Page 229 of Filthy Elites

Mom won’t hear it, though. I don’t know if it would be the right call, either, I just need some relief, and I can’t get any with my current schedule.

I’m nearly to my car, so I pull out my keys and tap the unlock button.

To avoid getting hit, I stay close to the parked cars, so I don’t pay much attention to the one slowing down beside me until I catch a glimpse and realize it’s matte black.

My tummy does a somersault and I look over, my gaze colliding directly with Dare’s.

I don’t know why, but I feel like I’ve swallowed my heart.

His lips tug up and his eyes glint with pleasure at the sight of me. “Hey, mermaid.”

My gaze flickers to the jock in his passenger side seat but jumps right back to him. “Hey,” I return a touch shyly.

“We’re having a bonfire on the beach behind my house later,” he says like it’s normal to loop me in on his plans. “A bunch of people will be there. You should come.”

“I can’t, but thanks for the invite.”

“Why not? Got plans with the boyfriend?”

“No boyfriend, just no time. I have to work, and after work, I have stuff to do at home, so I won’t be able to stop by.” I glance at him and offer a tepid smile. “Thanks, anyway.”

Since we’re only having a conversation in passing, I don’t feel rude dipping out of it without a goodbye and walking to my car once I reach it.

Dare must not agree because when I get in the car, unload my bag, and start it up, I look in the rearview mirror to prepare to back up and he’s still sitting there, blocking me in.

I meet his gaze in the mirror and offer a little wave goodbye, but still, he doesn’t move.

I glance behind his car and see three more waiting to pass, but his car is unique enough that one look at it lets you know it’s him, so no one dares honk at him even though he deserves it.

What the hell?

I wait another minute for him to move, and still, he fucking sits there blocking me in.

Sighing with irritation, I throw my door open and storm up to his open window. He’s sitting there looking like an absolute asshole, one tanned arm resting on the car door like he doesn’t have a care in the world as he holds everyone else up.

“Can you move? Literally no one else can leave until you do.”

“Not my problem.” He looks up at me. “I want to see you tonight. Until you make that happen, I’m afraid I can’t move my car.”

“That’s insane.”

“And yet, that’s where we are.” He shrugs. “Only you can move me.”

He knows the way he says it causes my stomach to plummet. I can see it in his smugness, and I want to hate him—I actuallydohate him a little—but I’m still weirdly charmed by his obnoxious bullshit.

What is wrong with me?

“I told you, I can’t tonight. I’m busy.”

“Find a way to make it work, otherwise we’re all sitting here all night.”

Someone in the car behind him finally leans out the driver’s side window. “Hey, Dare, are we leaving anytime soon?”

He glances back at the guy and says, “Ask Aubrey. It’s up to her.”

The guy’s gaze flickers to me with annoyance. “Can you just give him what he wants? I have a fucking dentist appointment.”

My jaw drops open. How is it onmeto cede to this lunatic’s demands instead of onhimto stop being a lunatic in the first place?

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