Page 27 of The Sinner (Haven Grace Prep 1)

I make my way into the kitchen and find Carter, Jace, Wyatt, and, to my utmost misfortune, Grayson. Carter immediately smiles, wrapping his arms around me.

“If it isn’t my favorite little dancer,” he quips, but Jace pulls me from his hold.

“Don’t hog her. She’s single now. It’s the first time I’m allowed anywhere near her without worrying about Brady coming after me.”

I chuckle slightly, but after a quick hug, I back away. I’ve already seen what Grayson did to Brady when he thought we were dating. I don’t need him going after Jace too, or worse, exposing my secret in a pissed-off rage.

“Where’s everyone else?” I ask.

“Well, Kinsley can’t come,” Carter tells me and I practically gleam with excitement. “Apparently, she had to go out of town with her parents, but Paige and Becca are on their way.”

“No Ems?”

He shakes his head. “I think she and Hayden are on a date, but neither of them will tell us.”

I can’t help but smile. “About damn time.”

“You’re telling me.” He turns around and looks for the keg. “Let me get you a drink.”

As he goes over to pour me a beer, he realizes the keg is empty. Calling over to Jace, he and Wyatt leave to help retrieve a new one from the garage, leaving me alone with Grayson. It’s everything I didn’t want, but walking away now would make me seem weak. So, I hold my ground and turn to face him.

“I didn’t think you’d show,” he tells me.

“Well, I did.”

“I see that.”

I roll my eyes and step closer, pulling myself up to sit on the table next to him. “I’m not afraid of you, Grayson.”

He grunts and takes a sip of his beer before answering. “Maybe not yet, but you will be.”

AN HOUR INTO THE party, everything is going better than I thought it would. Grayson has yet to bring up exposing me, and without Kinsley here pissing me off, I’m free to have fun with my friends. Becca hangs on me like she needs my stability to keep herself upright, while Paige laughs and takes pictures. It isn’t until a familiar face catches my eye that I freeze.

“Grayson? Is that you?” Tessa Callahan comes up, giving Grayson a big hug and getting one in return. “Shit. Delaney said you were back.”

“I am. How’ve you been? You look good.”

Tessa is Delaney’s twin sister, and while they’re fraternal twins, both are gorgeous. Tessa’s hair is a lighter brown than Laney’s, and her eyes are brown instead of green—something she spent her whole childhood sulking about. Their personalities, however, are night and day. Delaney is the golden child. I don’t think she’s ever done a single thing wrong in her life. Meanwhile, Tess has always been someone to see how far she can bend the rules without completely breaking them. Laney used to get stressed out when thinking about her sister’s behavior, but I guess after years, she got used to it.

She smiles. “Been all right, can’t really complain. And me? Look at you!” Reaching forward she squeezes his biceps. “Bench press has been good to you, hasn’t it?”

“I guess so.”

Watching them together, I get a tight feeling in my chest. This is the kind of reunion we should have had. No, scratch that. We should have had better. Fireworks going off as I ran and jumped into his arms. A kiss so hot it could melt the arctic tundra. I would have taken him to bed and given him everything I’ve kept to myself for all these years—no hesitation. Instead, what I got was a Grayson that’s eight years older and the total opposite of the sweet boy I remember.

“Sav.” Paige tugs my sleeve gets my attention. “You were staring.”

I’m about to make an excuse to leave when Tessa’s attention lands on me. “Savannah. Of course. Shouldn’t be surprised you two would gravitate to each other again.”

Grayson won’t look at me, but everyone else seems confused.

“Wait. You two knew each other, too?” Carter questions.

“Knew each other?” Tess laughs. “They were practically married. Actually, if I remember correctly, there was even a little fake wedding.”

“Tess.” Grayson stops her and shakes his head.

She gives him an odd look and starts to back away. “Okay, weirdo. I’ll see you later.”

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