Page 48 of Just a Little White Lie

JACK

Lauren’s invitation to go to her roomanytimerings in my brain while Luke stands in my doorway glaring at me.

“What?” I have to force out the word because my mind is being a complete ass and conjuring all sorts of images that are so inappropriate right now.

Anytime?

As in when she’s in bed, probably decked out in a cute, skimpy pair of pjs.

Anytime?

Like when she’s just finished her shower and is toweling off and—

Stop it, you perve! Luke’s right there!

I clear my throat and concentrate back on my magazine, waiting for Luke’s response with bated breath.

“You shouldn’t be encouraging her into your room.”

I can’t help my laughter. “I wasn’t encouraging her. She came in of her own accord.”

“Yeah, well…” Luke crosses his arms. “Why?”

I don’t want to tell him, but his glare is so much harder to face down than Lauren’s, so I dip my head and mumble, “She wants my help with a dance thing.”

“A dance thing?”

I mentally berate myself. Of course Luke won’t know that she lied on her résumé.

Great, just shove your foot right in it, Jack.

I shake my head and throw in a shrug for good measure. “Just something she wants to do with one of her classes, I don’t know.”

“Oh, so… are you gonna help her?”

My mouth goes dry. I glance up, wishing he could read my mind. Or maybe I’m grateful that he can’t.

Either way, he just stands there playing dumb while I lie here not knowing what to say.

I wait three full beats, hoping he’ll take my silence for a no, but he doesn’t give in.

And Lauren thinksI’mthe crocodile.

Her brother has the ability to freaking lie in wait for as long as he needs to.

Fine!

I break first.

“I, uh… I’m not sure. I need to check my schedule at the gym and…” I trail off, hoping it’s enough of an explanation.

“Come on, man. I know you got burned, but she doesn’t know that. And you don’t have to tell her.” He glances over his shoulder, then turns back with a worried frown. “She needs us to encourage this teaching thing. If she’s asked you for help, could you please just… show her some dance moves or whatever she needs?”

I swallow and find myself nodding, even though I don’t want to.

“It’s not like she’s asking you to get up and dance on a stage, right? I know those days are over for you.” His expression is kind of pained, and he doesn’t have to say it out loud for me to know.

He thinks my stance is too stubborn and possibly stupid.

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