Page 80 of Never Your Girl

“Bridger—”

Before I have the chance to threaten him, he passes the slim device back to me, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “You’re welcome.”

I read his message, and my jaw drops.

“Oh my God.” I scan it for a second time just to be sure I didn’t misread it as heat creeps up my neck. “You told her that I would bring my own date and—” My eyes narrow as I process his words. “And that I’m really into him?” I glare. “Are you being serious right now?”

He grins as his shoulders shake with laughter. “What? I’m just helping maintain our cover.”

“By telling my mother I’m really into you?”

“Would you prefer if I said that you find me irresistible? Because I can send another?—”

I swivel on the chair and hold the cell away so he can’t grab it again. “Don’t you dare.”

My phone chimes immediately.

Mom

OMG!!! You’re dating someone?? Why didn’t you tell me? THIS IS INCREDIBLE! I need details! SEND PICS ASAP!!

I don’t realize that Bridger has walked around the table and is now standing behind me, reading over my shoulder until his warm breath stirs my hair. “She seems super excited at the prospect of meeting me.”

“Shut up.” I elbow him, but he doesn’t move away. “Now she’s going to be impossible, and I’ll never hear the end of it. You have no idea the can of worms you’ve just opened.”

“Can of worms? Really? Should I grab you a rocking chair and some hard candy, gam-gam?”

I press my lips together until they feel bloodless. This situation is spiraling out of control, and there doesn’t seem to be anything I can do to stop it.

Another text appears.

Mom

Is he hot? Please tell me he’s hot.

“Obviously, you should answer yes.” He makes a swipe for the phone. “Here, just give it to me. I’ll field that question.”

With a groan, I shove him away. “You better sleep with one eye open from now on, Sanderson. Because I’m going to murder you.”

His smile intensifies. “Ahhh, there’s the threat of bodily harm again.” He waggles his brows in the most ridiculous way. “If I recall correctly, that’s one of your love languages.”

“It’ll be a pleasure to take you out. I can put both of us out of our misery.”

“I’m starting to understand that you jest because you love.” Somehow he manages to pluck the phone from my hands again. “I think we both know you’d miss me way too much if you did that.”

“What are you—” I catch a glimpse of what he’s typing and try to snatch the cell away. “Don’t you dare tell her that!”

When he lifts it just out of my reach, I pop to my feet and make a last-ditch effort to take it from him. He uses his free hand to keep me at bay. I slip beneath his arm and redouble my efforts, but he thwarts me by lifting the cell above his head. I’m tall, but not that tall. The way he grins down at me is maddening.

“Bridger.” My voice comes out sounding ridiculously breathy. “Give me my phone.”

His eyes darken as we stare at each other, neither of us daring to move a muscle.

It’s only when my phone chimes that the moment is shattered.

I jerk his bicep down and grab my cell before swinging away to read the message.

Mom

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