Page 97 of Stay Wild Darlin’

He picked up after two rings, voice casual. “What’s up?”

“Hey. You busy tonight?”

“Uh, yeah. I’m out with Fable, why?”

“I need a sitter,” I said. “Just for the night.”

“Shit, sorry, man. I can’t tonight, but wait. My dad’s home. Want me to call him?”

“Would you?”

“Yeah, no problem. I’ll text you in two minutes.”

I hung up and looked over at her. She was watching me now, something unreadable in her eyes.

“I’m going with you.”

She didn’t respond right away, just exhaled slowly and sat up, pulling her knees toward her chest.

“You don’t have to⁠—”

“I want to.” I cut in gently.

That earned a soft smile. A real one this time. Her walls didn’t crumble—but they cracked.

She tilted her head. “You gonna wear something ridiculous?”

“Probably,” I said. “I’ll try not to embarrass you.”

“Good.” She sighed again. “Because I already hate half the people that’ll be there. Might as well show up with someone I don’t.”

My phone buzzed. I glanced down.

He’s in. Says he’ll come over around four.

I held it up. “We’re good. Beaus dad’s coming.”

She stared at me, then nodded slowly. “Okay,” she whispered. “Okay.” She let out a quick, breathy laugh and tossed a pillow in my direction. “Get out.”

I caught it midair, grinning. “What?”

“I only have a couple hours to get pretty,” she said, already standing and moving toward her closet. “So do you.”

I laughed, backing toward the door. “I’ll go clean up. Might even shave.”

She pointed at me, all mock seriousness. “Wear real shoes.”

“No promises,” I called as I slipped out of her room.

I closed her door behind me, still smiling like an idiot.

Until I remembered—I didn’t actually own a suit.

I stared at my phone for a second before pulling up Beau’s dad’s number. He answered on the second ring.

“Hey, Papa Banks? I, uh . . . I have a weird favor to ask.”

“Am I going to need bail money?”