Page 425 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 11
“Maybe I’ll send you more later. If you send me a picture first.” I stared at my phone. Waiting. And waiting.
Until finally he sent a text back. With a picture of the foggy city. I couldn’t even make out the buildings. It could have been taken from anywhere. My kiss thief was the most infuriating person in the world. But I knew I was smiling.
My phone buzzed again, this time with Soph’s response: “People are more honest when they’re drunk.”
I wasn’t sure that was the case. More like they forgot themselves. I’d text Soph back later. I needed to give my parents a heads up that Axel was coming before he appeared at the front door.
I hurried through the living room and into the kitchen.
My mom was at the stove humming. And my dad’s arms were wrapped around her from behind.
“Ew,” I said. “What did I just walk into?”
“Ah, someone’s finally up,” my mom said. “Do you mind going to tell Liam that brunch is almost ready?”
I picked a grape off the fruit platter that was already laid out. “Sure. Also, I invited Axel to breakfast. He should be here any minute.”
“Axel?” my dad asked. “Why? You’re going to see him later when we head over for the game.”
My mom swatted his arm.
“I already invited him,” I said.
“Why?” my dad pressed.
“Because he’s one of my best friends and we haven’t hung out in ages.”
My dad actually smiled at that. Usually a comment about being best friends with Axel would make him frown. “Well, alright. If it’s okay with Jacob, it’s fine with me.”
I stared at him. That was a weird thing to say. “Of course it’s fine with Jacob. He knows Axel and I are just friends.”
“Great,” my dad said. “Love it. The more the merrier. And I love the new pajamas, Scarlett. I’m glad they’re your new favorites. Flannel really suits you. Penny, we should get her more flannel.”
No thanks.My dad was definitely being weird. But whatever. As long as it was fine for Axel to stay. I popped a grape into my mouth. “I’ll go get Liam.” I hurried up the stairs. “Yo.” I knocked on this door. “Time for brunch.”
There was no response.
“Liam?” I knocked again.
No response.
I tried to open the door but it was locked. “Liam, stop being gross in there.”
No response.
“When you’re done doing whatever it is we both know you’re doing, come eat.” But I’d suddenly lost my appetite. I walked down the stairs and almost collided with Liam when I reached the landing.What the?
Liam stepped around me and peered into the kitchen. “Did they realize I was gone?” he whispered.
“Where were you?”
“Out.”
I stared at him. “Did you just use the trapdoor to sneak in this morning?”
“Yup.”
“You can’t just use it all willy nilly. I need my privacy.”
