Page 38 of The Hearts We Fumble
Why the hell would he think I’d want a ride from him? So he can hover over me all night, watching my every move, ready to dissect and criticize everything I do?
I scoff under my breath and shove my phone back into my pocket. Not tonight.
“Everything okay?” Claudia shouts over the music, her gaze sweeping over me.
“Yeah,” I say, forcing a nod before lifting my drink. “Just need a refill.”
Her grin spreads wide, and she raises her own cup, mirroring me. “Now that’s what I like to hear.”
We throw back the last of our drinks in unison, the burn of alcohol trailing fire down my throat, leaving a pleasant hum in its wake. It’s working—loosening the tight coil of frustration in my chest, making the weight of Zane’s texts a little easier to ignore.
A couple of refills later, and we’re fully in the party spirit, laughter bubbling as we dive into a round of beer pong. Luca slides up beside me, flashing his signature cocky grin, and volunteers as my partner.
The loud game is chaotic and filled with taunts and cheers. I’m just tipsy enough not to care when we lose the first round to Claudia and Robbie. We demand a rematch, and this time, we win. The alcohol is hitting harder now, a comfortable buzz settling in, making everything feel a little lighter, a little more fun.
I take a step back, deciding to sit out the next game, my body already warm from the liquor. Luca and Robbie face off against two of their teammates while Claudia and I perch on the edge of the breakfast bar, cheering them on between sips.
My phone vibrates again.
I ignore it at first, resisting the pull to check—but when the next buzz lasts longer, I know it’s a call.
Sliding the phone halfway out of my pocket, I glance at the screen. My stomach drops.
Shit.
A gasp slips from my lips before I can stop it.
“What?” Claudia’s attention snaps to me, and she narrows her eyes. “What’s wrong?”
I don’t answer. My pulse kicks up as I hop down from the counter, gripping my phone tighter. I hesitate for half a second before hitting the green button, lifting it to my ear as I push through the crowd.
“Hold on!” I shout over the music, nodding quickly at Claudia when she calls after me. “It’s fine. I’ll be right back.”
She doesn’t look convinced, but I wave her off, pointing over my shoulder toward the sliding glass doors leading to the backyard.
I don’t even know what I’m walking into, but one thing is for sure—I suddenly don’t feel drunk anymore.
The second I step outside, the night air hits me—cool, crisp, and laced with the distant scent of bonfire smoke. I barely register it before Zane’s voice booms through the phone, my name sharp and demanding.
“Where the hell are you?”
I lift the phone back to my ear, rolling my eyes. “Why are you calling me?”
“Don’t answer my question with a question, Wyatt. Tell me where you are.”
A slow smirk tugs at my lips. He sounds pissed. Good.
I snicker, just to push him further, and the low growl that rumbles through the line tells me it worked.
“I think you’ve once again forgotten that you’re not the boss of me,” I taunt, leaning against the wooden railing. “I don’t have to do what you say, and I sure as hell don’t have to follow your rules.”
“Wyatt.” His voice drops deep and rough in a dangerous warning. The way he says my name sends a shiver down my spine. “Quit fuckin’ with me and tell me where you are. I’m coming to get you.”
“What? No, you’re not.” I laugh, shaking my head even though he can’t see me. “Absolutely not.”
“Yes, I am,” he bites out with no hesitation. “And so help me God, if you tell me you’re in Keaton, I’ll walk in that fuckin’ house, throw you over my shoulder, and haul your ass out.”
My breath catches, my grip tightening around the phone. “You wouldn’t fuckin’ dare.”
