Page 117 of Wildest Forever

“Riggs couldn't make it,” the lie falls a little too easy from my tongue, “so I offered, I didn't want Aspen to not have a date, and well, I am still a Rivera,” I smirk but Austin just glares over me.

“Right,” he lifts his chin, and I know he doesn't buy my bullshit story.

Tucking myself in the kitchen, nerves nip at the base of my neck, and I just want this night over with already.

Blue was disappointed to see me; fuck, Aspen is going to be heartbroken that it is me and not Riggs.

But what was I meant to do?

Austin disappears out into the hallway when the sound of Blue's voice floats down the stairs, footsteps approaching and my heart jack hammers in my chest.

I can hear Harlow talking to Austin and I know I need to walk out there. Closing my eyes for a moment, I inhale deeply and try and calm myself down.

One, two, three and my legs are moving me to the hallway and I see her face and how devastated she is as I appear around the doorframe.

“Pacey,” she presses her hand to her heavy rising chest, and I know this is not how she planned her night to go.

“I'll be taking you this evening now, I hope you don't mind?”

She hesitated and I know she is trying to piece this all together.

“Of course not,” she smiles her wide and beautiful smile at me, but I don't miss the way her tears threaten to spill.

I push the corsage box towards her, her eyes dropping to the three delicate white flowers that sit inside, myfingers tapping on the box. She finally steps off the bottom step and closer to me.

“You look stunning Pen,” my fingers tease forward as they curl around her wrist, tugging her gently towards me and I kiss her softly on her cheek.

My blood burning, my heart racing that my breath catches to the back of my throat.

We take photos outside and I know the smile she wears is fake, but she still puts on the prettiest show.

My arm snakes around her waist as I lead her to the waiting truck and that's when she glances up and notices the fairy lights that decorate it.

Her dad is chattering but I zone out because all I can do is focus on her, in this moment and the range of emotions that slips across her face.

“After you Pen,” I whisper, pulling her out of her head as I usher her into the truck. She foots the bar of the truck but freezes. The soft breeze dances around her and I see her head turn slightly as she looks down towards the paddock.

There he was.

My brother.

Watching as I take the girl we both love to prom.

He should be here.

He should be the one giving her this night.

But it isn't him.

It's me.

She finally climbs into the truck, and I let out my bated breath. Closing the door behind me, Harlow calls out excitedly and I know Aspen will do everything in her power to give herself the best prom night, the one she deserves.

I am back,my eyes darting as I focus on where I am. I was so lost in thought that I went into autopilot. Turning on my blinker as I pull into Cottonwheel Ranch, I flit back to that night, a small smile tugging at my lips.

She had the best prom night, she got what she deserved.

She got it all and for just one night, I got her.

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