Page 21 of Hush, Hush

“We should hold a contest.” Keegan’s eyes brighten. “We’ll head to the local college, hold a wet t-shirt competition, or something similar, to recruit girls.”

Hunter scratches his jaw. “We’ll have to pay them handsomely. He never mentioned if we had a budget to work with or anything.”

I run my hands through my hair, exasperated that all we’re stuck on is the female entertainment. “He said we have to plan it from the ground up, so what would we do if this was our business?” I peer around the room, but they just stare at me, blinking, more than likely daydreaming about wet t-shirt contests. “We would decide what kind of budget we need and write up a proposal to the board. Jeez, do you guys have tits that much on the brain that you can’t even think straight?”

Everyone laughs. Keegan even playfully nudges my knee with his before addressing the room again. “We can also get donations. He said this party was almost as big as graduation. We could get Armani to donate suits for door prizes, or Dior. What company like that wouldn’t want to get their product in front of well…people like us?” He waits for them all to laugh, and then states, “Here’s what we’ll do.” Keegan goes into CEO mode like he’s been doing it his whole life. He tells them to question their families about previous Devil’s Night parties, then instructs them to make a list of contacts they might have in prominent fashion and accessory companies. Finally, he finishes with informing them that they’re to make a separate list of ideas for both getting the guests to the island and what we’ll do when they get there.

“What about the actual event planning?” I ask. “Dishes, tablecloths, decorations…” I start listing all the different, finer details that make great foundations for parties, but that are also often overlooked.

“That sounds like a you job,” he says.

“Sexist much?”

His lips thin. He locks gazes with me in a way that makes me think he’s actually trying to figure me out. “We’ll hire an event planner.” Shrugging, he adds, “We’ll need a theme first. Add that to your ideas list. We’ll talk it out and vote next time we meet.”

Honestly, if he weren’t so dismissive, I would be attracted to the man who just took over the committee like he owned it. He took charge, and from eyeing everyone around the room, I can see they’re deferring to him. I have no idea how the Forbes’ men do it. It’s like they get in a room and they can’t help but take charge of it.

“Dee, take note of everyone in the room and start a text chain so we can contact each other if something comes up.”

My stomach clenches. Everyone else is getting up from their chairs, ready to leave. There’s no time to start something, but he’s clearly addressed me like I’m the committee secretary.

Everyone leaves, and he notices I’m drilling holes into the side of his head. “What?” he snaps.

“I have to start the text chain? Should I have taken minutes too, Keegan? Come on.”

“Give me a break. I asked because I figured you’d have everyone’s number. You’ve had the same phone number for the longest time. Every guy I know has changed numbers at least a dozen times.”

“I’m a part of this committee. You made sure of it, so the least you can do is realize I can do more than act like your personal secretary.”

He runs his hand through his golden-brown hair. “You’re a pain in my ass. First, I have to escort you to classes now because everyone knows you’re a withering virgin, and now you’re giving me shit for asking you to do something.”

“There were six other people in the room. You could’ve asked any one of them to do it. But that’s beside the point. Who said you could be boss?”

He grins. It’s so malicious and cutting that there’s no way it could be described as happy. “I’m always the boss, Delilah.” He leans over to nip at my ear. “Remember that.” He lets those words sink in before getting to his feet. “Now, come on. I’ve got to get you back to your room.”

I open my mouth to argue, but in a way, this works in my favor. If Keegan and I could just stop picking fights, we might find a way to come to a truce. Each of us think we can’t be what the other needs, but maybe that’s because there’s so much shit between us to wade through. The journey will be difficult, but if we get through it, the ending could be way better than we ever imagined.

“I accept your offer,” I tell him.

“I wasn’t offering. I was telling.”

Or he could just be a control freak asshole.

ChapterEleven

What seems like a blink of an eye, Keegan goes from being an overbearing asshole to an overbearing—yet caring—asshole.

Last night alone, I received more texts from him than in the last year combined. Each of them was to check up on me.

Make sure your door is locked.

Call me if you need anything.

Are your windows locked?

The last one, though, shocked me.Goodnight, Dee.

I refused to answer the last because of the butterflies it gave me. He hadn’t texted me ‘goodnight’ since the last time we officially dated. Instead of that bringing up bad memories like when he cheated, I remember all the good things about Keegan and I together. He was fun, caring. Sure, he could act aloof sometimes, but I figured that was because of his age, not because he lacked concern for me.

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