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“Or maybe it’s because he realized he had a stage five clinger in his possession and wasn’t quite sure how to get rid of her.”
“Why would he want to get rid of you when he came there last night looking for you?”
“How do you know that?”
“Because as Beckett and I were looking for a more private place,” she gives me a sly smile, “we ran into Treyton.”
“That’s how he knew it was you with Beckett.” I slide a puzzle piece into place. “What did you say to him?”
“That he needed to grovel or he was going to blow his shot with you.”
“And?” I ask, simply because I know Bonnie too well to know that’s not all she said. He may not have known her at first glance, but she no doubt recognized him the instant she laid eyes on him. “And that if he hurt you again, I’d nail his ball sack to the wall.”
“What did he say to that?”
“That he had no intention of hurting you. Only claiming you.” Her grin spreads from one ear to the other.
“Claiming me? What does that even mean?” My heart rate instantly picks up speed, and I swear I feel little beads of sweat start to form on my brow.
“Pretty sure it means he wants you to be his.”
“That can’t be what he meant.” I nibble on my bottom lip. “Could it?”
“Well, considering you hightailed it out of there this morning before he could tell you either way, guess you’ll have to wait to find out.”
“I just don’t want to bethatgirl. You know, the one who blindly believes everything he says until he pulls the rug out from underneath me.”
“You mean you don’t want to be your mother.” She narrows her gaze at me and I nod slowly. “Clarke, you are not your mother. You are the furthest thing from your mother. And you’re smart. One of the smartest people I’ve ever met. You see the world as it is. And I have no doubt that if something seems off, you’ll be the first person to sound the alarm.” She reaches across the open space between us and squeezes my lower leg.
“That’s the problem. Something does feel off.”
“But not because it is, because you’re convinced there has to be. Why else would he be interested in you, is that it?”
“Well, yeah,” I admit.
“Why not you? You’re brilliant, and beautiful, and funny. Any guy, including Treyton Tyler, would be the luckiest man on earth to call you his.” She releases my leg and relaxes back into the cushion.
“I love you.” I smile at my best friend, who proves to me over and over again why I adore her so damn much.
“Ditto, biotch.” She kisses the air.
“Now, can we please stop talking about Treyton? You’re leaving first thing tomorrow, and I don’t want your entire trip to be centered around him.”
“I have an idea,” she offers.
“What’s that?”
“Well, I guess it depends on if you’re feeling up to it.”
“Tylenol, a shower, and a bit of food on my stomach and I’ll be just fine. Tell me what you want to do.”
“Why don’t we pack a cooler and spend the day lounging on the beach, just me and you?”
“I think that sounds perfect,” I admit, because honestly, it does. I don’t go to the beach nearly enough anymore. Not since Bonnie moved away. “And while we’re there, you can tell me all about your night with Beckett.” I throw my legs over the side of the couch.
“Sounds like a plan to me,” she squeals, standing at the same time I do. “You get something for that headache and hop in the shower, I’ll pack the cooler with some beverages and snacks.”
“Okay.” I nod, picking up my wristlet off the table before retrieving my dead cell phone from inside. “Guess I should probably charge this while I’m at it.” I toss my purse back down. “We thinking bikinis or one pieces?” I turn toward my best friend who’s already in the kitchen rummaging through my fridge.
