Page 24 of Pretend Ring Girl


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Those scallops were fantastic.

How am I going to explain this dress to my mom?

I check my phone again, but it’s been quiet. I told her I was invited to a party and would be home late. She thanked me for letting her know and told me to have fun.

No frantic texts or calls demanding a babysitter.

I only hope I’m this lucky tomorrow.

When the limo drops me off at our humble rancher, I slink inside carrying my shoes, and am grateful to find the house dark and quiet. I change and wash up quickly, being careful to hide the expensive dress in the far back of my closet, and tuck the shoes and purse in an old shoebox on the shelf.

After packing a day bag—complete with sunblock and a floppy hat—I lay out my new bright white bikini, a tank top, and jean shorts for tomorrow, then plug my phone in and set an alarm for early.

I fully intend to be up and gone before my parents wake up. It’s Saturday, and my mom went out with her girlfriends. They’re definitely gonna sleep in.

A twinge of guilt pinches my stomach, knowing I’m sneaking out despite being a fully grown adult.

But I’ll text them as soon as I’m off, and if they need me, I’ll have my phone.

Granted, I’ll be in the Bahamas, but still…

Suddenly realizing I hadn’t packed my passport, I grab it and toss it into my bag before sliding into bed.

I can’t believe everything that has happened in the last five days. Let alone the last five hours.

I entertain a few fantasies of myself being pampered and adored by not one butthreesexy men, and drift off grinning.

Chapter11

My morning escape plan works brilliantly, and I am showered, dressed, and out the door before another soul wakes in my house.

Sure enough, a car is waiting for me directly in front of my house.

A silver BMW.

The grin spreads across my face with ease, and I slide into the bucket seat joyfully, tossing my bag in the back.

“I wasn’t expecting you to pick me up,” I tease Elian, who tips up his sunglasses and holds out a Starbucks cup with a plastic stopper in the lid.

“Caramel Macchiato, piping hot, my lady,” he grins in response, then lowers his glasses back over his eyes.

“Oh, you’re a saint. I didn’t make coffee—didn’t want to wake my mom up.” After I buckle in I take the cup and pop the lid off, inhaling the sweet fragrance. Elian lets me take a sip and replace the lid before he pulls away and speeds for the highway.

“Here.” He hands me a paper pastry bag, and inside is a warm, buttery croissant.

I rip off a piece and shove it into my mouth before I speak. “Okay, I could get used to this,” I admit around the mouthful. “I may be slightly hung over today. Not too bad, but this will definitely help.”

“I figured,” Elian grins, his deep dimples making my heart flutter. “The fresh air will do you good, too. And maybe a nap in the sun.”

“That all sounds fantastic,” I agree.

“And, as promised, we will have scallops.”

I fix him with my best single-eyebrow stare. “Can I tell you a secret?”

“Sure.”

“I don’t really care about the scallops. I just felt like I was being a bad negotiator and I needed to demand something.”

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