Page 60 of I Blame the Club

“We will need a few more tests before I can adequately answer that.”

Chapter 17

Mo

He’s gone.

My arm that was wrapped around Nico’s warm body lies flat against the cold bed, the smell of his spicy cologne lingering on the pillow beside me. I roll onto my back, staring at the nondescript ceiling with a frown.

For the first time ever, my hookup didn’t stay until morning. He didn’t wait for me to make him breakfast or linger in hopes of another round. He just got up and left.

Just like I’ve always wanted.

I sit up in bed, the sheets tumbling down my naked body. My clothes are still on the ground where Nico tossed them last night, but otherwise, the hotel room looks exactly how it did the night before. As if he was never here.

Swinging my legs out of bed, I walk over to the bathroom and hop in the shower. Cold droplets pound against my back and I let out a sigh. My body feels satiated from the sexual escapades of last night, but something doesn’t feel right.

I dunk my head under the freezing water, waiting for the feeling to fade.

Nico Montez has been and continues to be a pain in the ass, and last night was just a way to let off some steam. Waking up to an empty bed this morning should have been a pleasant surprise, not a disappointment.

Since when do hookups make me feel anything?

The thought has me feeling unsettled as I turn off the cold water. Grabbing a towel from the rack, I rub myself dry before pulling on the clothes I had laid out the night before. My body remains on autopilot, completing each step of my morning routine perfectly while my mind works to rationalize the unfamiliar emotions on hand.

Nico’s always had a way of getting under my skin, so this isn't anything new. He probably knew that leaving without a trace would mess with my head more than if he stayed.

Pull yourself together, Maurice.

My father’s voice rings in my ears, his familiar sneer staring back at me in the mirror. His cold gaze watches me run a comb through my hair, disappointment radiating through those cold, pale blue eyes.

I shake my head, Jonathan’s eyes merging with my own. I got so used to my father’s disappointment that eventually I started carrying it around as my own.

“Where’s Cody?”

I look around for my friend, the sudden need for a friendly face hitting me unexpectedly.

Stella waves a hand, “He joined the boys on the bus. Wanted to reunite with the team.”

Another pang hits my chest but I push it down and hold out a hand for the keys.

“I’m driving.” My sister opens her mouth but I cut her off with a glare, “Unless you want to ride the bus with the team, I would choose your next words carefully.”

She sighs, “It was worth a try.”

A tinkling laugh steals my attention and I look at the two girls waiting by my Cadillac. The dark haired girl from the bleachers is holding her stomach, laughing at whatever story Lou is retelling.

“What’s her name again?” I jerk my chin towards the girl and Stella smiles.

“That’s Lacey, Wes’ younger sister. She’s an absolute doll.”

“You say that about everyone.”

Stella laughs, adjusting the pink backpack straps on her shoulders, “Not true! I only say that about the people I like. Lacey is a really sweet girl.”

She pauses, giving me a sideways glance, “There is something off about her though.”

“In what way?”

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