Page 56 of One of Them Girls

He lets out a deep sigh. “Listen, any other time I would tell you whatever you want to know, but right now, I want this to be about us. Can we talk about this later?”

I force a smile. “Of course. I didn’t mean to be nosey.”

He reaches out, grabbing my hand to pull it to his lips. “That’s not what I meant. I don’t mind sharing my life with you and I will never feel like you are being nosey. When our date is over, I will answer every question you have about Tinsley and any other ex I have, but while we are on this date, I want you to know I’m thinking about you and only you.”

My heart stutters at his admission. “Oh.”

I sound like an idiot, but I don’t know what else to say.

He gives me a teasing smile. “Yeah. ‘Oh.’ So let me dote on you Adra.”

“I think I can do that.”

“Good, because you deserve it. I think you’re going to like what I have planned tonight.”

Deciding to let it drop and enjoy our evening, I turn in my seat, pulling his hand in my lap.

“Really? Are you going to tell me what it is?” I bounce in my seat.

“No way. It would ruin it. You’re going to have to trust that I know what I’m doing.”

I pretend to pout. “I mean, I guess, but your game is weak.”

He scoffs. “Are you saying I have no game?”

I shrug, hiding my smile. “I’m just saying a goat would probably have better game than you.”

“You’re going to regret that statement. Especially when you see what I have planned. This isn’t even my ‘A’ game. By the end of the night, you’re going to be blown away. I promise.”

Leaning back in my seat, I bring his hand up to my lips, kissing it like he kissed mine.

“I can’t wait,” I whisper to him.

He gives me a bright smile before looking back forward.

I reach up, turning up the radio and sing along to the words. I’m happy to let myself live in this moment for now. Happy to be here with him.

But in the back of my mind, I have a sense of doom on the horizon and it all stems from this mystery best friend.

He hasn’t talked about her much at all. Honestly, other than the casual mention in past stories, I know nothing about her. I didn’t even know what she looked like until today.

You’re being crazy,I remind myself.

Crazy or not, I’m starting to feel like I took a freefall jump. At first, the light-heartedness was exhilarating, but the closer and closer I get to the ground, I feel like I’m out of control. Like I’m falling faster than I can survive.

I just hope I found my parachute in Xavier, ready to help me land safely without getting hurt.

* * *

Xavier

After convincing Cassi to go out with me, I had a moment of panic.

Where do I take her?

So I did what any logical male would do. Call his female best friend.

The video call rang as I drum my fingers on the steering wheel.

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