Page 71 of Unbidden

“I’m only kidding, damn. Chill. What happened to your shirt, boss man?” She looks at me. “Oh, found it. What were you two doing?” Victoria wiggles her eyebrows.

“Not what you think.” I sigh as I watch Reed go to his SUV, pulling out another jersey to change into.

We chat for a couple of minutes, waiting on Keaton to get to the car before we leave.

“You guys going to the party?” Sterling asks V.

“We’ll be there,” she replies while looking at her nails, acting all nonchalant.

“Be sure to save me a dance,” he tells her with a hungry look in his eyes.

V rolls her eyes. “I will do no such thing. Tins, you riding with Sage and me, or are you riding with the boys?”

Tinsley looks at Reed with those big puppy dog eyes, but before she can ask, he shuts her down. “No, you’ll ride with us.”

Tinsley instantly deflates and starts to step forward toward the guys. I can’t help but reach out and grab her arm. “Hey, it’s all good. We’ll be there. In twenty minutes, we can pick back up where we left off before the guys interrupted,” I tell her softly.

“Okay,” she whispers with a soft smile.

We pull up to the Yates estate. V slams the car in Park before we’re fully stopped, throwing us forward.

“Jesus, what the hell, V!” I yell at her.

“Sorry, I’m just so fucking excited,” she gushes.

“It’s a party,” I deadpan.

V sighs. “It’s so much more than just a party.” She bites her lip. “You had a black rose in your locker today, didn’t you?” she asks.

“How did you know?” My voice is full of suspicion.

V’s shoulders visibly relax. “I was hoping you got one too,” she murmurs. “Look, shit’s going to get crazy tonight. I don’t know how to explain it because I was invited today too. But if we make it through tonight, we’re set up for life, Sage.”

“I don’t even know what that means,” I reply.

“I know. But whatever happens tonight, you need to be quiet and go with it. Please,” V begs.

“Okay.” I sigh. “I don’t like it, but okay,” I tell her honestly.

“Thank you. And don’t worry. I have you covered outfit wise.”

“Uh, thanks?”

V jumps out of the car and starts pulling bags from the back seat.

“What’s all that?” I ask her cautiously.

“It’s our outfits and some other stuff,” she tells me absently.

“Right,” I mutter.

We make our way to the front door only to stop short when Tinsley swings it open as we hit the top step, a twinkle in her eye. “Let’s get ready in my room.”

“Yes,” V exclaims.

I cautiously follow them, taking in the house as I go.

As soon as I step into Tinsley’s room, she slams the door shut and locks it. V starts dumping the bags out on the bed while I stand by the door awkwardly.

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