Page 103 of Too Safe

“How about eight?” Decker counters. “When do we ever get to sleep in on a Saturday?”

Once he sets his alarm, Locke gives us a nod and heads into the house. Kylian stands and gathers up plates, and after a few trips to the kitchen, he leaves us alone, too.

Decker’s focus is locked on me, his eyes glinting with promise as he sips his drink.

It’s now or never.

“Um, so, I wanted to ask you something,” I hedge.

“Did you now?”

A week ago, I would have rolled my eyes. Tonight, his words tickle down my spine and inspire goose bumps on my thighs.

“Hunter and I were planning to hang out tonight. She said she could use her stepdad’s boat to get here. I was thinking she could stay the night…”

Decker’s face falls, but he schools his expression quickly and leans forward until he’s close enough to trace a line down my forearm with the back of his knuckles.

“Are you asking my permission to have a sleepover, Josephine?” His words drip with sarcasm. He’s trying to get a rise out of me, and I have no problem calling him on his bullshit.

“I’m asking you not to be a dick to my friend. And I’m ensuring we don’t have any problems, Cap.” I pull my arm away. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. So I’d like to go on and live my life, which includes having a friend over to hang out.”

Decker’s eyes widen, and I congratulate myself for catching him off guard. I raise my eyebrows as he cocks his head and considers me.

“Hunter is good people,” he relents. “I’ve known her since middle school. I don’t have any problem with her coming over any time.”

Good. I hide any indication of relief, but internally, I’m elated that he’s not making a big deal out of this.

“And it’s cool if she stays the night?” I confirm, pulling out my phone and tapping out a quick text to Hunter. I’m almost positive she’s already on her way, since I couldn’t exactly explain to her that I needed permission before making plans.

“You’ll both be sleeping in your room, I presume?”

I hadn’t exactly figured that out myself yet.

I shrug but meet his gaze. “She knows I…” I trail off.

How much am I willing to admit to Decker about where things stand between me and his best friends? Deciding I won’t be shamed for my sex life—never again—I sit up straighter and hold my head high.

“Hunter knows Kylian and I are involved. And that I hooked up with Locke.”

He scrutinizes me with narrowed eyes, but he remains silent. Almost as if he’s waiting for me to continue.

After several seconds, I sigh and heave myself out of my seat. Smoothing my hands down the front of my sundress, I straighten my spine and pull my shoulders back.

“Look, I’ve accepted that this is where I’ll be for the next several weeks. I trust Hunter, and I—”

“It’s fine. Have fun.”

He doesn’t even try to hide the bitterness in his tone.

“Decker…”

“I said it’sfine,” he grits out.

“Okay. Thanks,” I mumble. This is so painfully awkward. “So… we’re good here?” I ask, making my way around the table and heading for the door.

He scoffs and mutters, “We are so far from good, Josephine.”

I falter and spin back toward him. I don’t want to fight with him, but I won’t take his shit, either.

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