Page 114 of Play It Sinful

“You must be cold. We should go inside,” I tell her.

“You’re wearing far less clothing than me.”

“I’m not cold.”

She glances at me. “You’re not going to ask me if I still love you?”

My heart is hammering inside my chest, hard and fast. The fear that she feels nothing for me besides loathing is front and center in my mind. “I was getting there. Do you?”

“I… I don’t know. A lot was dumped on me today, and I need time to process everything.”

The pressure in my chest increases, crushing my heart. “That’s fair. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here in whatever shape or form you need me. I’m yours forever, Ash, even if you don’t want me.”

She steps back, creating a small gap between us, and I miss her touch instantly. “Let’s go inside. I’m late for my own party.”

CHAPTER 50

ASHLEY

I’m still reeling from the conversation with Sean when I step foot into my house, and my friends yell, “Surprise!”

At least twenty people are crowded into my living room, and even though I knew about the party, I can’t help being misty eyed. There’s a huge banner above the couch that saysWelcome homewith balloons hanging on either side of it.

Now I have to pretend I didn’t know there was a surprise party planned for me. “Oh my God, you guys. I can’t believe you did this.”

“They already know I spilled the beans,” Kenzie pipes up.

I roll my eyes. “Man, you can’t keep a secret, can you?”

She shakes her head. “Nope.”

Zoey, Gia, and Blair break away from the group. Zoey is carrying a huge gift basket and beaming from ear to ear. “Welcome home.”

“Thank you. Oh my God, what’s that?”

“Just a few things to help your recovery.”

I reach for it, forgetting that I’m not supposed to carry anything heavy. The movement reminds me though, and I wince.

“I’ll take that.” Sean reaches for the basket. “Do you want me to put it in your room?”

I don’t miss the way my friends are watching my interaction with Sean. I realize then that if Sean told everyone we dated during freshman year, then my friends know I kept that information from them all this time. Heat spreads through my face. I can’t believe they aren’t giving me crap for it.

“Sure,” I reply without making eye contact with him.

He takes a step forward, then stops. “Uh… which one is your room?”

“Oh, right. You’ve only been here once.”

“Why don’t you show Sean where your room is?” Zoey smiles.

I hesitate. It’s one thing to talk to him outside, but after that loaded conversation, I don’t want to be alone with him in my room. “Uh…”

“Yes, you should definitely show him,” Gia chimes in.

“I need to say hello to everyone,” I reply lamely.

“It’s okay. I don’t need a tour, just directions,” Sean adds.

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