Page 106 of Too Safe

“Um, hello?” She runs her fingers through my hair affectionately. “Haven’t you ever heard of enemies to lovers? It’s one of the most popular romance tropes.”

“Real talk.” I peer up at her.

She schools her expression and nods, dutifully slipping back into friend mode when she sees the forlorn look on my face.

“I honestly don’t know what’s going on. Withanyof them. I’m afraid I’m in too deep.”

“What do you need?” she asks, still playing with my hair.

“Probably another drink.”

She boops me on the nose. “Silly goose. Seriously. Anything I can do to help?”

Pressing my lips together, I give her question honest consideration. I need to talk to Kylian, Locke, and Decker. Ideally one on one. I need to be honest with themandwith myself. But Hunter can’t help me with any of that.

“I probably need to have a few conversations,” I grumble.

“You do,” she confirms with a nod. “And until then?”

I grin. “I need an outfit for the party tomorrow. And I have nothing to wear for the charter cruise. Help me?”

“NowthatI can do.” She hops off the bed with a squeal. “I’m assuming all your clothes are in there?” she asks, pointing to the walk-in closet.

Nibbling my lip, I nod.

“Come on,” she urges, pulling me upright. “Let’s see what we’re working with.”

“You’re the best,” I tell her, peeling myself off the bed.

“You know it,” she quips over her shoulder as I follow her across the room. “Just promise me you’ll tell me when you have your first three-way. Or four-way. Or five—”

“Hunter!” I scold as she cackles and scurries into my closet.

Chapter 43

Josephine

Hunterdeemedeverythinginmy closet too basic for this weekend’s events. So naturally, we spent most of Saturday shopping.

Kylian whipped his credit card out of his wallet and held it out to me when I told him about my plans for the day, which annoyed me as much as it thrilled me. I guess I’ve never put much thought into what he does for money. He doesn’t have NIL deals like the other guys, but I assume he earns a stipend from the team.

I turned him down, even though it pained me to have to transfer money from my savings account to my checking account when Hunter insisted Ihadto have three of the outfits she styled. Leave it to her to turn me into her own personal Lake Chapel Barbie.

Tonight I’m rocking an off-the-shoulder body-con bandage dress in vibrant Crusader red. The look screams for attention, which is so not me, but it fits my mood tonight.

We make our way down the stairs together—Hunter spent the night last night, and between shopping and party prep, she’s been with me ever since—and pause so Corbin and the other security bro can unhook the velvet rope to let us through.

As soon as we step into the kitchen, I sense eyes on me. I scan the room until I meet Kendrick’s intense, angry gaze.

“What’s his problem?” Hunter scoffs.

Based on the way Kendrick’s scowl deepens, her comment carried across the room.

“Ignore him,” I murmur, looping my arm through hers and guiding her out of the kitchen.

It’s early yet, but people have been partying for hours. I talked to Kylian this morning, and texted with Locke a bit, but haven’t really kept up with the guys for most of the day.

I don’t intentionally set out in search of him, but I once again find myself scanning the party for Decker. It doesn’t take long to track him down.

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