Page 62 of The Little Black Book

“What? Nothing. I…uh…was just surprised is all.”

“Jared.”

“Sam.”

“Come on, man,” I say. “You obviously know something. Tell me.”

“Fuck,” he grits out, then thanks the barista for his coffee before leading me to an empty table in the back. “Sophie is going to fucking kill me for this.”

“Just tell me.”

“The girls had lunch yesterday, and apparently Zoey opened up to them about her feelings…for you. She admitted she really cares about you…as more than a friend. She wants to date you, exclusively. Sophie said Zoey told her she was coming here to tell you so. And after our talk yesterday, I assumed, you know, you guys would be together.”

“I didn’t see her,” I say slowly, my mind swirling with confusion. “And now she’s completely ghosting me.”

Jared shakes his head, saying, “I don’t know what could’ve happened. Sophie was out of her mind excited for you guys. I didn’t tell her what you said at lunch yesterday, but she kind of figured out from my expression that you’d saidsomething. She was sure you guys would be an official couple before the end of the day.”

I stare at the floor between us. Why didn’t Zoey show up? And why is she ignoring me now?

I shake my head. It doesn’t matter. Zoey wants to be with me! Whatever happened yesterday, we’ll figure it out. What we have together is worth it.

“Hey,” I say, meeting Jared’s concerned gaze, “can I get out of here?”

“Go,” he says, jerking his head toward the door. “I’ll find someone to cover for you.”

“Thanks, man,” I say, shoving a hand toward him.

“Of course,” he says, grasping the hand and pulling me into a hug. “Go get her.”

I nod and rush away, hurrying back out to my car. Iamgoing to go get her. Whatever is happening in that pretty little head of hers, we’re going to fix it. Together.

Zoey Beckett is mine, and within the next hour, she’s going to know it.

Chapter27

Your Secret is Safe with Me

Zoey

Ifeel like shit. Eating all those donuts may have felt cathartic in the moment, but I’m paying the price for it this morning. Thank God Zeke insisted I take the day off and come home.

My shower made me feel slightly better, and I slipped into my oldest, most comfortable pajama shorts and a tank top with no bra afterward. I didn’t even dry my hair. I just walked into the living room, turned on the television, and slumped onto the couch like a sack of potatoes.

I grab my phone and power it on, biting my lip as it chimes again and again with text messages. Reading through the ones from Sam, I ignore the burning sensation in my eyes and click on my thread with the girls to see some messages I missed.

Sophie:So??? How did it go with Sam?

Ava:How did what go? Did I miss something?

Sophie: After you left, Zoey said she was going to go see him and tell him how she feels.

Ava: Maybe they’re rolling around naked, and that’s why she’s not responding?

Sophie: Ha! Hopefully! Text us when you’re done, Z!

Sophie: Jesus, it’s been three hours. Are you guys having marathon sex?

Sophie: Zoey! You never texted us back last night. Seriously, are you okay?

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