But then he looks on without so much of a smile.
Good, I tell myself.
It’s better this way—that they never find out who I really am.
An idea comes to mind. Since he didn’t recognize me today, I doubt another visit would make any difference.
Tonight, I’m going to end this once and for all. I’ll wear my mask one last time and tell them that it’s over.
How many times is too many times to call yourself an idiot in your mind? Because I think I might be setting a new record as we speak, making my way out of the back door with Jules’s help.
“You look hot, by the way,” she whispers. “Just a coincidence or trying to impress a couple of guys whose hearts you’re about to break?”
“I’m not breaking their hearts, okay? We had one night together. They will move on.” I encourage her to contain herself and not make this harder than it already is.
“Message me on your way back, and I’ll let you in. Myra and Roy are here to help too. If you need to go out the gate to fool them, we’ll get you back in. Just call.”
I still can’t believe Roy and Myra are secretly in a relationship––a secret I’m only recently discovering.
“I will.” I open the door and slip into the midnight air, suddenly questioning my outfit of choice with the cool breeze.
But it’s too late now. The door clicks shut behind me. There’s no going back.
The thin material of this dress is doing very little to soften the chill in the air, nipping at my skin. But I’ve never worn this dress, and I’ll retire it after tonight so as to not risk the boys spotting it.
The sky is dark, only a few shining spots. If it wasn’t for the lights of the estate and the town, I’d be able to see more twinkling stars up above.
I slip my phone into the side of my bra, stowing it somewhere safe for now. I should have brought a purse, but I didn’t want to bring anything they may recognize later.
It takes me a minute to work my way through the hedges to the gazebo, where I know the guys will be waiting. Myra made sure they were safely outside before Jules and I started our move.
If this wasn’t such an emotionally charged situation, I would feel like a cool super spy, stealthily moving around the grounds.
Asher’s and Dean’s voices come into earshot as I turn the corner and step into the massive opening that houses the gazebo.
Tiptoeing, I follow the brick path leading to the entrance on the other side, my heart pounding so hard in my chest that I worry it’ll break through my rib cage completely.
Apparently, I’m not quiet enough because both boys rush out of the arched opening not a second later, and I stop dead in my tracks, a few feet from the entrance.
“You’re here,” Asher blurts out, his voice soft and airy.
At the same time, Dean whispers, “You came.”
They look good—too good. Too tempting and inviting. I know I could launch myself right now, and they would catch me with ease, not letting me touch the ground or ever run from them again.
Dean’s messy hair is falling in his eyes, and my fingers twitch to run through the brown locks. He’s wearing black joggers and a black Legends sweatshirt, his gold chain peeking out enough to drive me crazy.
Asher’s hair is pushed back, his eyes vibrant and entrancing. Just like his tattoos exposed from beneath his gray Legends shirt.
The bottom is hitched up on his side, exposing the sharp, defined V-line, which is really starting to make me second-guess my decision of coming here.
I stay still, not wanting to get too close to them because that’s only going to make this that much more painful. Even if I’m not ready to admit just how much that night meant to me, my body and heart can feel it.
Without saying a word, I gesture inside with my hand, palm up. They instantly move, making me feel all too powerful as they lead the way.
They stop only a few feet inside, turning back to face me as I breach the threshold into our safe, secret place.
My heart melts to the floor when I see the vulnerability in their gazes, especially knowing what’s coming next and what I’m about to do.
