“What made you shiver?”
“What?”
“You shivered just now. What’s going on?”
“Oh. You caught that.” She grimaces before hitting me with another fake grin until I hold my stare and she sighs in resignation. “Okay, fine. All night I’ve had this feeling like someone is watching me. I can’t explain it. I’ve just felt off.”
She shivers again and I stand tall, my muscles stiffening as I search around the space, seeking out anyone looking in our direction, and there are plenty of options. I’d say we’re a big talking point right now. But are any of them threats? My fists clench and Hayley laughs.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m looking for someone. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Honestly…because I thought it was Bria. Or that I was imagining it.”
“I don’t mean to scare you, Hayls. But you’re kind of a big name. Please don’t ignore your gut. If you’re worried, tell me. Tell anyone. And don’t go anywhere alone.”
“Okay, Dad.” She rolls her eyes. “I’ll make sure to take a friend with me when I go to the bathroom.”
“I’m serious, Hayls. After the conversation I just had with Bria, it could very well be her, but what if it’s not?” A nervous energy settles in my chest, but I try to ignore it as my eyes bore into hers.
“All right. I’ll be careful.” She nods and it’s then I relax, thankful that something I said got through to her.
“Thank you.” I smile, not bothering to hide my relief in my sigh.
“You know you’re kind of hot when you get protective like that?”
“Hayley, you think I’m hotall the time.”
“It’s true, I do. No point in denying it.” She hits me with a coy smile and while I’m certain it’s fake, it smacks me in the chest. I meant what I said—she’s the most beautiful girl in the room, andtonight she’s by my side, much to the disappointment of most of the guys in this room.
“So, what happened with Bria?” Hayley interrupts my thoughts and I freeze.
Bria’s here.
Bria’s in this room, and for the first time, I’m consumed by somebody else.
Wow. Progress. I think.
“Earth to Reed.” Hayley waves in my face, trying to get my attention. “You’re thinking about her now, aren’t you? Do you need me to kiss you again so you’ll snap out of it?”
I shake off my thoughts and laugh. “I’m pretty sureIkissedyou.”
“Same, same.”
“But different.”
“Sure, okay. But I need to know. What happened?”
“I’m not really sure to be honest.” I frown, still confused by her reaction. “She was happy and then she wasn’t. Then she said she was but she was definitely lying.”
“So she was jealous?” Hayley’s frown rivals my own and my confusion deepens.
“I don’t know. Despite havingtwofemale best friends, as you like to point out, when it comes to this stuff, I’m lost.”
Hayley bites back a grin as she grabs my arm, giving me a comforting squeeze. “Oh, Reedy boy, you’re just too nice. Want me to find out?”
“What? How?”
