Page 99 of Corrupt Obsession

Allison rubbed her arm. “I can’t imagine how you feel. You two are inseparable. It’s going to be so weird seeing you without him.”

“He’s following his dream.”

Allison nodded. “I had no idea he wanted to go into the military. Most thought he would go into the NFL. I heard some scouts were interested in him, and that’s why Coach Rick was so upset when he quit football.”

Violet’s stomach flipped. “I never heard that.”

Allison gestured to her boyfriend. “That’s what Blaine said.”

“And what’s Blaine’s plans now that he’s graduated?” Violet asked, blatantly changing the subject.

Allison lit up. “He’s staying here.”

“That’s great. But didn’t he get into Dartmouth?”

Allison looked over her shoulder at Blaine before she turned back and whispered, “He decided to stay for me. He was worried we wouldn’t be able to do long distance, so he’ll wait another year before we decide where we want to go.”

“Aww, you guys are so inlove,” Violet teased.

Allison practically glowed. “Yes, we are. I think he’s it for me.” Allison gripped her arm and whispered, “He proposed.”

“What?”

“He didn’t get me a ring yet, but we’ve talked about getting married after I graduate next year.” Allison gave a little squeal. “Can you imagine me married exactly a year from now?”

“No.”

“Well, if we do, just know you’re going to be a bridesmaid.” Allison giggled when Violet made a face. “Come on. Who doesn’t love a wedding? Is it crazy that I want to be the first friend to get married and have kids?”

“Yes,” Violet said emphatically.

Allison pouted. “Can’t you be happy for me? Isn’t he a great guy?”

Violet swallowed hard. “He’s the best.”

“How lucky am I to have foundthe onein high school? What are the chances?”

Their mindsets couldn’t be more different. Allison was thinking of settling down and getting married and having kids, while Violet felt like her life hadn’t begun. She wanted freedom and to get away from everyone and everything she’d ever known. Commitment was the last thing on her mind.

Instead of voicing her negative, cynical thoughts, Violet smiled and offered Allison a piece of her cake.

Two hours later, the crowd had significantly thinned as people began to take their leave. The mood had shifted as well, becoming more somber as people said their official goodbyes. Everyone kept giving her sympathetic pats or squeezes, assuming she was taking Jesse’s departure as bad as Lynne when she felt nothing at all. Her stoic demeanor had been getting her some odd, sidelong looks. Shouldn’t people be happy she wasn’t imitating a human water faucet?

She escaped down the hallway for a break from the intense scrutiny and entered Jesse’s bedroom. His door had been left ajar, so guests could use their bathroom if the other was in use. She was relieved to discover it empty. She turned to close the door, which abruptly began to swing open again.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she began with a laugh, intending to say the bathroom was occupied, but her voice died when Jesse pushed his way in. “What are you…?”

She didn’t get to finish her question because his head swooped down, and his mouth settled on hers. He clasped her face and kissed her like the world was about to end. She was momentarily stunned, but the sound of someone cheering in thedistance reminded her that they had a house full of guests. What the hell was hedoing?

She wrenched her mouth away. “Have you lost your mind?”

“This should be the happiest night of my life,” he said gruffly. “Everyone I care about is gathered in one place to see me off. I’m about to set out on my lifelong dream and make my father proud. I should be over the fucking moon, so why do I feel so miserable?”

Had one of his friends slipped him alcohol, even with cops and a pastor present? Sucking in an annoyed breath, she looked up, intending to snap him back to reality, but the sight of his spiky lashes and blue eyes shimmering with tears made her mind go blank.

“How did I fuck this up so badly?” he said thickly.

She averted her gaze. “Everyone will be looking for you. You should go back to the party.”

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