Page 114 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

At least, I hoped so.

Because although I wanted to shake some sense into her, it would always be second nature to want to protect my mom.

Even if she was a lost cause.

* * *

I spotted Sofia,Aaron, and Poppy over by the counter.

“Dude, you’re late.”

“It’s a long story. But I’m here now.” I slung my arm around Sofia’s shoulder. “What are we doing then?”

“Figured I’d kick your ass at bowling and then we’d eat.”

“Bring it on.”

Aaron and Poppy walked off, leaving me alone with Sofia.

“How did it go?” she asked.

“Exactly as I thought it would. She chose him.”

“I’m sorry.”

I shrugged. “It is what it is. At least I know now. Not sure it makes it any easier, but you were right, I can’t waste my life trying to make him happy, when he doesn’t care for one second if me or Mom are happy.”

“So does that mean we don’t have to attend the mixer thing?”

“I, uh, actually, I told Mom we’d still go. It’ll only make things worse if I pull out and embarrass him in front of his alumni friends.”

“I’ve never really met the man and I already hate him.”

“I’m sorry to drag you into this.” I nuzzled her neck, kissing the soft skin there.

“Hmm,” she whispered. “Maybe we should have stayed in.”

Sofia’s hand slid into my hair and my heart crashed against my chest. I loved her like this. As desperate as I was for the intimacy, the connection.

“There is one perk of attending the mixer.”

“Oh yeah?” She drew back to look at me.

“My dad booked some posh hotel in Rittenhouse Square. Do you think your parents will let you stay over?”

Her eyes darkened with lust. “Are you going to be on your best behavior and keep your hands to yourself?”

“Do you want me to keep my hands to myself?” I cocked a brow and she smiled.

“I’ll ask them. I’m sure it’ll be okay. I’ll tell them we’re getting a room with two beds.”

“Like hell we are.” I lowered my mouth to her ear. “I want you naked and in my bed.”

“Cole…”

“Tell me you don’t want that too.”

“You know I do.”

---