Page 97 of Anton

I don’t know who he thinks he’s picking up tonight, but it won’t be Thora.

THORA

I cross Blair’s massive bedroom toward the long mirror near the windows, still wondering why I agreed to this stupid date. What’s even the point?

I give myself a once-over and decide I look mildly acceptable. The powder-blue dress hits just above my knees and my hair is curled just right, falling over my shoulders in glossy waves. When I tug at the neckline, which dips a little lower than I’d like, Blair appears behind me in the mirror.

“Stop fussing. You look gorgeous.”

“I’m not trying to flash anyone tonight.”

She scoffs. “I’m sure Brayden wouldn’t complain if you did.”

I elbow her, and she giggles as she heads to her vanity to put on some mascara and lipstick while I stand there considering whether it’s too late to fake an illness. Because every time I picture Brayden walking beside me, sitting close enough for his arm to brush mine, all I can think about is Anton, which is ridiculous. We lasted like a nanosecond.

So why does going on a date with someone else feel so wrong?

I press my lips together and smooth my hands down the front of the dress.

“Are you even looking forward to this a little bit?” Blair asks, coming back to my side.

I turn to her and produce the most unenthusiastic smile known to man. “Sure.”

Her eyes narrow. “That was the least convincing ‘sure’ I’ve ever heard.”

“That’s all I’ve got. Take it or leave it.”

She sighs. “You’re hopeless.”

She’s probably right.

“Just try to have fun,” she adds, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “You don’t have to marry the man. You don’t even have to kiss him. Just let someone take you out and remind you there are men in the world who don’t come with murder charges and emotional damage.”

I push my hair behind my ear. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Mm-hmm. Sure you don’t.”

My phone starts ringing—and thank you, sweet baby Jesus, because this is the exact distraction I need from my bestie, who knows me way too well. When Brayden’s name appears on my screen, I check the time.

“It’s a little early for them to be picking us up.”

Blair waggles her brows as she reaches for the clutch on her bed. “Maybe he’s eager.”

I shake my head at her and answer. “Hey.”

“Hey, Thora.” Tension strains his words, and sirens wail somewhere around him.

Shit. That doesn’t sound good.

My gaze cuts to Blair, and her expression sobers the instant she sees mine.

“What’s going on?” I switch the call to speaker so she can hear. “Is everything okay?”

“I’m really sorry to do this, but I’m going to have to cancel tonight.”

Blair’s mouth pops open while I bask in sweet relief. Pure, inappropriate, thank God I don’t have to do this relief.

Which also makes me feel like a terrible person.