Page 90 of Hyde and Seek

It was obvious that I wasn’t dressed for work. I knew it and she knew it. Any idiot could see that. Just like any idiot could see that she was trying to make a jab when there wasn’t one to be made. I’d have been proud to bake for a function like this.

I was always careful about keeping my walls up with Dana, and this was the perfect example of why. There were times when we’d have such a blast together that it made me forget the times like these.

Those good times were coming few and far between.

Instead, she’d become focused on climbing the social ladder.

Even if it meant using her friends as rungs.

“No, not working. I’m actually here with Jake Hyde. So if you’ll excuse me, he should be done soon. Enjoy your evening.”

“Goodbye, Piper,” James replied, his face and tone not matching his polite words.

I nodded as I turned from them.

My progress was halted a few steps later, when a vaguely familiar man stepped in front of me and blocked my way.

I couldn’t place where I recognized him from. His chestnut hair was styled to look casual and wild when I’d put money on a hairdresser spending ages getting it just right. His brown eyes weren’t warm, and his smile was more of a sneer.

He was definitely attractive, but it was obvious that he knew it.

“Hey, gorgeous.”

“Hi,” I replied politely, moving to walk around him. He shifted his large frame to block me again.

Uhh, ever hear of personal space? ‘Cause you’re all up in my bubble right now.

“And what might your name be?” His voice was condescending as he looked me over.

“Piper. And what might yours be?” I asked, using the same tone.

“You don’t recognize me?”

“Vaguely.”

“I would’ve guessed with the tattoos and rocker thing you’re workin’ that you would. Kind of refreshing that you don’t, actually,” he lied, obviously ticked off. “I’m Blake Green.”

That explains the off the charts reading on my Douche Radar.

Blake Green was the lead singer of Static in the Sun, a popular rock band, though I wasn’t a fan. They were constantly on the verge of breaking up.

The weight of the egos alone must weigh down the tour bus.

“Nice to meet you.” I turned to walk away.

Blake grabbed my wrist and twisted me back facing him. “Oh, gorgeous, don’t go breakin’ my heart by leaving me with these bores.” He rudely tilted his head towards the people who’d been talking to him. “Are you here with someone?”

“Yes.”

“Who?”

“Jake Hyde.” Though it wasn’t any of his business, I hoped dropping Jake’s name would be enough to get him to back off.

“Sweet young thing like you? You aren’t anywhere near his type.”

Huh, seems like carrying around that giant, egotistical head of his means there’s no room left for some common sense.

“Well, you know what they say about variety. Enjoy your night.” I fake smiled, trying, and failing, to pull my arm from him without making a scene.

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