Page 73 of You're To Blame 2

“Thanks, Megan.”

I turned to our friends. “Alright, I’m up.”

I stalked toward the lanes with total concentration on the game. The bowling ball released from my hand and barreled toward the ten pins. Jumping up and down I squealed with anticipation. The ball crashed knocking down eight pins.

“Yeah,” my friends screamed.

“Lake, a strike. Good stuff.” We slapped hands.

“Chelsea, he’s not on our team,” Connie growled.

“But, he’s my date and so cute, right?”

Connie laughed. “Sure is. If I were into cradle robbing, he’d definitely be my first target.”

“We’re only two years apart.”

“I think you also have a thing for cocky guys.”

I shoved her as a chuckle dropped from my mouth. “You are such the jokester tonight.”

She peeled back her blue jean jacket and flashed the flask.

“Oh, I’ll definitely take that.”

“Trevor has one too. We’re set for the night.”

I glanced at my friends. “You guys are the best.”

Connie placed the flask in my hand, then she strolled to the lane.

Our lane was at the very end. Perfect place to drink.

“Trevor, who’s the designated driver?”

“None of us. I rented a stretch Hummer for tonight.” He hooked his arm around the redhead girl. “You know this being my first date and all.” He introduced us earlier to Raven who attended Haven River.

“Awesome, Raven looks like you’re up next show us what you got.” I turned up the flask, pouring a stream of vodka down my throat. The burn lingered then crashed into the pit of my stomach.

My hair cascaded over my shoulders as I danced in a circle. This moment was what I needed. To be lost andfree. Lose sight of the danger looming at every turn. My bodyguard was outside. He had my back. The toasty bowling alley made me forget it was winter, if just for a little while.

“Stephen, Mr. All-American. Gutter ball. What happened?”

He flipped me the bird. It was just like old times minus Matt. I hated my best friend couldn’t hang with us. That had to change soon. Hopefully, before I graduated from Haven Saints Tate and I could hang out with our friends together. Not apart like we were tonight.

A smile crept across my lips as I peered at my friends, laughing, talking, and chowing down on pizza. I leaned on my elbow against the top of the circular seat.

“Are you alright?”

I peeked at him. He stared at me from the other side of the circular leather seat. I returned my attention to the lanes.

“Yes. What are you doing over here?” I mumbled, under my breath.

“Checking on my woman. I figured an hour in and everyone’s inebriated this was a good time to see how you were holding up.”

“I am enjoying my friends.”

He quickly crossed over sitting behind me.

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