Page 21 of Undeniably

“Oh no, I’m good. Thank you, though.” I’m tempted, but I hate horror films.

“Don’t be silly, you should come. It’s sold out, but I think Wayland still has a ticket.” Before I can stop her, she yells to him. “Hey, Wayland, are you going to the movie tonight?”

“Who won’t be there?” He makes his way over to us. “Why? You wanna be my date?”

She laughs and pushes his arm. “No, silly. I have my ticket, but Morgan here doesn’t have one.”

Wayland turns and looks at me. “What do you say, Morgan? Want to be my date?”

“Oh, that’s sweet, but no thank you.” Wayland seems nice enough, but I don’t miss the way he’s a shameless flirt.

I hear a snort from beside me. I turn to glare at Keaton, who’s eavesdropping on our conversation.

“Got something to say, Yates?” I challenge him.

He answers quickly, “You, on a date with Wayland here, at a horror movie. That's comical is all.”

“Why’s that?” I snark.

His eyes are full of humor as they meet mine. “You hate horror movies and dating douchebags.”

My hackles rise. He’s right, but I can’t let him win this. So, against my better judgement, I turn to Wayland. “I would love to be your date. We can figure out the details later.” I lay my hand on his arm just as the last bell rings and the teacher walks in.

“What are you trying to prove?” Keaton growls.

“Not that I have anything to prove, but you don’t know me, Keaton. Not at all.”

I can feel his fuming stare burning into the side of my face for the rest of class. I ignore the urge to glance his way and sigh in relief when the bell rings, releasing us from class.

I make a beeline for the door, getting halfway down the hall before a hand grabs my arm. I turn around, expecting Keaton but find Wayland instead. I feel a pang of disappointment that it’s not Keaton but then remind myself that I hate him.

“Hey, I wanted to see what time you wanted me to pick you up tonight.”

“I’ll meet you there. What time does it start?”

He gives me a cocky smile. “Come on, babe. Let me pick you up.”

I take a step back from him. “Listen, I’m happy to go with you, but I prefer to drive myself.”

He holds up his hands. “Whatever you want. Movie starts at eight, but we’re meeting at seven and plan to get a late dinner afterward.”

That’s what I thought and I don’t want to hang out with them any longer than I have to. Thank goodness I’m driving,I think to myself.

“Great. See you there.”

???

At six fifty, I’m standing in front of the movie theater waiting on Wayland and Rachel. They both assured me they were meeting at seven, but my habit of being early has me pacing the floor waiting for them to arrive. At seven ten, I debate leaving, but a group of people walking up brings me relief. Until I see which group it is.

Keaton is surrounded by Finley and a couple of the guys from the lacrosse team. Each one has a girl on their arm. Keaton catches my gaze on the blonde chick on his arm and raises his eyebrow at me.

“You here alone, Wright?” he questions as the group stands next to me.

“Nope. Just waiting on my date.” I wrap my arms around myself, now uncomfortable in the blouse and jeans I chose to wear. Next to the girls they brought, I look underdressed. They are each in dresses that barely cover their thighs and are held against their chests with dainty straps.

“You sure?” Keaton’s gaze holds a glimmer of something, but I’m unsure how to identify it.

Is it concern?

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