Page 64 of Mayhem

“Avoidance. Another sign. Have fun,” she singsongs.

I hang up, tossing the phone on the bed. I pull on the outfit we chose before heading back to Chase.

His back is to me when I walk back in. I take a moment to study him. His broad back, muscular shoulders.

I bite my lip, my body heating as I think about the man in front of me.

He turns, and my breath catches, as he does a double-take. I shift uncomfortably as he looks me up and down.

“Do I look okay?” My voice comes out shaky.

He squeezes his eyes shut, shaking his head before glancing back at me. “You look gorgeous. I think I’ve changed my mind. I can’t take you out looking like that.”

“What? Why not?”

He moves closer, his hand reaching up to brush a strand of hair out of my face. “I might have to break a couple of jaws if I take you where I’m planning to take you.”

“Huh?” My brain feels dizzy as he brushes his finger against my cheek.

“Nothing. Let’s go, tease.”

He drops his hand, snatching his phone from my hand.

“I’m not a tease.”

He mumbles something under his breath before turning to me. “You didn’t snoop in my phone, did you?”

I roll my eyes, moving past him to the door. “No. I want you to tell me your secrets. I don’t want to steal them.”

He opens the front door, ushering me out before locking the door behind us. “You have honor. I didn’t expect that.”

I smack his arm. “I’m a great person.”

He chuckles. “I know. Come on. Let’s get going or we’ll be late.”

“Late for what?”

He gives me a wicked smile. “You’ll see.”

“Ugh,” I groan as I walk to the SUV.

Chase rushes around me and opens the door for me.

“Thanks.” I duck my head and jump inside.

Chase runs around and gets in, starting up the car.

“Have you eaten yet?” he asks as he sets off down the road.

“No, but I’m honestly not really hungry.”

“How’s school?”

“Small talk? Really?” I ask, ignoring his question.

“Yes, small talk. Now tell me. Are you still head of the class?”

“Yeah, Mr. Kendall is trying to convince me to go to college. Thinks I could get a scholarship.”

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