Page 152 of Tease Me (Dark Odyssey 1)

I jump off the bed and squeal. We both start shrieking with the excitement. I can’t believe she’s kept this news to herself and we’ve been talking for about forty minutes.

“What the hell Chloe… oh my goodness, why didn’t you tell me that first?”

“Because I wanted to hear about you and I kind of wanted to tell you in person. But it felt like I should till you now.”

“I’m glad you did.” I tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. “I’m really glad. Congratulations Chloe. This is great news.”

“I’m excited. Of course I’m asking you to be my maid of honor.”

“And I accept very gladly. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you. It’s good news, but let’s celebrate you my dear friend. We have plenty of time to swoon over me. Let’s be happy about you and your guy.”

It feels good to hear that.

My guy.

It’s been a long time since there was one of those, and this doesn’t feel like it did last time. Chad was never really mine. He doesn’t feel like Nick. He doesn’t even feel the way Nick feels to me.

“Thanks Chloe, I appreciate you.”

“You too. Let’s meet tomorrow for breakfast to celebrate.” She giggles. “This is totally a hot chocolate moment with lots of fattening pastries with cream on top.”

“I agree wholeheartedly.”

“Knew you would. Speak soon sweetie. Well done.”

“And congrats,” I add.

We laugh and I end the call.

I sit for a moment looking around the room. I’ll miss it here, but honestly I won’t miss it that much. I need to get my life back on track. I’m happy for the chance to do it with Nick.

I hear the front door open and close then movements downstairs.

Assuming Dad is back I make my way down and gear myself up to talk to him.

I get down to the bottom of the stairs but there’s no one around. Just a faint smell of… weed?

What the hell?

Why the hell does it smell of weed in my house?

I wrinkle my nose and turn to go into the kitchen but stop short when I see Carter coming out of the sitting room.

Shit!There’s the answer. The weed smell must be him.

What is he doing here? I hate him being here and he must know Dad is away.

“Sis,” he coos.

“What do you want?”

“Can’t a brother just come by and see his family? Or, maybe the better question is can’t a brother come by, see his sister, and she doesn’t look pissed at him?”

I can’t believe this shit. Is he for real?

“What the fuck is wrong with you? You waltz in here and expect everyone to be peachy with you, like everything’s fine. Newsflash, it’s not.” I ball my fists at my sides and he just laughs at me. How I hate that. He used to do it a lot in the past. Laugh at me like there’s something funny about me.

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