“Oh yeah, why?” Zane asks as we all fall into step.
“I got a job. I’m officially moving to Wind Valley at the end of the summer.”
I turn to her, ready to reply, but catch the stern look on Zane’s face first, then the sharp shake of his head.
“Congratulations, Calla. I bet Simon is thrilled,” he says to her.
“He is. My parents, not so much.”
“Why not? You’re an adult. You’re twenty-nine now, right?”
“Yes, and I don’t know how to explain it. I’m… oh! I’m a pantser, if you want to use writer’s terms.”
“Makes sense, then.”
I listen as the two of them carry on conversation for about another block before Zane stops abruptly.
“Umm,” he says and flashes his phone to us to show that Willa is calling. “I’m gonna take a rain check.”
“No!” Calla cries out while I try not to grind my teeth.
“Think you two can survive?” he asks, backing up.
“Of course.” Calla smiles.
I’m still glaring at him.
“Good. Night!”
We both stand there until Zane is out of sight.
“Night, Beck.”
Calla turns on her heel.
“Where are you going?”
“To get a drink. Without you. I don’t want you to ruin my mood.”
“You’re not getting a drink alone.”
“Yes, I am.”
“The hell you are. Simon would kill me if he knew I let you go out alone in Vegas wearing a dress like that.”
“What kind of dress am I wearing?” She spins and I bump into her.
“No way. I’m not playing this. As your brother’s longest best friend, I’ve known you since you were ten, and I know your games. You know you’re fucking sexy, Calla. I’m not letting you go out alone.”
“Wrong. And compliment or not, I don’t want you to come.”
“You don’t get a choice.” I continue to follow her as she heads into the MGM, my eyes fighting to look anywhere but at her supple ass.
I’m not a perv. She’s just too damn good to look away from. Has been since we were in high school, but like every other thought I have for Calla, I’m not about to tell her that.
“Wrong again. Goodbye, Beck.”
I pause as she heads into one of the bars. As soon as she takes a seat, I walk in and take the one next to her. I twist my stool so we aren’t stuck face-to-face, breathing on each other, but whether she likes it or not, I’m going where she goes.
