks back to me.

“How was class?” he asks, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

“Peachy. How’s Allana?”

He winces, nodding as he glances away. “I deserve that.”

Not exactly an answer that clears up if he’s still playing the scorned, stalking lover.

Did he love her?

Better yet, does he love her?

---