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Your dad and I are officially neck deep in crab claws and trying to find our way to the bottom of bottomless mojitos.

How’s Brad’s party going?

Sigh. This is much less interesting than receiving a secret text from the man who makes my pulse race.

Is he thinking about me at all tonight? Is it killing him to not be reaching out for one another, like it’s killing me not to be near him?

No. Skylar. You need to seriously snap out of it. We agreed to this like two very boring, sensible adults.

Boo.

Inwardly I pout at my morals remaining firmly set in place.

Sounds like you guys have got a fun night planned.

We’re good here. Brad and Flinn send their love.

Oh, we’ll be tucked up in bed long before midnight.

Not like you young’uns partying into the small hours.

I think you’ve got the right idea.

I’m not sure I’ll survive until twelve.

Very boring, blah blah, I know.

Oh, honey. I’m sorry things didn’t work out with Jeremy.

You know I’m only a phone call away if you need to talk about it.

“Sky …” I hear Brad’s voice tutting at me, and he swipes my phone out of my hand.

Oh my god. My stomach drops into the soles of my boots. Thank fuck it’s my darling mother’s beaming smile and words on the screen and not someone else’s contact details—that could have led to an extremely awkward moment of discovery.

Brad furrows his brow as he scans the last texts and gives me a look that I can interpret without needing to exchange words.

“I’m doing fine. Promise.” I cross my heart.

“You’re not just putting on a brave face for the sake of a stupid party?” He drops his voice low and hands me back my phone. Bless him for being so endlessly big hearted.

“I’m totally okay. Go, play host.” I shove his shoulder. And the idea pops into my head, with words coming out before I can stop them. “Actually, my folks want to have a cute little family video chat at midnight. You know what they’re like when they’ve had a few drinks and want to talk my ear off.” Shrugging, I point at my phone.

Holy shit. I’m about to be so goddamn reckless.

“You don’t mind if I disappear while you and Flinn are busy sucking face as the clock strikes midnight?” My lips twist into a grin while my heart kicks inside my chest.

I’m very rapidly forming a plan, one that my parents are about to unknowingly become accomplices in, and if all goes the way I imagine, it could … I might just secure my opportunity to welcome in the New Year with the only person I want to be wrapped up in.

Brad rolls his eyes at me, mouthing something rude, and someone calls out his name from the other side of the room.

My stomach swoops, and I check the time. It’s still relatively early, but if I plan my next moves just right, I might be able to steal away for one final game with Lucas Rhodes after all.

CHAPTER 24

My house is filled with people, music, and laughter. Brad is in his fucking element, practically buzzing with joy as he makes sure everyone is enjoying themselves and putting on one heck of a night to celebrate the ranch.

I gotta hand it to him—the kid knows the value of networking and being peopley. Thank fuck he’s got the gift because I certainly don’t.