Page 28 of Make Me Laugh

West shuffles off the bed. “I didn’t say I was proud of it. I don’t need anyone getting too close, thinking they can stick around. So, I make myself very clear before anything happens what my expectations are.”

I’m nervous West might still be naked when I look up from the floor, but thankfully, he threw on a pair of… gray sweatpants.

Oh, he’s good. That’s the female equivalent to a nice pushup bra or the perfect pair of leggings.

“Well, Hotshot. Let me make it exuberantly clear.” I finally spot my black T-shirt in the corner.

“Wait, no, hold o—” West starts, but I cut him off.

“I’m not interested in sticking around. In fact, I’m so ready to leave.” I snatch my purse from the table and slip into my Docs, shoving the laces inside.

“Joey baby, I⁠—”

“Stop calling me that!” Because it makes my insides tingle—I don’t say the last part out loud, of course.

“Damn, not a morning person… It's okay. I can work with that.” He leans against the wall near me. “What I meant was,” he waits until I stand up and face him. “I didn’t rush you out because I wanted to see you again.”

I can usually get a good read on people, and there’s nothing on West’s face or in his casual stance that screams liar.

Sighing, I take a step forward, resting my hand on his forearm. His skin is warm, and I’m fighting with what my body wants and what my brain is telling me to do instead. “Good luck on the rest of your tour. Thank you for last night. I had a really great time.” I drop my hand and walk past him, realizing I’m still in my underwear.

I hold my bag between my legs, slipping into my T-shirt quickly. When I get to the door, I look over my shoulder and find West staring. For the first time since meeting him, I bring up my online identity by name. “Hex is a secret. I’d like to keep her that way.”

The door closes behind me, and I don’t look back, not even when I hear West’s groan from down the hall.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

THE ONE WITH THE VIRAL VIDEO

Comment: I’m just here for the wedding announcement

Comment reply: Ain’t noooo way this isn’t for clout

Comment reply: Hex had her identity revealed to millions of people on the internet… Can’t imagine how stupid someone has to be to believe this was done for clout.

I throw myself down on the bed and instantly regret it, because Joey’s scent lingers on the sheets. Blackberry and something woodsy—it reminds me of the first crisp fall day in Northern Michigan.

Fucking get it together, West. She’s just a girl!

Another girl on the long list of ones I’ve already slept with on this tour.

That thought makes me go cold.

Joey isn’t just another girl I added to my list. Joey is the first girl in my entire life to leave me with this lingering feeling of what if? And that’s terrifying!

My body is telling me to get my ass up and go after her—my brain is reminding me not to be a fucking creep.

I sigh and roll myself off the bed, my left knee popping uncomfortably all the way to the bathroom where I’m determined to wash Joey from my skin.

The water’s so hot it burns, and while the soap might wash Joey’s scent from my body, nothing can get her out of my head.

The hotel water never goes cold like I’m used to, so there’s no telling how long I’ve been standing in the shower, letting last night play on repeat.

I never checked the time or my phone before hopping in, and I might have stayed in here forever if it weren’t for the fear of missing check out—not because I’m worried about what the hotel will say or do, but because Enzo would be unbearable for the rest of the day if I messed up his strict travel schedule.

Enzo and Joey are a lot alike…

And just like that, she’s back on my mind.