Page 35 of The Love Wager

There’s been something wrong with him since I picked him up, but I didn’t want to pry.

“Nothing, man. Not my business.”

Now, a speck of anger grows in my chest as I turn on him. “What’s not your business?”

He sips his beer, shaking his head lightly as he rolls his eyes.

“Fucking out with it!” I shout a bit more than is necessary.

“When were you going to tell me the bar was in trouble? You know my livelihood depends on it!” he snaps, and I glare at him.

“Who told you that?”

“Nick’s been going on and on about the bank calling and you keeping secrets. It’s easy to figure out what’s going on. What I can’t for the life of me understand, however, is why you haven’t said anything.”

There’s a long moment where I’m staring at him, trying to decide what to say and how to say it before Taylor’s high-pitched, alcohol-ridden voice sounds as she barrels down the hill.

“Hey! There you are!”

I give Travis a look of warning to keep his mouth shut, turning to look at Taylor.

She picks up the vibes searching between Travis and me for an explanation before clearing her throat. “Indie sent me to find you.”

“Me?” I ask stupidly.

“Yeah, you. She said she needs your assistance in the bathroom.”

“What?!”

She smirks. Luckily, I don’t think she’ll remember this conversation tomorrow, but I know Travis will.

“Hey! Don’t ask me. She’s got a temper on her, though. I wouldn’t keep her waiting.”

I grumble under my breath as Taylor gives me directions to the upstairs bathroom, where Indie indicated she’s having some kind of crisis. By the time I make it up there, I can hear a commotion and the growling of the female variety behind the door. I knock, and it’s only a second before the door flies open, and she grabs the front of my flannel and tugs me inside.

“What the?—”

“I need your help, and I need you not to fucking laugh. I swear to god, Brooks…”

“What’s wrong?” My heart is pounding because of how frantic she looks. She also looks… “Are you drunk?”

Her bloodshot, glassy eyes pin to mine. “I have to pee so bad, and I’m stuck in this godforsaken romper.”

“What?!” I laugh.

“Help!” she squeaks, turning and doing a little dance back and forth.

The romper is white with green and blue florals on it. Its legs are flared at the bottom, and the way it’s making her ass look…

“Brooks! Focus!”

She’s got the back of it open, but one shoulder is stuck, and it seems she’s been in here awhile trying to get loose because there are streaks all over her alabaster skin where she’s been digging at it.

Pulling my knife from my pocket, I flick it open.

She hears the noise and turns on me. “What are you going to do with that? Jesus, why did you bring a knife to a bonfire?” She steps back, nearing the glass shower door behind her.

“I bring a knife everywhere.” I step closer, lifting my hand. “You said you needed help. I’m going to cut you free.”

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