Page 18 of Undeniably

“We need to talk,” I murmur as Finley grabs Tinsley and leads her towards the front door. We’re almost to the sliding glass door when Rachel pops out from nowhere.

“Keaton. You came. Where have you been?” She reaches out to grab my arm.

“Not now, Simmons,” I bark, trying to move past her with my hand still on Morgan’s hip.

“Come on, stay awhile.” She leans in to whisper in my ear, “I got a new tongue ring that does wonders to a guy.”

Morgan tenses in my hold. I don’t have time for this.

“Move.” I don’t say it twice, pushing past her, pulling Morgan more firmly into my side. I don’t miss the slight smirk on the corner of her mouth.

We make it outside to find Finley standing with Tinsley by my car.

“Get her home.” I point to Tinsley. She doesn’t protest. Instead, she keeps her eyes down.

“Seriously? We were fine. Stop treating her like a goddamn child. I’m sure at her age you were fucking randos in a bathroom. She had two beers and danced with a friend. That’s all.” Morgan’s fury matches the red in her hair.

“Home. Now,” I bark again to get Tinsley back moving. Grabbing Morgan, I pull her to my passenger door. “In.”

“Fuck you, Yates. I drove here, and I will drive myself home.”

“The fuck you are. You will get your ass in my car, and then I will drive you to my house so you can explain to the family what the fuck you were thinking bringing Tinsley to not just a party but a Rachel Simmons party. Do you know what happens at these?”

“Drinking and dancing.”

“So fucking naive. Get in the fucking car.”

“No.”

“I’m not letting you get behind the wheel drunk. We might not be friends, but I still fucking care about you.”

Something akin to surprise flashes in her eyes before they soften. “I didn’t have a single drop of alcohol tonight. I wouldn’t with Tinsley in my care. I can drive myself home.”

Warring with myself, I finally let out a sigh. “You have ten minutes to get to my house. Family meeting.” I don’t give her a choice. I walk around my car and get into the driver’s seat. I wait until she gets in her own car before I make my way out of the drive.

She knows what “family meeting” means. She will be there.

I hope she will be there.

???

Chapter 3

Morgan

Why did I come?

The question runs through my mind for the millionth time as I’m escorted to the formal dining room. Keaton waited for me outside. He was so sure I’d do what he said that I almost wanted to turn around and leave.

Almost.

I know what family meetings mean. I’m surprised I was invited, to be honest.

“What’s this about?” Reed grumbles, looking like he had either been sleeping or getting some.

By the look of Sage’s hair and red cheeks, I’d say the latter.

“We have a matter to discuss. Tinsley, you want to tell them, or do I need to?”

---