Page 14 of The Fangirl and the Playboy

It was right after Trace and Keegan started seeing each other, and I’d never seen my brother so happy or carefree. Pressley and Bram spent the day low-key flirting with each other, leaving me the only solo act at the party.

But I didn’t mind or feel like a fifth-wheel. I was just so happy that people I care about were happy, I was on cloud nine all day.

And now that Keegan and Trace live together, and Bram and Pressley arestilllow-key flirting? I should feel the same, I know. But despite this being all my idea, something feels hollow in my chest. Like there’s something…missing.

The more recent memories fade as older ones slip in past my guard. Feeling my heart pound in my chest as I drove here to meet Gav––

No. Stop it, Willow. I refuse to think of him. Not today. Not ever.

A duet of engines rumbles up the road behind me, and I turn around to see Trace’s truck followed closely behind by Bram’s car. I smile and wave as they park, but my grin drops into a deep frown when an unexpected anduninvitedguest pops out of the backseat of Bram’s car.

“What ishedoing here?” blurts out of my mouth before I can stop it, and all five of them freeze in their tracks.

I feel a blush burn in my cheeks as my brother and my friends stare at me incredulously. I refuse to even look at Gavin. I don’t want to see his reaction to my uncharacteristic rudeness.

“You boys set up. We’re going to go cool off in the water,” Keegan declares, taking charge of the situation before grabbing my wrist and dragging me down to the water’s edge.

Pressley is right behind us, looking concerned as they circle in close to me.

“What wasthat?” Keegan hisses in a voice low enough that it won’t carry to the guys further up on the beach.

“I invited him. I’m so sorry if it’s upset you, but he’s here by himself for the next few weeks, and I thought it would be nice to include him,” Pressley says before I can respond.

“Weeks?” is all I can say, my voice cracking on the word.

“He said he’s taking a much-needed break,” Keegan explains, her narrowed eyes spearing me. “What gives? I’ve never known you to be rude to anyone like that.”

“I was just…” I say, my words trailing off as my mind spins, looking for a decent excuse. “Surprised. Yeah. I didn’t expect to see him is all.”

“Oh, no you don’t,” Keegan challenges. “Do not lie to us, Willow Bardin. You’re terrible at it, anyway.”

A sigh blows between my lips. I’m caught, and I’m not getting out of this one. But I can delay the inevitable, at least for a while.

“Fine. But can we please do this another time? Like, when we’re alone?” I whisper, jerking my head toward the beach where Trace and Bram are obviously pretending not to eavesdrop as they set up the grill a few yards away.

“Of course, we can wait. Right, Keegs?” Pressley says.

Keegan narrows her eyes even more before deflating. “Fine. But you’re going to fess up, and soon.”

I nod, thanking them silently even as dread rises up in the form of bile in my throat. I’ve never told a soul about the history Gavin and I share, but it looks like the time of secrecy and silence is over.

Thanks to my big mouth and over the top reaction to seeing him.

I’ve never told anyone, but has he? Did he tell Julia Warner about his fling with a local girl?

The mere thought makes me want to puke, but instead, I plaster on a fake smile and set about proving Gavin Reese means nothing to me.

Nothing at all.

* * *

Eleven Years ago…

The words on the page might as well be Greek for all the sense they’re making right now. I toss the book aside and check the time on my phone again, my nervous energy ramping up when I realize Gavin should be here any minute.

The good thing about staying at the motel while Wane is filming? Private rooms.

A light tap on the door startles me, and I hop up in a rush before pausing to smooth my shirt and hair. Skipping on light feet, I hurry over, pull open the door, and grab Gavin’s wrist, yanking him inside quickly before closing the door with a soft click and flipping the security latch.

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