Page 115 of A Little Secret

“Yeah, but you’re supposed to be the nice guy, remember?”

“I’m not nice?” I challenge.

With a mock glare, she pulls away and looks up at me. “You’re bossy.”

“I can be bossyandnice,” I offer. “But only after we smooth things over with everyone.”

“Fiiiine,” she groans but raises her chin for another kiss.

Bending down, I give it to her.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

FINLEY

Joke’s on us. The house is empty by the time Griffin and I reappear. No notes. No texts. Only a positive pregnancy test on the kitchen counter and a stone of guilt in the pit of my stomach.

“Any suggestions on what we should do?” I ask, turning to Griffin.

He checks the time on his phone and sighs. “Not sure, but?—”

His phone buzzes in his hand.

Leaning closer, I see his mom’s face flashing on the screen, and my eyes dart to his. “You gonna answer it?”

With a nod, he reaches for my hand, squeezes softly, and heads into the family room, lifting his cell to his ear. “Hey, Mom.”

I tiptoe back to my room, close the door behind me, and pull up Everett’s contact info. Pressing call, I wait for him to pick up, but it goes straight to voicemail, confirming my suspicion. He’s pissed. I get it, but still.

I dial his number again and lift my phone to my ear.

Ring. Ring.

“This is Ev. Leave me a message?—”

Hitting end, I open my messaging app and click on my conversation with Everett.

Me

I know you’re mad, and you have every right to be, but if you could not be an ass and let me explain myself, that would be great.

I hit send, then stare at the delivered notification at the bottom, waiting for it to shift to read. When it doesn’t, my teeth dig into the inside of my cheek.

Three little bubbles pop up, and I hold my breath, waiting for his response.

Ev

Can’t talk now. Gotta get my head on straight for the game. We’ll talk later, though. I’m sorry I was an ass, and I love you.

Me

Love you, too.

Tapping my cell against my chin, I squeeze my eyes shut. One down. One billion to go.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I pull up my friends’ group chat and type out a message.

Me