Page 40 of Never Your Girl

“I know,” I groan, peeking out from under the pillow. “But, please, I need coffee first. Then I’ll answer all your questions.”

She eyes me suspiciously. “Fine. But just so you know, I’ve already started planning double dates for us.”

“You did not just say that.”

“Oh, I absolutely did.” A wicked smile lights up her face as she claps her hands. “I’m going to plan so many fun activities. The movies. Picnics. Roller-skating. Remember how much we used to love doing that?”

“I was right, this is a total nightmare.”

She laughs before rising to her feet. “Come on, otherwise we’re going to be late.”

“Late? What time is it?” I ask, dragging a hand over my face.

“Almost eight. The guys left for practice a couple hours ago.” She glances at the empty side of the bed. “Didn’t Bridger tell you?”

“Of course he did,” I mutter. “I must’ve forgotten.”

She waggles her brows. “Or maybe you were too busy doing other things last night.”

My mouth tumbles open before I swallow down my response and say the only thing I can. “Guilty.”

Her eyes widen as she shakes her head. “It’s like I’ve entered an alternate universe.”

“That makes two of us.” I toss off the covers and head for my bag in the corner where I pull out jeans and a sweater.

Willow’s eyes dart to the duffel. “That’s a lot of stuff. Kind of looks like you’re planning to stay for a while.”

“It’s just for a couple of days,” I say vaguely, shoving my feet into my Chucks.

Her expression says she doesn’t buy it, but thankfully, she refrains from hurtling more questions at me. “All right, I guess that’s a start, but you still owe me all the details. Don’t think I’m going to forget.”

My shoulders slump. “I know you won’t. Let’s get moving before we’re late.”

Twenty minutes later, we’re on campus. My pace quickens as the Roasted Bean comes into view.

Thank fuck.

Coffee.

Is there a size bigger than extra large?

Is a shot or two of caffeine a thing?

If not, there’s no guarantee I’ll make it through the next couple of hours with my sanity intact. Plus, I have a test to study for.

“So, tell me exactly when this all started. Because the last I heard?—”

Willow’s voice comes to an abrupt halt when the Jaws theme music cuts through the chilly morning air.

And here I didn’t think anything could make me smile.

Turns out I was wrong.

When she shoots a glare in my direction, my shoulders shake with laughter. “Come on, it’s funny!”

She huffs, keeping her eyes on me as she answers. “Hey, Mom. What’s up?”

I grin and point to the coffee shop. “I’m heading inside. I’ll catch you later.”

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