Page 74 of Exposed

“Tanner.” James stood up to answer the door.

Rob frowned. “What is Tanner doing here?”

“He’s helping plan the prom,” I said and sat down where Penny had been sitting.

“But…why? We don’t need his help. He didn’t even go to school with us.”

“Neither did Penny,” I said.

“Yeah but…she’s Penny. She gets us.”

She definitely did. I smiled. It was really fun hanging out just the four of us. Now that I wasn’t harboring any secret hatred toward them. It felt like it used to. Back in high school before everything broke.

Tanner and Nigel walked into the room. “So what are we doing tonight, lads?” Tanner asked.

I stared at him. “Planning the prom.” We’d talked about this extensively.

“Oh. That’s already done.” He leapt over the back of the couch and stole James’ seat.

“What do you mean it’s already done? I told you to confirm everything with me first.”

“I thought you were joking. We’re all set for Friday night.”

I was scared to ask, but… “Where is it going to be?”

“Club Onyx, of course.”

“What the hell? I specifically said no sex club stuff.”

“This is going to be so much better than actual prom,” Mason said.

Tanner pointed at Mason. “He gets it. Speaking of getting it…” he turned to James. “What are your thoughts on promenades versus proms?”

“Is that like a French thing?” James asked.

“What is up with you guys? It’s a good thing Nigel and I planned this or it would have been a disaster.”

“Indeed,” Nigel said. “We have saved the day. I already ordered a dozen cheese plates and lots of carriages.”

Damn it, Nigel!

Chapter 26

Tuesday

Brooklyn

It was easy to feel okay when Matt was by my side. But it was just as easy to feelnotokay when he wasn’t with me.

Guilt wrapped around my chest at just the thought of laughing with someone other than Miller. Holding someone other than Miller. Loving someone other than Miller.

Love wasn’t supposed to hurt this fucking much.

I drew closer to the fire. The smell of burning wood reminded me of my husband. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath of him. Tonight everything just hurt.

My phone buzzed.

I opened my eyes and stared down at a text from Tanner: “Are you okay?”

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