Page 67 of One of Them Girls

He attempts to lean down for a kiss, but I pull back.

Before he can respond, I hightail it out of there like a damn coward.

I absentmindedly rub my chest thinking about them. I can’t even be mad about the whole situation. He was honest from the start.

He told me what happened with them. How she chose this other guy over him. I think that’s why he was reluctant to start something with me in the first place. I had my own baggage that seemed awfully similar to hers. The difference is, I chose him. She didn’t.

I was the idiot who believed that he chose me too, but seeing her, how could he?

Now I’m sitting here looking like a fool while he gets to spend his time with the girl he’s in love with, sans the boyfriend he claims she has.

Why is she here anyway?

Xavier made it sound like this boyfriend of hers would be an alpha to the max, never letting her out of his sight. But I didn’t see him anywhere today.

Did they break up? Is she here to claim her second prize after tossing out the first?

By the time I get to my room, I’ve worked myself up. I begin to pace, trying to calm my heart.

Minutes later, the door opens behind me.

“Whoa girl, what’s up?” Rebecca asks.

“Fucking men. I hate them.” I pace the room.

“I agree, I think. Want to expand?”

“Xavier’s best friend Tinsley is here.” I stop to face her. “She’s a fucking model, Rebecca. She’s wearing designer clothes and her hair was laying perfectly even after getting off a fucking plane.”

“I see. You’re jealous.” She smirks, making me scoff.

“Not at all. I’m just giving in to the inevitable. He was in love with her. He admitted it to me himself. He said it was over, but she came here. By herself. Without that boyfriend of hers that he assured me was all over that. Fuck, he could barely introduce me to her. It’s obviously his life here in Texas is a dirty little secret. I want to fucking punch him in the throat.”

“Whoa. Chill out, girl. Let’s not go get violent and end up in jail. Orange is not your color, honey.”

I lay back on my bed, huffing. “You’re right. He’s not worth it.”

Rebecca smiles as she gets up from her bed. “That’s the spirit. Now the best way to get over a man is to get under another one. This calls for a girl’s night out.”

“Fuck it. Girl’s night out.” I jump off my bed, meeting her at the closet.

Rebecca puts on our “getting ready” playlist and by the third song, my heart is lighter. My heart still aches, but it’s manageable at least.

Don’t think about it. I tell myself.

“Wear this. It will turn heads for sure,” Rebecca gushes.

I turn to see her holding out a black dress with intricate ties across the chest. I recognize it immediately. I wore it on Halloween two years ago. Of course, my dad made me cinch up the ties so my chest wasn’t showing. He said no one needed to see a half-dressed vampire.

I smile. “This is perfect.”

I change into it, loving the way the soft fabric feels on my skin. I tie the front loose before going and looking into the mirror.

I look good. Damn good.

The dress is on the shorter side, which will make dancing a little harder, but I don’t mind. This is for me. I’m going to go out feeling gorgeous tonight for me.

I probably won’t get under another man like Rebecca suggests, but I sure as hell will dance with a couple.

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