Page 72 of Undeniable
I cleared my throat, hoping to break up the family drama. Lord knew I had enough of my own, and I had on a few occasions broken up arguments between my mom and my dad, whenever he was in town.
Kurtis regarded me. “Nice to see you, Mazzie.”
“Likewise. I never thanked you for helping me with Josh.”
Lucas let out a low growl while his father flinched at Josh’s name. That was odd on Kurtis’s part. Though maybe not if his black eye was backlash for sticking up for me. I wouldn’t put it past Josh to beat up Kurtis for interfering in our little quarrel that night at the casino.
Lucas’s reaction was totally normal. He still couldn’t let go of the fact that Josh had shown up at my house.
Kurtis whisked a hand through his thin crop of hair. “You’re welcome.”
“Lucas, can you take me home?” I was ready to blow this pop stand.
“That’s a good idea.” Priscilla was as stiff as a board.
No one could blame her for wanting us to leave. Her son and husband were seconds from taking swings at each other, or at least Lucas’s clenched hands painted that picture.
“I’m not leaving you alone with him.” Lucas stabbed a finger at his father. “And I thought you were getting help for your addiction.”
“He is,” Priscilla said. “I’m helping him look for a good program.”
“Are you paying for it too?” Lucas asked.
“Son, your business right now is to pass your classes, play football, and graduate.” A firm side of Priscilla sprang up like a wildflowers in a field.
“Mrs. Allen, thank you for dinner. It was lovely.”
As I headed toward the door, Kurtis opened it.
I held out my hand to Lucas. “Come on, Lucas.” The least I could do was soothe my boyfriend’s anger somehow.
We were inside Lucas’s truck and halfway down his street when he sighed. “Do you think Josh gave my father that black eye because he helped you?”
“The thought did cross my mind,” I said. “Or your dad owes someone money. That’s a possibility too.”
“I swear if he tries to take money from my mom, I will kill him. But it’s time I talk to Josh.”
“For what?” Horror etched my tone.
“He’s looking for you. And I want to know why. And also if he gave my father that black eye.”
I leaned over the console and rested my hand on his thigh. “Babe, so what if Josh punched your dad? It’s not our business. As far as what Josh wants with me, it doesn’t matter. I’m with you.”
“It does matter if he won’t leave you alone.” A muscle ticked in his jaw.
“I haven’t seen Josh since the night at the casino. I haven’t even seen him on campus. And if I do, then I’ll find out what he wants. But I’m not poking the bear. If I reach out to him, he’ll take that as a sign that I care, and I don’t. Please, Lucas, let this go with Josh.”
His eyes glinted with fire. “Fine.”
I pursed my lips. “Promise me. You don’t need to jeopardize your football future. It’s not worth it.”
He gripped the wheel, knuckles turning white. “I promise.” His tone wasn’t convincing.
I sat back, flicking my gaze outside the passenger window, praying Lucas held his promise. Sure, he was broader and bigger than Josh, but Josh fought dirty.
24
Mazzie
