Page 122 of A Little Broken

Confusion and intrigue gleam in her eyes as she tilts her head. “A do-over, huh?”

“Yeah, but I told him I already have plans with you.”

“So?” she challenges. “Don’t you want to see what his do-over entails?”

“Well, yeah, but…” I peek at my cell, indecision gnawing at me. “You really think we should go?”

She flinches back, and Hades lifts his head, sensing her discomfort. Ignoring her protective pup, Rory demands, “I’m sorry, who said I had to go?”

Preparing myself for a battle, I sit up a little straighter, pointing to my chest. “Uh, me?”

“No, thank you.” She gives me a syrupy sweet grin and reaches for the controller.

“Squeaks…”

“Seriously, I think I’ll pass,” she interrupts. “I’ll stay here, and you can catch me up on all the gory details tomorrow morning after you do the walk of shame.”

“Hey!” Grabbing my pillow, I toss it at her. “Rude.”

“Or accurate,” she quips.

“Come on. If I’m going, you have to come.”

“Seriously?”

With my hands pressed in front of me in a prayer gesture, I plead, “Please. You know I can’t do this without you.”

The look she gives me is bland at best, but I already know she’ll give in. Why? Because she’s the bestest friend a girl could ever ask for, and she knows I won’t go unless she’s by my side.

“You really want me to come?” she whines.

“Yes, I really,reallydo.”

“Fiiiine.” She waves her hand toward her phone. “Tell him we’re on our way. I’ll go change, then you can get ready.” She points to her beast. “You. Stay.” Then, she rushes into the bathroom.

Scrunching my face, I type my response before I can talk myself out of it.

Me

Rory and I will be there in thirty.

Pax

See you soon.

35

TATUM

“Istill can’t believe you dragged me along for your date,” Rory grumbles. “Actually, scratch that. I can’t believe Iletyou drag me along for your date. What was I thinking?”

“That you love me?” I offer. “Besides, it’s a good thing you’re here. This way, the night will stay relatively…safe.”

“Safe,” she repeats. Her brow lifts in a perfect arch as we park outside Paxton’s perfect house.

“Yeah.” I shrug. “Safe.”

“Mm-hmm,” she hums, clearly unconvinced. “Whatever you say, Tater Tot. Lead the way.”

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