Page 122 of Into the Woods

She gave me a final stiff nod, and I whirled and ran up the stairs before she could take it back. I didn’t breathe again until I was in my bedroom.

I looked around my room, my heart sinking when I didn’t see Court or his bag. Tugging off the ring, I tossed it onto my dresser and spotted a folded piece of paper.

B-

Had to take care of some things. Be back later.

-C

The simple message wasn’t exactly what I needed, but it would suffice until Court was back tonight.

Still feeling edgy, I pulled out my cell phone and dialed Maddie’s number. She answered the video chat on the second ring.

“Hey, babe!” she greeted, her smile bright. Judging from the background, she was at home and in her bedroom, propped up against the headboard. “By the way, welcome to the club.”

I frowned. “The club?”

“Yeah. The I’m fake engaged club,” she replied. “Although, I’m kinda annoyed you didn’t tell me the not-big news yourself. You can make it up to me by letting me not be your maid of honor.”

“Ha ha,” I deadpanned. “And Cami already took that spot.”

“Eh. Just as well. But enjoy your new almost-wifed-up status.”

“You’re hysterical,” I drawled.

“Hey, all I’m saying is, it worked out pretty well for me.” She waggled her eyebrows.

“Ew, no.” I shuddered at the idea of really being engaged to Eric. “Even if I didn’t find him morally reprehensible, I’m not on the market.”

Her blue eyes widened. “Uh, what now?”

I didn’t bother hiding my grin. “Court and I are together.”

She let out a shriek. “Bex!”

Off camera, something slammed like a door being thrown open.

Maddie ducked her head, shooting someone I couldn’t see a small smile. “Sorry, Ry.”

“Jesus,” he swore. “Don’t scream like that, baby. You scared the shit outta me.”

“Did you know Bex and Court are now a thing?” she demanded, glaring at her husband.

“Seriously? About time he nutted the fuck up and got the girl,” Ryan remarked. “And for the record, no, the dipshit didn’t mention it, but it does explain why he was more pissed off than usual during our debriefing.”

Maddie’s expression shifted, her eyes taking on a decidedly puppy-dog, begging quality.

Ryan sighed heavily. “Don’t make that face.”

“But, Ryan,” she whined.

“You’re not coming to Paris with us,” he snapped. “It’s too dangerous.”

“Wait, they’re definitely coming to Paris?” I asked.

Maddie nodded at me. “Yeah. Ry’s packing now. So are Linc and Ash. I want to come, but someone thinks it’s too dangerous.”

“Because it is,” Ryan gritted out.

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