Page 58 of Keep Me Never
“Hello, Chase.”
I nod my chin, standing there blocking the doorway until a throat clears behind me.
I blink and step back but don’t motion him inside.
I close the door, leaving him on the other side, and when I turn, the air is sucked from my lungs.
Paige stands there in a soft peach-colored dress. It’s elegant, graceful on her tiny frame, resting on her shoulders and falling to her feet, the color making her blond hair shine a little more. Her blue eyes are brighter than normal, and I think it might be fromthe thick, dark shadow swiped across the lids, far more than I’ve seen on her before. Her hair is up in a ponytail but fancy, with curls falling down her back and she’s just…
“Damn.”
Her lips part, but she doesn’t speak, her tongue pressing to the roof of her mouth before she drops her chin a little. She’s fighting a smile, and I wish she wouldn’t.
I wish she’d give it to me, full force.
In my peripheral vision, I see movement and turn to look at my friends, all three staring at me expectantly. I glare, and every single one makes some sort of face that tells me I am not doing what they want me to here.
I don’t even know what I want to do, so what the hell?
And what is this shit anyway? When did my feelings for this girl become public knowledge?
Her hand wraps around mine on the knob and I snap back to reality—me subconsciously keeping her from him.
“You look gorgeous, Shortcake.”
“Wait!” Cameron jumps forward, literally pushing on both our shoulders to step between us, her growing grin a little scary. “Did you just call her?—”
“Cammie,” Paige rushes.
“Ohhh no.” Cameron is laughing and it’s definitely maniacal.
“Okay, I should go! She’s a little overstimulated,” Paige teases. She looks back up at me. “Um…yeah.”
She squeezes by, pulling the door open and I just…watch her slip out.
Cameron throws her hands up, flicking the lock and putting her back against it, her arms crossed and a little glare in place. “I swear to god, Chaser. I swear…to freaking…GOD.”
“Is she okay?” I turn to Brady.
He scoffs, glaring at me and I look back to Cam.
She gives this sassy head roll. Lips pinched tight. “Guess what’s in the kitchen, fresh and hot out of the oven, the reason she waslate getting readyby the way—the reason her hair is in a damn pony, instead of down like it should be. Can you guess?”
“No,” I fight a laugh. “But I bet you’re gonna tell me.”
Cameron huffs and walks away.
“She’s about to have so much fun with this.” Payton laughs, and Ari’s smile follows her friend into the kitchen.
A few minutes later, Cameron comes out with a little plate, dropping it dramatically on the coffee table for us all to look at.
My eyes lock on the sweet treat, and a rush of something hot floods under my skin.
“Oh shit.”
“Yep.” Cameron throws herself down on the couch, just to then scoot to the edge and flay me with a stare. “Strawberry freakingshortcake. Chaser, what the actual hell? I cannot believe you’re seriously letting her go on a date!”
My mouth falls open, and Brady hops to his feet, clapping his hands loudly. “That’s what I said!”
