Page 112 of Play It Sinful

“For someone who was this close—” she gestures with her finger and thumb together “—from screwing their own brother, you’re sure uptight.”

“Shut up. Ask Sean if I’m uptight.” Kenzie’s eyes sparkle with mirth, making me realize my mistake. “Actually, don’t ask him anything.”

She laughs. “Okay. Maybe I won’t.”

CHAPTER 49

SEAN

I’m looking out the window of Ashley’s living room for the umpteenth time when Gia finds me. “Any word from Kenzie yet?”

“No. I already sent her a few texts.” I pull my phone out of my pocket to check again. “Nothing.”

“Yeah. She didn’t reply to my text either. You don’t think there’s been a change and Ashley couldn’t get discharged yet, right?”

“I wasn’t thinking that, but I am now. Fuck.” I pull my hair back and notice my hand is shaking. “I should have gone with Kenzie.”

Gia touches my arm. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sure everything is fine.”

“What’s going on?” Noah asks as he joins us, carrying a plate of food.

She shakes her head. “We’re just wondering when Ash will get here. Why are you eating already?”

“This isn’t for me. It’s for you.” He hands Gia the plate. “You didn’t eat anything today.”

“Thank you, but I’m not really hungry.”

Noah frowns. “You’re not eating enough. Come on, just have a pig-in-the-blanket for me, please?”

“Oh, all right.”

I look out the window again—it’s better than witnessing those two being so sweet with each other. The last thing I want is to be jealous of what they have just because my love life is fucked up. They’re my friends and deserve to be happy.

A moment later, Kenzie pulls up the driveaway with Ashley in the passenger seat. I’m relieved for a second, before I realize people need to get ready.

“Ash is here!” I announce.

“Oh crap. Everyone in position,” Gia commands.

I start toward my spot at the far end of the living room. I don’t want Ashley to see me first. I want her to be at ease and happy before we hopefully talk alone in her room. This surprise party is inconvenient, but I couldn’t sabotage it just because I haven’t told Ashley the truth yet.

“Don’t be nervous, Sean. I know Ash will forgive you,” Gia tells me.

God, I didn’t know my feelings were so obvious.

“I’m not nervous,” I grumble.

“Sure, you aren’t.” Blair snickers.

“You have nothing to worry about. We know she loves you,” Zoey chimes in.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, making my heart leap into my throat. Jesus, Iamjittery. It’s a text from Kenzie.

KENZIE: Come outside. Ash wants to talk to you first.

My stomach churns. Hell. That can’t be good.

ME: Okay.

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