Page 48 of The Prom

Silence falls on the group as we struggle to come up with a plan, and Summer groans. “This sucks. Poor Imogen.”

Cassie’s eyes flash as she says fiercely. “Imogen can stand up for herself and we are all under the same roof and just a yell away. Mind you, I doubt if Jesse knows Imogen is a bad ass and can defend herself if necessary.”

I think back on the night Jesse almost forced himself on me and vow not to be in that same vulnerable position again and I smile. “I’ll be okay. Nobody is going to force me to do anything. I can look after myself.”

There’s an uneasy tension surrounding us as the others face what I’ve known for a while now. In saving Jesse, I may lose myself in the process and I’m not sure if I’m prepared to do that.

We chat some more and soon the others drift inside to find their men, and Jesse heads out to join me.

“Hey baby.” He drops into the seat beside me and tilts my face to his, dropping a lingering kiss on my lips and then whispering, “I want to be alone with you.”

My stomach churns, and I heave a sigh.

“Not yet.”

“Why not?” His eyes widen and I take his hand.

“I have questions.”

“Go on.”

I stare at him to read his expression and detect a weariness behind his smile that he attempts to disguise with banter.

“What’s going on Jesse?”

“I don’t understand.”

“Where do you go when you duck out?”

It’s the first time I’ve asked this question, and it obviously catches him by surprise.

“I don’t understand.”

I smile gently. “It’s obvious you’re not really into me. I mean, if you were, you wouldn’t be missing most of the time and I’ve, well, I’ve heard rumors.”

“Tell me.”

I can tell he is shutting down behind a solid wall of self-preservation as I attempt to slide my foot inside before it closes on me.

“I know about Jenna Sloane, Jesse.”

I decide confrontation is the best form of defense and his eyes widen.

“What about her?”

“You’re involved with her.”

I state it in the present term as a test and if anything, a moments panic enters his eyes and then he huffs out a breath of despair.

“I’m sorry, Imogen. I wasn’t aware that you knew about her.”

His mouth sets into a grim line. “Who told you?”

“Everyone.”

He shakes his head as I add, “Except you.”

“You deserve an explanation.”

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