Page 38

“I didn’t realize I was making a face.”

“You were. And I’m allowed to say that now because you’re in love with Jacob. I wanted it to work out for you and Axel for years. I was so Team Axel. But it’s his loss, Scar. And you and Jacob are perfect together. Look, he already got you lunch. He’s the sweetest.”

I looked over at our table. Jacob was sitting there with two trays, laughing about something with my brother.

I couldn’t ask for a better guy than Jacob. I needed to let this Axel thing go. He wasn’t the kiss thief. I tried not to be obvious, but everyone around me knew I had a crush on Axel. If Axel had even liked me back just a little bit, wouldn’t he have already acted on it?

“And my money is on Zach the Stallion,” Sophie said. “At least, I hope it’s him. You only ever want to go on dates with guys with big dick energy. And a member to back it up.”

I laughed. “Great advice, but I’m good.”

“I know you are. I still can’t believe that Jacob was secretly hiding such a large trouser snake. I’d be jealous if I wasn’t so happy for you. I’m gonna go grab lunch.” She walked off.

I took a deep breath and walked over to Jacob. “Thanks for getting me lunch again. I’m going to owe you a hundred meals.” I plopped down next to him.

“No problem.” He kissed my cheek. “So what did RJ tell you yesterday? You never texted me last night.”

“RJ didn’t tell me anything. Liam said RJ told him it was Mr. Halifax.”

Liam laughed.

“But you were joking, right?” Jacob asked him.

“I have no idea if RJ was joking or not,” Liam said. “Could you imagine if it really was Mr. Halifax though? Dad would have to beat the shit out of him a second time.”

“I think Mr. Halifax held his own,” I said.

Jacob looked down at me.

“Not that I’m on Mr. Halifax’s side. Obviously. I...” My voice trailed off. “I don’t know who my kiss thief is.” My heart started pounding. Yeah, I was definitely having a heart attack or something.

“I can’t believe RJ won’t tell you,” Jacob said. “But oh well.” He took a bite of his sandwich like that was the end of the conversation.

Oh well? That’s all he had to say? I stared at him. “But I can definitely convince RJ to tell me.”

Jacob shrugged. “Doesn’t he want a favor in return? It’s really not worth it, Scarlett. Who cares who that creepy kiss thief was?”

I swallowed hard. I cared. I really freaking cared. How could Jacob not? “RJ said I could find out Friday night. If I want.”

“What time? I was hoping you could come over for dinner Friday night. Just tell RJ that you already have plans.”

Sophie sat down next to Liam. She didn’t say a word, but she gave me a look. A look that meant it was time to lie to my boyfriend.

I really didn’t want to lie. But Jacob didn’t think unmasking my kiss thief was important. And it was important to me. I was doing it. I had to. God, I really didn’t want to keep lying to him though. Was there a world that existed where he wouldn’t be upset if I just told him the truth? I mean...he’d have to understand if going on the date was my only option of unmasking my kiss thief.

“Earth to Scar,” Liam said and waved his hand in front of my face.

I had just been sitting here debating this in my head looking like a total maniac. And I think I had my conclusion. There definitely wasn’t a world that existed where Jacob wouldn’t be mad. Especially because he wanted to have dinner with me. And I’d be having dinner with someone else.

“So...is that a yes to dinner on Friday?” Jacob asked.

He was so sweet. And I was a monster. Because I was about to take Sophie’s advice and lie my ass off. I cleared my throat. “I’m not sure. RJ wants it to be a whole grand reveal, you know him. He said he’d text me the time and place. But he made it seem like it would be around dinner time.” Since I was going out to dinner...

“That’s fine,” Jacob said. “I’ll be calling it an early night anyway because of the game on Saturday. At least you can come to the victory party.”

“Don’t jinx it,” I said. But they were undefeated this year. They probably would win.

I could feel Liam staring at me. RJ must have told him about the dinner date thing.