Page 87 of The Pretender

I climb out of bed and pull on my tank top and pajama shorts. I can only think of one person I want right now, and it isn’t the asshole in the kitchen.

Me: You home from the beach?

I get a response almost instantly.

Aspen: No. We decided to stay through the week. Why? You need me? I can get Bennett to drive us home. We’re out for our run, but we can go back.

I betshe’s kicking Bennett’s ass. If there’s one thing Aspen excels at, it’s running. Bennett might be a whole lot of muscle, but he never beats her.

Me: That’s okay. I’m good. See you this weekend?

For some reason,I really want her to say yes. I need my friend.

Aspen: Of course. Are you okay?

I lookat the girl staring back at me in the bedroom mirror. Her makeup is smudged, and she looks like she’s been rocking in a corner. Her eyeliner would make her uncle Pe proud, though. Even through that sweaty, fantastic as shit sex, her eyeliner held up.

I force a smile to the mirror and text her back.

Me: I’m fine. Just miss your face.

I pickup Sebastian’s phone from where he threw it and leave it on the bed, before hurrying to my room. I need to get the hell out of here. My heart is acting like it's breaking, and my head is feeling guilty. How did I not know Brick was an assmonkey? I need—I need a damn hug and maybe a shower.

Me: You promise you won’t be mad?

Dad: I promise I won’t kill anyone. Will that work?

I smile.My dad is ridiculous.

Me: You promise not to tell Mom?

Dad: You’re asking a lot of me, kiddo.

Me: Please.

I knowhe’ll agree eventually. He always does.

Dad: Deal, but if she finds out, I will throw you under the bus.

Me: Deal. Can you come pick me up?

His response is almost instant.

Dad: Where are you?

Ugh.Why couldn’t Aspen and the guys have been home?

Me: At the lake house.

Dad: Alone?

I bitemy lip and say a little prayer. My dad is a calm man, but sometimes, he loses his shit. I can only hope this isn’t one of those times.

Me: I am now.

Dad: Thankfully, you have an hour and a half to pray I cool down before I get to you.

Me: Maybe bring Uncle Mason as a witness?

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