Page 126 of Fighting the Forbidden

Although I am very much looking forward to alone time with Griff at some point. That’s definitely not Remy’s business, though.

I swear his face turns a shade of green. He blinks rapidly and rears his head back. “So. Much. More. Information.” He shakes his head. “Than I ever needed.”

“Oh.” I titter with laughter. “Sorry.” Heat races over my skin as I realize how much I revealed with my off-hand jokey comment.

“You’re all staying for the after-party thing at the hotel?” he asks.

“Unless it’s totally boring, yeah.” I clasp my hands together. “They’re supposed to do a murder mystery game, though.” My excitement falters. “But I think I’m the only one who wants to do that.”

“Murder mystery, huh?” He rubs his hand over his chin. “Maybe we should hold a murder mystery dinner at the bar one night.”

“Really?” I squeal and dance on my toes. “That would be so fun. Would you let me help you plan it? Please?”

“Yeah, maybe.” He flashes a quick grin. “Research it for me tonight at the party. Let me know what works and what doesn’t.”

“Okay.” I nod eagerly. “I can do that.”

“Hey,” he says more seriously, “I’m glad there’s no American Pie pact with you and your friends.” He turns to the side and sticks out his tongue, pretending to gag.

Burning with embarrassment, I slap his side with the back of my hand.

He straightens up and turns serious. “Given we’ve got all this alcohol-soaked generational trauma in our family, I’m more worried about your friends drinking and driving tonight.”

“Ohhh.” Now I understand his concern better.

“You’ll be with Griff,” he continues, “so I know you’ll be safe. But look out for the other girls. Try not to let them do something dumb.” His lips tilt into what I think he intended to be a smirk, but it seems more sad than sarcastic. “I don’t want to see Hayden wrap that shiny new BMW around a tree or plunge it into a lake.”

“That’s, uh, oddly specific,” I mutter.

He ignores my comment and continues. “If anyone needs a ride, call me. Okay? Doesn’t matter what time it is.” He holds up one hand. “No lectures or judgment.”

Now I’m the one who’s speechless. “Thanks, Remy. I appreciate that.” I reach up and hug him, careful not to whack him with my heavy shoes. After a second, he returns the embrace.

“All right.” He releases me and steps back. “I want you to have fun tonight.”

“I will.” I bite my lip. “I almost feel bad I’m making Griff go. He’s probably going to be bored.”

Remy shakes his head. “He’s with you. He’ll be fine.”

I curl my finger, motioning him closer. “Darcy wanted me to ask if you’d go with?—”

“That’s a hell no from me. Sorry.”

I blow out a quick, relieved breath.

He cocks his head. “You don’t want me to go with one of your friends, do you?”

“Absolutely-the-fuck-not.”

“Didn’t think so.”

I shrug, feeling dumb. “I said I’d ask, so…”

“Hayden’s going with Wade, right?” he asks.

“Yeah,” I answer slowly.

“So, Jenn, Kyla, and Darcy can all be solo together, right?” he asks, as if he’d reconsider his hell no if he found out only one of my friends would be dateless. It’s sweet, but I still don’t want him coming.

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