Page 25 of Unpredictable

“Sterling.” I school my expression before turning towards him.

“Victoria,” he greets as he slides his hand along my waist. “Now if you’ll excuse us, I need to speak to Victoria,” he tells Taylor, pulling me away before either of us can respond. “That guy’s a piece of work.” He makes the statement as if we are actually having a conversation.

“Mm-hm, he is,” I agree as I pull away from him, crossing my arms as I do so. “What are you doing here?”

“Heard you needed a speaker for tonight. I volunteered.” He shrugs.

“Youvolunteered.”

“Well, you weren’t answering your phone, so I figured what better time to corner you when you can’t run than Samhain.” He smiles wickedly.

“How did you know I would be here?”

“Let’s forget the fact that I know you would never miss your senior Samhain and just go with the comforting knowledge that I’m the one who suggested you be an interviewer.”

“You did what?”

He ignores my question, grabbing my hand and pulling me closer to the makeshift stage. “As I was saying, we need to talk.”

“Did it ever occur to you that I didn’t answer on purpose?” I ask sweetly.

“It did cross my mind, but I swiftly pushed it to the side.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I know you. I know the way your body responds to me, like it is now. Despite what you’re saying out loud, you want me just as much as I want you,” he says with conviction.

I want to deny his words, but my panties have become damper simply by being near him. Hell, his voice alone is causing tingles to spread through my body.

“I’m not doing this with you again, Sterling. You’re the one who ended it.” I turn to leave, but he catches my arm.

“If I recall, you’re the one who walked away, just like you’re trying to do now.”

“After you had sex with another girl. We had a deal. You decided it was over, so I walked away. Nothing wrong with that.”

Poppy calls my name from across the fire near the bed, waving me over.

“If you’ll excuse me,” I tell Sterling, walking away.

“Don’t walk away from me, V!” Sterling yells.

I don’t even acknowledge him and just keep walking.

“This isn’t over, Victoria!” His voice follows me as I make my way away from the stage.

I don’t turn around; I just give him the bird over my shoulder.

Cool. Calm. Collected,I remind myself, but it does nothing to calm the storm brewing inside me.

As I reach Poppy, I ask her gently, “How are you doing?”

“I’m good.” She acts tough, but I catch the nerves in her voice.

“Any second thoughts?” I’m giving her an out.

“None. I’m solid as an oak tree.” This time, there’s conviction in her tone. “But, um… I need help deciding what to wear.”

I give her a smile. “Let's head into the tent and pick something out then.”

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