Page 48 of Falling Like This

“What the fuck was that?” he asks.

“I don’t know, but it was utterly terrifying,” I say as we laugh harder.

I’m going to blame it on beer and hormones.

Or, as my dad likes to say,horny-mones. Then he always throws his head back and laughs like he’s the funniest man on the planet.

Beer and horny-mones.

“Let’s never mention this to anyone,” I say.

“That’s a good plan. Although, it would probably make Aaron jealous, if that’s what you’re going for.”

We both start laughing again. Because, yeah, it totally would. Clearly, he gets jealous.Sigh.

For the next few minutes, Joel and I can’t look at each other without laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Miles asks, walking onto the deck in his swim trunks.

“Nothing,” Joel and I say at the same time, and a brand new inside joke is born.

He eyes us suspiciously, but then shakes his head as he climbs in the hot tub.

“So, where were you tonight?” I ask.

“I was indisposed,” he says with a smirk.

“So, you were having sex in the bathroom?” Joel says. “We totally called it.” He gives me a high five.

“And who was your conquest for the night?” I ask salaciously.

“Excuse me, I am a gentleman, I never,” he coughs, “and tell.”

We all share a laugh.

Mackie walks onto the back deck in her dress, carrying her shoes.

“What are you doing here?” Joel asks.

“I’m sorry, since when do we not hot tub after dances?” she sasses.

“We assumed you’d be too busy with Hyla,” I say.

She strips her dress off to reveal a strapless bikini top and her bikini bottoms.

“Seriously? You wore that under your dress?” I ask.

“Why not? Less to pack in a backpack,” she says likeI’mthe idiot.

“So back to Hyla,” Miles says.

“I told you, all we’ve ever done is kiss. That didn’t change tonight. Plus, it’s our last homecoming together. I wasn’t gonna miss this.”

We all smile as Mackie climbs in the hot tub.

We soak and chat for a while longer, then head inside for food.

I’m dressed in comfy sweats and a baggy T-shirt I stole from Aaron ages ago. And yes, it has his name on the back. I’m sharing a plate of tater tots and chicken fingers with Miles when Sarah walks in.

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