Page 3 of The Prom

“Sure, a club sandwich would be good, with some potato chips.”

I rummage in my purse for the money and Jesse smiles softly. “My treat, babe.”

“No, I–”

He captures my objection with his lips and, as he kisses me softly in a surprise attack, I hate that another man’s face is behind my closed eyes.

Before I have time to process that, he pulls away and smiles his usual cheery grin.

“Go and join the others. I won’t be long.”

I nod and as I turn, my heart is beating faster than normal. Was it the kiss, the public display of affection, or a different man altogether?

“Hey, Imogen.”

Cassie waves me over and I plaster a smile on my lips and slide in opposite the happy couple. Frankie and Cassie are a match made in hell because they fit together like a bullet in a custom made gun.

They are dynamic, ruthless and have no fear and love one another just as hard.

Frankie is watching me with his usual thoughtful expression, and I don’t know why I’m squirming on my seat under his dark gaze.

Cassie adds conversation by leaning forward and saying in a low voice, “Wow, that history teacher is something else.”

Frankie yawns as I downplay my fascination with the new guy and shrug. “He’s certainly different to Mrs. Fields.”

“Don’t give me the disinterest, Imogen, because we both know you couldn’t drag your eyes away from him.”

She jerks her thumb at Jesse. “Should I tell him he has competition?”

“Tell him what you like.” I shrug. “I doubt it would change anything.”

Frankie’s gaze spears my soul as he asks, “What makes you think he doesn’t care?”

“Don’t pay any attention to what I say.” I attempt to paper over the crack. “I haven’t seen much of him since The Claiming ceremony and, well, I suppose he’s studying.”

Cassie snorts. “Jesse? Don’t make me laugh. There’s only one subject he likes to study, and I’m looking at her.”

Frankie says nothing and his dark eyes flash as he turns to his approaching best friend, who is balancing a tray filled with coffee and food, and drops a cheeky wink at Cassie.

“Hey, I ran out of room. If you want more coffee, I’ll fetch it if you like.”

“I’m good. Thanks for asking.” Cassie smiles and, as always, her smile is genuine. If anything, it settles my doubts a little because if there was anything to be concerned about, Cassie would have picked up on it.

“So–” She leans forward, the excitement shining from her eyes. “The Prom.”

The guys grin as I unwrap my sandwich. “It should be good.” I admit, and she nods enthusiastically.

“I can’t wait. Have you decided what you’re wearing yet?”

“No. Have you?”

I take a bite of the sandwich and she shrugs. “We should take a trip into town with Siri and Summer. There’s a great dress shop there and it would be fun to try some outfits on.”

“Sure. When did you have in mind?”

“Saturday?”

She cocks her head to one side and Frankie casts a pained look in Jesse’s direction. “We could wait in the bar. They could take all day if they like.”

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