Page 66 of Exes That Puck
He searches my eyes, then drops his hands and rubs his face. “That’s actually a brilliant idea.”
He picks me up suddenly, spinning me around. I squeal and laugh.
“Date me, baby. Date me forever. Our first date can be tomorrow.”
I kiss his cheek, careful to avoid his injured lip. “We’re still not together, okay? The rules still stand.”
He places me back on my feet.
I continue, “Your sister is going to be pissed.”
He shrugs. “Let’s not tell her. Deal?”
I look into his eyes, feeling calm wash over me for the first time in weeks. “Deal. Now let’s get back to our friends.”
I turn to leave, but he catches my wrist. “Wait. If Ava gets too drunk tonight, she’ll pass out early. If she does, do you want to come over?”
I feel him through his jeans and smile. “Yeah, I’ll text you.”
His face lights up with that smile I love most. “Okay.”
We slip out of the bedroom just as Lola emerges from the bathroom. I run up to her, and she looks between us suspiciously.
“How did it go?” she whispers.
I can’t stop blushing. “It’s good. Now let’s have fun tonight. Just us girls.”
25
I watch Kara dance with her friends from across the room, and for the first time in weeks, something light flickers in my chest. Hope. She said we could date—actually date like it’s something new and important worth pursuing. The idea is so pure it makes me smile despite my split lip.
I settle onto the couch where Rocky’s holding court, joint in hand. He passes it to some girl beside him while a small crowd gathers around. Payton approaches with Emma and Tori, but I notice Kara stays back with my sister and Lola. Smart move, keeping distance from the chaos.
The three girls squeeze into the circle, and the easy chatter dies down. Payton leans toward Rocky, saying something I can’t hear over the music. He completely ignores her, taking another hit like she doesn’t exist.
The girls were giggling a second ago, but now they’re stone silent. Payton tries again, speaking directly to Rocky, and this time he stands up and walks away without a word.
“Asshole,” Payton mutters, storming off.
Kara’s face fills with concern when she sees the girls scatter, all five of them chasing after Payton down the hallway.
“Drama,” Scott laughs from beside me.
Carter howls like a fucking wolf, finding the whole thing hilarious. “Wolf boy, where are you going?”
Rocky returns, shaking his head. “Let’s take this to my bedroom out back. More private.”
I glance around for Kara, but she’s busy taking care of her roommate. I follow the guys through the house to Rocky’s separate bedroom suite in the back. Scott waves Dylan and his personal trainer over to join us. We climb the stairs to Rocky’s massive bedroom, and I’m surprised he’s even letting us in here. This is his sanctuary.
He looks out the window at the party below while we find places to sit.
“Truth or dare, Rocky,” Scott announces.
Rocky doesn’t respond, so Scott continues, “Okay, truth. What was that girl whispering in your ear that pissed you off?”
Rocky turns to him with a smirk. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“Was she howling?” Scott jokes.
