Page 16 of The Enemy: Extended Edition

I smile and take a step toward June, locking eyes with her but addressing Stacy. “Tell you what, Stacy. I’ll do it.”

June narrows her eyes, but Stacy squeals. “Really?! Thank you, Ryan! You’re the b—”

“But only if June lets me use her kitchen and assists me.”

If there was a record playing right now, it would grind to a screeching halt. “What? No,” says June, her hands falling off her hips. “I’m not helping you.” She looks to Stacy. “I’m not helping him.”

I shrug and turn to face Stacy. “Sorry, I tried. I can’t do it without help, though. It’s too much work by myself.”

Stacy’s face is so forlorn it’s laughable. She turns big round puppy eyes to June. “Juuuunie—”

June flashes her a no-nonsense look and takes one big step away. “No, don’t start that.”

Stacy rushes up to her and drops down to her knees, clasping June’s hand inside her own. “My darling, June. Love of my life. Soul sister from another mister. Please help Ryan! I’ll never ask you for anything again.”

“I doubt that.”

“I’ll give you my house.”

“You’re renting.”

“My kidney.”

“Don’t need it.”

“My car.”

“It’s older than mine.”

Stacy sighs and stands up. “Fine. I didn’t want to have to do this, but . . .”

June’s eyes go round, apparently understanding what Stacy is threatening. “You wouldn’t.”

Stacy stands and faces me with a determined look. “Ryan, have I ever told you about the time that June peed—”

“Stop! Fine, I’ll do it, sheesh.”

A smug smile spreads over Stacy’s mouth as she whips around to throw her arms around June’s neck. “Love you!” She then kisses June’s cheek so hard that it makes June’s lips smoosh to one side.

“Well, I like you a little less now.” June smooths down her shirt, and I try not to let my eyes linger on her curves.

Stacy laughs. “I’m your favorite person in the world. Don’t deny it.”

June just groans.

“What about me?” I say. “No kisses for the man who will actually be doing the catering?”

Stacy winks at me. “We’ll just call it even for when you tried to break me and Logan up in seventh grade.”

Savage. I can respect it.

Stacy pulls her phone out of her pocket and starts dialing as she walks toward the door. “Meet me at the car, June. I’m calling Logan to tell him the good news.”

I turn my gaze to June and find her already studying me. Her full, bubblegum lips are slightly pinched together, and I can’t tell what’s going through her mind. She looks oddly thoughtful—contemplative.

“What are you thinking about right now?” I ask her.

“Which kitchen utensil I’ll use to kill you.”

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