Page 32 of Unbidden

Both of them acknowledge me with a chin lift.

“Tinsley,” Finley says with a teasing tone.

He drops his bag and grabs Tinsley. A blush overtakes her face as he pulls her into the middle of the parking lot. He holds her close and slow dances with her there, not a care in the world about who's watching, singing loudly enough for those around to hear. His voice is raspy but alluring.

Some of the boys around point and mock them, but they don’t care. They continue to dance while the other three engage in conversation.

I make sure Reed and Keaton aren’t paying attention and look at V. “I didn’t know they were a thing.”

“They’re not,” she tells me with a raised brow.

“Really?” I ask in disbelief.

“Really.”

“But….” I look back at them, totally entranced with each other. “He has no idea, does he?”

“Not a clue.” She sighs. “But this is their thing. Whenever a song comes on that he loves, he grabs her and dances, fast or slow, no matter where they are.”

“Poor girl,” I murmur.

“Just wait. It gets better,” V says sarcastically.

As soon as the song ends, Finley takes a step back, bows, and kisses Tinsley’s hand. Then he spins toward his bag. Tinsley starts slowly making her way back towards us, side-eyeing Finley. After he grabs his bag, he goes to stand with Keaton, Reed, and Sterling, who have given V and me a little space. A girl with a bouncy ponytail runs up to him, throws her arms around his neck, and kisses him.

Tinsley’s face falls, but she recovers so quickly that one wouldn’t notice unless they were looking. All the while, the guys look completely oblivious to her pain, cheering Finley on while he’s still lip-locked with the girl.

“Told you,” V says with disdain.

“Fuck him,” I mutter.

Tinsley finally makes it to us.

“Is it okay if I ask Reed if I can ride with you guys, V? I don’t feel like waiting around until they’re ready,” she asks without making eye contact.

“Of course,” V says softly.

T takes a deep breath, almost preparing herself for battle before turning to face the guys.

My heart hurts for her. I can’t help but reach out and grab her arm. “Wait, how about I ask for you?” I offer, trying to spare her feelings anyway I can.

“Great idea,” V offers cheerfully. “How about you and I slip into my car while Sage takes one for the team?” She reaches for Tinsley and starts dragging her towards the car.

Victoria shoots me a look of gratitude and understanding. It hits me then that she read my mind. It’s almost like we’ve known each other for years instead of the short time we actually have.

I wait until they’re both safely tucked inside before I turn and march towards the guys.

“Yates,” I holler.

Both Reed and Keaton turn around to face me. They share a look, then stare back at me.

“Yes?” Keaton takes a step towards me with his friendly smile.

“Tinsley’s riding with V and me. Just thought you should know,” I tell them both but hold eye contact with Reed.

“Is that so? And who said that was okay?” Reed drawls.

It’s obvious that he doesn’t plan on Tinsley riding anywhere with me or Victoria.

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