Page 108 of Sincerely, Your Enemy

Maybe it’s the alcohol, or maybe it’s the sensation of my heart crumbling in my chest, but I decide to put TJ to the test.

I slide onto the couch between Aaron and Finn and give Aaron the biggest smile I can muster. “You excited for your big trip?”

I heard him bragging about it to the guys earlier. He’s leaving for his trip during the night early Tuesday morning.

I couldn’t tell you where he’s going for the life of me, but I proceed to nod my head and listen to him drone on and on about all the places he’s going to see. I laugh at all of his jokes and even swat him on the arm a few times. Our thighs are crushed together, so it’s not like I could get any closer to him, but it doesn’t stop me from leaning in as he talks.

It seems to affect him because I see his throat bob when I glance down at his mouth. “I… So yeah, that’s our itinerary in a nutshell.”

“Sounds amazing. You’re so lucky.”

I’m making myself cringe.

I steal a quick glance in TJ’s direction when Aaron’s not looking, and heat blazes through me when our eyes lock.

He’s staring at us.

Hard.

I can’t decipher his emotions, his poker face too strong to unravel, but he doesn’t look happy, that’s for sure.

That’s when I see his eye twitch.

And I know…

He’s furious.

It shouldn’t bring me joy, but it does. A boatload of it.

“You guys want to keep playing?” Chance asks.

Finn shrugs. “Meh. I’m sick of charades.”

“Same,” Xavier and Theo agree.

“Why don’t we get in the hot tub? Doesn’t seem too cold outside. And I checked earlier. Water temperature’s perfect,” Chance suggests.

“Now we’re talking,” Theo rejoices.

The rest of us share his enthusiasm, and not even a minute goes by before we’re all heading upstairs to change into our swimsuits.

A few minutes of digging inside my overnight bag later, I find the white bikini I brought and walk into the bathroom connectedto my room. When I’m done changing, I throw my hair up into a bun and pad back into my bedroom.

“You want to tell me what the fuck you were thinking?”

I nearly flatline at the sound of his voice and spin to see TJ leaning against my closed bedroom door with his arms folded against his chest.

I can’t conceal the shock making my voice tremble. “What are you doing in my room?”

“Came to make sure you didn’t suffer a severe blow to the head. Might be the only thing that could explain you flirting with Aaron.”

Irritation explodes in my veins, pumping through my entire body, but I pour all of my energy into containing my anger, keeping my mouth shut.

He pushes off the wall he’s leaning against. “I’m just saying it’s a little cruel. Making the bastard think he might have a shot with you.”

I can’t stop myself from blurting, “Maybe he does.”

I don’t know why I said that. If there’s one thing that’s certain in this messed-up little world, it’s that I most definitely don’t like Aaron.

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