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Sawyer
Just when I think it can’t get any worse…it does.
“Good Lord, you’re conceited.”
My nemesis nods. “True, but you can’t deny how good it would feel to see the expression on Casey and her little minions’ faces when they find out we’re together.”
I hate the tiny part of me that agrees with his statement. But it’s still not a good enough reason to help him.
Not after what he’s done.
“Sorry, champ. There’s nothing you can say to make me change my mind about dating you.”
“What if I give you money?”
Jesus. That’s downright insulting. “Do I look like some kind of hooker?”
The expression on his face would be endearing if he wasn’t such a dick. “I didn’t…that’s not what I meant.”
Popping my hands on my hips, I glare at him. “Then what exactly did you mean?”
He blinks. “You’re poor, right?” Before I can scream my head off, he holds up his hands. “I’m not trying to insult you. I’m just stating facts.”
“Oh, well, I have a few facts for you, sunshine.” I start ticking things off with my fingers. “One, you’re a—”
“Motherfucking arrogant, selfish, good-for-nothing piece of douchebag shit,” he finishes, repeating my words back to me. “Duly noted.”
Evidently, the boy can listen.
“Great.” I gesture to the door. “I’m going inside. Don’t follow me.”
I’ve barely taken a step when he calls out, “Sawyer, wait.” Grabbing me by the shoulders, he spins me around. “I know I don’t deserve your help, but I need it. I need you.” He comes closer. Too close. “Tell me what I have to do to get you.”
The ice around my heart starts to thaw a little.
“Tell me something real,” I utter, my heart in my throat. “Something that hurts.”
For the last three years, I’ve wanted nothing more than to crack Cole Covington wide open and see what’s inside.
The real him.
Not the fake version he shows everyone else.
He opens his mouth to speak, then clamps it shut.
“Never mind.” I detest the disappointment brewing in my chest. Just this once, I was hoping he’d prove me wrong. “I should have known better.”
“I can’t—”
“Can’t…or won’t?”
“Can’t,” he whispers.
“Then that makes two of us.”
The look he gives me pierces my soul. “My—” A group of people walk out onto the patio at that moment.
“Lucky Seven!”
Without missing a beat, Cole juts his chin at the group. “What’s good?”
Whatever. I’m so over this.
I start toward the door yet again, but his hand swallows mine and he tugs me toward the tiny outdoor changing room.
“What the hell are you doing?”
Not bothering with a response, he shoves me inside and closes the door behind us.
The small space is cramped enough as it is, but with two of us in here, it’s almost suffocating.
I go to flick on the light, but he stops me.
“No.”
“I don’t have time for your stupid games, Cole. Let me out.”
“This isn’t a game.”
“Then what is it?”
“Me being real.” My breath hitches when he places my hand over his wildly beating heart. “But I should warn you…it’s dark inside.”