Page 40 of Lock 'em Down

Me: Truth time. Deep down, is that what you really want?

She doesn’t reply for a long time even though I see she read my message. Fifteen minutes goes by and I’m about to toss my phone and try to get some sleep when it shakes in my palm.

Knoxville: Pick me up at 8 PM.

Knoxville: Pin to location.

I smile at her response. There’s still…something between us.

Me: Get some sleep, Knox. I’ll see you soon.

Knoxville: Night, Ten.

Eleven

Cami

“It’s just dinner,” I remind myself as I pace my small apartment waiting for Leif to pick me up. Dinner with your husband.

Ugh, I can’t believe I’m married. I can’t believe Mom thinks it’s the best thing since sliced bread either.

My phone buzzes in my hand and I pause, closing my eyes.

Is it Leif canceling?

Disappointment fills me at the thought, and I let out a sigh of relief. Clearly, I want to go out with Leif tonight. I may not be keen about the marriage part but on some level, I am attracted to Leif and want to explore what’s between us.

See, you can trust yourself. Leif isn’t Levi. He’s not manipulating you. He’s just taking you to dinner.

I glance at my phone.

Izzy: It’s nearly date time! YAY! Have fun. HAVE HOT SEX. Call me and tell me everything.

I snort at her message and shake my head. Before I can reply, my sister texts.

Jenna: Mom landed in MN. I’m going home for the weekend.

Me: Thanks, J. Mom’s over the moon.

Jenna: She sent me wedding venues in Crosslake, MN for a late summer wedding.

Jesus. But the woman moves quickly.

Me: Dad’s furious with me.

Jenna: More worried, I think.

Jenna: And he’s taking it better today. Rhett is still ready to defend your honor.

I giggle at that. What honor? All my family members know the truth about Levi and after everything that happened, I don’t have much to feel proud about.

Me: We’re going out to dinner.

Jenna: So, this is for real? You’re going to stay married to this…hockey player?

Jenna: I think it’s hilarious you didn’t know who he was. Rhett almost freaked out for a second before he realized y’all got married in Vegas without you knowing what Leif does for a living.

Me: We’ll see what happens.

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