Page 11 of All In

“You can’t seriously be stuck on William.” He laughs. “That’s just sad.”

It’s not that I would choose to be with Will, because I really wouldn’t.

I think my feelings are hurt, and my self-worth took a hit after realizing he didn’t care about me at all.

Maybe it was the lack of an apology when I had to be rescued by Locke.

I’m not sure, but I think that day would have gone differently if he wasn’t around to call off that guy.

“Thanks for looking after me again,” I say as we make it to the hood of my car.

“Someone needs to.” Locke chuckles, squeezing my hip. “Now I just feel like I’m beating a dead horse. Do me a favor?”

“What?”

“Keep yourself out of trouble.” He shoves his tattooed hands into the front pockets of his jeans.

I lick my lips like a total creeper, studying his veiny, tattoo-covered forearms.

“I’ll try.” I laugh. “Honestly, in general, my life is pretty boring.”

Locke gives me a dubious look, but a slow smile crosses his face a second later. “I’ve got an idea. How about you go out with me on Friday night?”

My lips tip up, but I try to keep my face mostly unaffected. “Really?”

“Yeah.” He smirks. “Unless you’re not interested.”

“I am.” I grin, trying to keep my knees from wobbling. He’s incredibly attractive when his dimples pop in that dark stubble that lines his jaw. “Okay, that sounds nice.”

“Don’t forget to text me what time you’re free. That way, I’ll have your number. Go on, hop in. I’m not leaving until you’re inside the vehicle.” He nods for me to get into the car. “And make sure you wear something sexy for me.” He winks, and my heart races.

Holy shit.

Locke might be more than I can handle.

My day has been a roller coaster. When I’m overwhelmed, I sleep. I’m half out of it when someone bangs on my front door, waking me up from my pre-work nap. That’s probably why I open the door without checking the peephole.

“Laken,” my sister, Lyra, says, grabbing me as soon as the door opens. “God, I’ve missed you so much.”

My mouth opens and closes as I try to figure out what to say. I haven’t seen my sister in close to three years. Well, not in person. We video chat a couple times a week when we can sync our schedules.

Lyra is as beautiful as ever, with her blondish-brown hair up in a ponytail and her lithe neck showing with the off-the-shoulder shirt she wears.

I stumble back as she wraps her arms under mine, hugging me tightly.

“What are you doing here?” I finally manage to choke out.

“What? Can’t I pop in and visit my favorite sister?”

I laugh, but it’s forced. “I’m your only sister.”

“Semantics.” She grins, finally releasing me. “This place is nice. I couldn’t see much on our video chats, but it’s impressive.”

“Thanks.” I step back, gesturing for her to come in.

The new couch and dining table were from Will, but I’ve done a fair amount of purchasing for myself too.

It’s taken a few years of working nonstop, but I’ve finally got my head above water and a nice amount of wiggle room.

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