Page 122 of Just a Little White Lie

“I’m expecting a lot from you, Lauren. This group is representing one of the top schools in the country, and this dance program will end in a heartbeat”—she snaps her fingers—“if I hear one report of misconduct or bad representation. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, ma’am.” I nod. “They won’t let you down.”

“You seem very convinced of that.”

I grin. “I am. I look forward to the prize money going into a dance fund that I’m sure you’ll be willing to set up upon our return.”

Helen’s eyes glitter with a look of authority that I meet head-on.

She’s silently telling me to watch it.

And I’m silently letting her know that I refuse to back down.

“Thank you for your time today, Helen.”

She nods a quiet dismissal. I rise, my legs no longer shaking as I make my way out of the office. Sully follows me, and we walk out of the admin block together, managing to maintain our cool until we reach the path leading to the Arts block.

“You were amazing!” Sully cheers, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “Brilliant!”

I splay a hand over my stomach. “I can’t believe I actually did that. Holy crap, I can’t even remember what I said to her.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure these guys can tell you.” I glance up to see the Misfits running toward me.

I flick Sully a confused frown, and he holds up his phone. “They were listening in the whole time.”

“Oh my gosh.” I start to laugh, but the sound doesn’t have time to carry before I’m engulfed by a cheering, jumping, excited bunch of Misfits.

It’s hugs all around as I battle my tears and celebrate this little victory.

Maverick is beaming, and I grin up at him. “Think you can do this school proud?”

“Hell yeah.” He nods. “I’ll do it for you, Miss Fillion.”

And I believe him.

JACK

Ican’t believe it. I forgot my freaking phone!

I didn’t even realize until I was over halfway to Auckland. What an idiot. I must have left it at the gym.

I was so focused on leaving work and hitting the road that I didn’t think to grab it. It’s probably still sitting on the desk, tucked behind the computer so it’s out of view from the public eye… and my stupid eye.

Gripping the wheel with a little growl, I change lanes and maintain my speed as I hit the outskirts of Auckland. I should be at my parents’ place in about forty-five minutes depending on traffic.

I told them I’d stay a night or two, but I’m already regretting that decision. Maybe I should head back after dinner?

I’m missing Lauren.

I haven’t spoken to her since our bust-up, and it’s killing me. I should have at least left her a note before I left for work, but when I spotted her sleeping on the couch looking pale and vulnerable, the purple bruising on her face just riled me all over again.

Maverick hurt my woman!

And then she said she doesn’t need me.

It freaking hurts.

But still, I miss her.

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