Page 108 of For Now, Not Forever


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I scan her over, looking for anything amiss, and find nothing.

“Wow,” she says, stopping in front of me. “You came.”

“You surprised?”

“Yes and no.”

I nod, then jerk my head to the left. Toward the sedan I had to park halfway down the street. “Let’s go.”

“I shouldn’t have texted you. I know that. I just…I snuck out and Madeline picked me up, but now she’s busy and I really just felt like going home.”

“Okay.”

She steps closer before I can move away. Her fingers trace the bruise on the side of my neck.

“You mean to do that?” I ask her, quietly.

Her eyes meet mine, more gray than blue in the dim light spilling out of the windows. “What do you think?”

“I think—”

“Natalie! Is that you?”

“Shit,” she whispers, then spins around and steps forward. Trying to block me.

“I’m leaving, Brian. You should go back inside.”

“You should stay,” Brian says. I assume it’s Brian Baylor, but I can’t get a good look at him past Natalie. His voice suggests he’s close to wasted. “Me and the guys were talking the other night. You’re never around anymore. And way less fun than you were in high school. You stop putting out?”

Definitely Baylor. Guy has always been an epic ass, even by Alleghany standards.

“I think you should shut your mouth, Baylor.”

It takes him a minute to recognize me, but when he does, a wide smile stretches across his face. “Well, well, well. Liam fucking Stevens. You’re a long way from home.”

“Only a few miles, actually.”

“You here spying?”

“On what? How many beers it takes you to fall asleep?”

Brian looks between me and Natalie, his forehead wrinkling. Between the surprise of my appearance and the amount of alcohol he’s consumed, it’s taken him a minute to add up one plus one.

“No fucking way. You’re fuckinghim?”

Brian’s voice is loud. The music is still blaring, but I cast a concerned look at the house. If he keeps this up, someone will hear and come out to investigate.

“Where’s your goddamn loyalty?” he asks Natalie. “You’re from Alleghany. You cheer us on for four years and now you’re letting Liam fucking Stevens between your legs? You’re ruined, Natalie. You think you’re too good for Alleghany dick? Good luck getting any now. You’re done in this town.”

“You’re a sexist asshole, Brian,” Natalie replies. “Wes did the same exact thing, and you still kiss the ground he walks on. Grow the fuck up.”

“You never won us any championships, Natalie. Wes can do whatever the hell he wants with whoever the hell he wants. But you can’t.” He looks her up and down. “We’ll find out how much he cares Stevens went after his sloppy seconds. He doesn’t know you’re screwing his girlfriend’s brother, does he? Talk about desperate.”

My fists curl. I thought walking away was the best strategy for dealing with Baylor. I’m rapidly reconsidering.

I step forward, so we’re only a foot apart. I can smell the alcohol on him. “Listen good, Baylor. You’ve always been my least favorite Alleghany player, which is a fucking accomplishment, so congrats. But tonight, you just made your way to the top of my shit list. I would love the opportunity to lay you out. Since you’re out here—alone—I’m going to assume you’re having a shitty night. So shut your mouth, go inside, and drink some water.”

“You seeing this, Natalie? Glenmont’s golden boy is defending you. You must be one hell of a lay.”

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