Page 108 of Stealing for Keeps
Lacey gets dared to sit in Eli’s lap, and Andie has to tell whether she and Brandon have had sex—they still have not, but I know their anniversary is coming up soon. Torrance gets dared to prove she can shove her entire fist in her mouth. I’ve been happily left out of it so far, but I’m nervous because there are only a few of us left. I don’t want to kiss anyone, but all the truth questions have been really invasive. There is no good option.
I’m relieved when the next person called is Sophie. Torrance thinks for a moment and then says, “I dare you to kiss my brother.”
“No,” Austin says immediately.
Relief sweeps through me, but my pulse still races, and my entire body flushes.
“Why not?” Barrett asks. “You’re not dating anyone.”
There’s a moment where I think he’s going to say, “Actually, I’ve been seeing Claire, and I’m in love with her,” and I’m scared but excited. We’ve been living in this happy bubble where no one really knows, and it’s been great, but how much better will it be when I can kiss him and be with him all the time instead of little moments when no one is watching?
Torrance laughs. “Oh my gosh. I’m such a dummy. I forgot. My bad.”
The circle all looks from Torrance to Austin.
“Forgot what?” Eli asks.
Austin’s sister smirks as she meets my gaze. My pulse skitters to a stop as I inhale sharply. Blood pounds in my ears.
“He’s hooking up with Claire.” She points at me like they don’t know who Claire is.
Everyone goes silent.
“Was that supposed to be a secret?” She smiles, all fake innocence. “I thought—”
“Shut up, Torrance.” Austin’s jaw is tight as he glances to me.
The world around me slows as everyone in the room looks from Austin to me and finally to Vaughn. The silence is heavy and thick. Vaughn’s face flushes and hardens. His usual mask has slipped and the hurt and betrayal in his expression makes my stomach twist with guilt.
He stands, glaring across the circle at Austin. “You’re hooking up with Claire?”
Austin gets to his feet and puts his hands out as he crosses toward him. “I’m sorry. I was going to tell you.”
My throat is thick with emotion and panic makes my pulse race. The moment stretches out and fills with tension. I can’t seem to do or say anything except hold my breath as they stare each other down.
Vaughn’s nostrils flair and the tension snaps as he lunges, punching Austin and sending him stutter-stepping backward. Austin looks shocked at first, then his rage seems to match Vaughn’s.
“What the fuck?” Austin goes after him and pushes his chest.
The movement throws Vaughn off-balance, but he recovers quickly and stalks toward Austin. “You know how I feel about her. How could you do that?”
The rest of the team is on their feet, quick to break it up. Rowan grabs Vaughn around the waist, and the other guys stand in front of Austin.
The back door opens, and his mom stands there wide-eyed, taking in the scene.
The fight is over, but I know the fallout has just begun. I barely notice my surroundings as I stand and walk away from the chaos. Unshed tears blur my vision and I’m hit with a wave of nausea.
When I get to the driveway, I let the tears fall. This is all my fault. I wanted to wait until the end of the season, not Austin. If we had just told Vaughn, maybe this wouldn’t have happened.
I hear footsteps behind me as I walk to my car, and I don’t even have to look back to know it’s Lacey.
“Are you okay?” She hugs me, and I bury my face in her shoulder as I cry. I am so humiliated and ashamed. I have told myself a million times that there was no reason to hide. I like Austin. He likes me. We weren’t hurting anyone. But if that was true and there really was no reason to hide, then why were we, and why do I feel so awful?
A second later, I hear Austin calling for me from the front door. I wipe my eyes and look up. Lacey blocks him from getting to me.
“I’m not going to hurt her, Lace,” Austin says.
“Do you want me to tell him to get lost?” my best friend asks without turning around.
