Page 9 of Lights Out

“Yeah?”

He nods, scooting his chair closer to me. “For sure. It’s scary but it’s also cool, right? We worked hard to get to this point.”

“I know. I guess I don’t feel like a grown up, you know? Am I ready to act like one?”

“Don’t get in your head. We’ll figure it out as we go. That’s how life works. You were probably scared going off to college, right? But look how it turned out.”

Blowing out a breath, I nod and huff a laugh. “When did you get so wise?”

Kit chuckles. “It’s the weed.”

“Yeah, okay. Wait. You didn’t smoke any.”

Kit just laughs. “Wanna dance some more?”

“Let’s do it.”

Just before Kit whisks me off again, Jimmy shows up and drops another round of shots off at the table.

“Courtesy of the guys playing pool,” he says.

We all turn in that direction and my mouth practically waters. Yes! I’ve had my eye on the ginger cub leaning against the wall with the torn jeans and blank tank.

“Change of plans?” Kit asks, ribbing me with his elbow.

“What better way to say goodbye to Willow Bay than between the thighs of a hot Daddy in training?”

Indy, overhearing me, cackles. “Daddy in training?”

“It’s written all over his cocky gaze. He wants to tell me what to do, and I want to let him.” I lift the shot of god-only-knows-what, holding the guy’s gaze as I slam it back. “Not yet though. Patience is required.”

“Here we go,” Lowen says. “The famous Ridley tease begins.”

“Can’t make it too easy for him. Even Daddy’s have to work for it sometimes.”

“I don’t get the Daddy vibe at all,” Bane says, stealing a glance. “But he’s fine as fuck, I’ll give you that.”

“I have such a weakness for a pretty ginger.”

Kit squeezes my shoulders from behind, pushing me forward. “Then let’s dance. You can show him your moves.”

Indy stands, leaning into me. “Yeah, let’s dance some more. None of them are my type but I’m willing to bend some rules for blue eyes with the Metallica shirt on.”

Kit chuckles. “Damn. That’s who I was eyeing.”

“May the best man win.”

“You’re on.”

Kit and Indy head to the dance floor while I try to summon the others. “Boys? Care to make a selection?”

Jerryn shakes his head. “I’d rather just hang out tonight. Dick is always available, but you guys aren’t.”

His words are like an arrow to the heart and I sink back into my chair. “Damn, Jer.”

He laughs softly. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to kill the fun. You do you.”

I drag a hand through my messy hair. “He’ll be there.” Leaning forward, I grab another peanut from the bucket. “This is so surreal.”

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