Page 25 of Stuck With the Billionaire Grump

The audacity to accuse me of overlooking important details just last night, and then he goes and waltzes right through a door without paying attention to the rock that was very obviously keeping it propped open.

He was just like this at camp, too. Glaring at me when I talked too much, but failing to contribute anything of value to the conversation himself. Rolling his eyes while I made friends, yet never bothering to do anything other than cling to the fringes of his group of cabin-mates. He obviously despised everything about me, yet never seemed to be able to demonstrate how I might improve on his wordless critiques.

“Trapped?” he echoes. “Seriously?”

I scoff. “Yes, I know how much you hate being in dark, enclosed spaces with me. Looks like you did it to yourself yet again.”

The words slip out of me before I can reel them back in, slippery and vicious and way too indicative of how hurt I still am. Instantly, I feel like a pathetic idiot. What happened between uson that last night of camp occurred over a decade ago. I haven’t thought about it in ages, but apparently seeing Theo again has reopened old wounds.

I expect Theo to roll his eyes at my response or to laugh sarcastically.

Instead, he stares at me blankly for a long moment. It’s hard to tell by the glow of our respective phone flashlights, but he seems vaguely confused. As if he doesn’t understand my statement.

As if he can’t even remember what I’m referring to.

White-hot embarrassment roars through me. I want to melt into the cement floor and never speak again. Ofcoursehe doesn’t remember. Who on earth is ridiculous enough to cling to one random sour memory from their teenage years as if it’s the worst thing that’s ever happened?

It’s definitelynotthe worst thing that has ever happened to me.

But, still. Even just thinking back on it… I have to suppress a shudder.

Theo clears his throat and takes a subtle step away from me.

“Surely, we can shove the door open if we put enough pressure on it,” he says.

Evidently, he’s decided to pretend that I never said anything at all. Fine. Whatever. It’s probably for the best.

“Nope,” I tell him. “Trust me. It can only be opened from the outside. Uncle Joe’s been meaning to fix it for years. Never got around to it, though, since everyone is used to keeping it open with that big rock when they come down here.”

He shakes his head at my snarky tone.

“And there’s no other way out?”

“There’s another set of stairs that leads up to the kitchen, but that’s locked from the other side, too.”

“Why?” he snaps.

I raise my eyebrows. He purses his lips and looks away.

“Aunt Maudette is here with her four children, all under the age of eight. They’re way too curious for their own good, so we have to close off certain areas of the house for their safety.”

“I know what childproofing is.”

“You literally asked a question, so I gave an answer.”

“Whatever.”

“I can probably pick the lock, though,” I offer. “I’ll need you to shine the light while I do it.”

“Can’t you just text someone to come and open the door?”

I narrow my eyes. Stupidly, I didn’t even think of that, but the last thing I’m going to do is admit that out loud. So, instead of saying anything at all, I unlock my phone and quickly puzzle over who to text for help. Definitely not my dad, because Gigi will filet him if he leaves the grill unmanned. Uncle Joe barely knows how to use his phone, so he won’t be any help. Aunt Carol would make a huge deal out of it and, within minutes, everyone at the party would know that I got stuck in the basement with Theo, and I really don’t want to be associated with him any more than I already am.

Elijah and Josie are off the table. They’re too busy being the beautiful centerpiece of this otherwise flawless event. And, after the way Josie was pestering me about Theo earlier, there’s no way I’m going to give her a reason to think there’s anything going on between us.

“Is something wrong?” he prompts in an impatient tone. “You’re just staring at your phone.”

I glare up at him. “So eager to get back to the party? I know how much you love socializing.”

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