Page 57 of Seein’ Red

“Worse, we were caught red-handed. Now I have to find some ammunition on Milo to make this even.”

“If you say so.” He spins me back around, kissing me again like we weren’t scolded. Not that I care. In fact, if anything it’s a nice “so there” to my brother. “Let’s kick this party back up, shall we?”

He pulls out his phone again, and his eyes go wide. My heart stops for a second, then I peer over his phone, curiosity getting the better of me.

“What?” I ask, not seeing anything on his screen other than the time and the controls for the song that’s playing. Certainly nothing that is a cause for concern.

“I just didn’t realize what time it is. I’ve got to get to…errr, I mean the game is about to start, so…”

I smile, shaking my head. Part of me wants to let him have this one, but another part thinks it’s time the truth comes out. “You’re late for game night?”

Nash's head whips up, his eyes even bigger than before, the shock clear as day. “How’d you know?”

“We’ve known for a long time.”

“How long? And who’s we?”

I shrug. “Since high school? Sylvie, Kenz, and I snuck out one night and spied on y’all. You said you were going to watch the game, but instead the three of you were intensely focused on this board with a map on it.”

“Risk,” he tells me. “It’s a serious game. Takes focus on strategy. But why didn’t y’all say anything?”

“We figured y’all would fess up eventually. But then you didn’t. And it’s been fun knowing that you don’t know that we know.”

“Unbelievable. Well, now that you know, you better be prepared to role play my ultimate Clue fantasy.”

“You have a Clue role play fantasy?” I sputter. Just who is this guy? Apparently people can still surprise you after a lifetime of friendship.

“Miss Scarlet, in the library, with the rope.” He winks.

I should have known…

“Go!” I shove him away playfully, giggling to myself. “Have fun. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“You’ll see me tonight. I’ll be over after I kick their asses. I’m not skipping a chance to fall asleep with you in my arms. Already missed too many.”

Kissing me again, he gives me one more wink and heads out the door. My heart soars, a goofy grin taking over as I watch him walk away.

That is, until the door opens up almost immediately. At first I think it’s him, coming back for one more smart remark, but then I see bleach blonde curls that look like they could glow in the dark.

Kitty Cattaway.

All the lightness leaves my body, replaced with a dread that I haven’t felt for a long time. It disappeared the day I was crowned Miss Georgia, watching her face fall in disappointment. One of the best moments of my life. I hate that this feeling returned so easily.

“Ooooof, hate to see him go, but damn, love to watch him walk away!” Kitty declares, holding the door open, gaze clearly following Nash as he walks to his truck.

Stay the fuck away from my man…

And he is mine. All mine.

I might not have had a right to claim him back in high school, but I do now. If the sweet nothings and all the kisses from the last twenty-four hours don’t prove it, then this baby I’m carrying sure does.

“What do you want, Kitty?” I ask, not trying to hide my impatience.

“Just here to deliver the centerpieces,” she replies, walking into the bar. “I assume you want them on the table?”

I’d prefer them shoved up your ass…

“That is generally where centerpieces go.”