Page 16 of Total Shutdown

But it’s not what’s on the menu that’s driving my reluctance. I like spending time with the kind of friends I’ve never had before. I just don’t want to be aroundhimfor a moment longer than necessary. What doesn’t make me feel good, I cut out immediately. And Sawyer Bryce does not make me feel great about myself right now. Since the interview, the tingles he induced have gone, leaving irritation and borderline resentment in their wake.

I clear my throat, scrambling for a plausible excuse. “I’m heading to a Harley Rendezvousevent that day; it’s been a while since I could make one, and I prebooked the tickets.”

Kendra slowly nods, like she’s not buying it. “That’s a shame. I know Darcy was looking forward to seeing you.”

“Did she … happen to hint at what the announcement is about?” I hear Archer ask, but my attention is no longer in the booth as Sawyer gets up and walks over to the bar, scrolling on his cell before putting it to his ear.

In a separate conversation and a quiet voice, Jenna leans toward me, her soft face shining in the glow of the dim bar lighting. “Does your absence have to do with the images posted online of you and Sawyer? I know how you like to keep your privacy and everything.” She quickly checks over her shoulder. “Or is it awkward since you two …” She trails off. “You know …”

Bracing my elbows on the table, I drop my face into a hand, not even bothering to deny that we hooked-up. I know she isn’t about to tell anyone. “It’s neither of those things. I genuinely can’t go on Saturday, and to be honest, I’m kind of tired from working long hours at the shop.”

Before Jenna can respond, my jacket’s in my hand as I stand from the booth. “I don’t want to come off as rude, but I think I’m going to head out.”

On my final words, Jack, Archer and Kendra pause on their conversation.

“Want me to give you a ride home?” Jack asks.

I shake my head. “No, I’m going to get the bus. There’s one in, like, two minutes.”

With Sawyer’s back still to the group, I seize the opportunity and squeeze past Archer and his teammate, making for the door and not stopping to look back.

The second I’m hit with the freezing fall breeze, I draw a gulp of air into my lungs, letting it rest there before I swallow it down.

Come on, Collins. Get it to-fucking-gether.

“There aren’t any Harley Rendezvous events in late October.”

I spin around on the frozen sidewalk and come face-to-face with Sawyer. He’s standing with his phone still pressed to his ear and a rogue grin on his face.

“The recorded message I’m listening to just confirmed it. Well, unless you’re heading to Red Rock in Vegas.”

I turn back toward the bus stop, not saying a word, but I can feel his eyes as they bore into my head.

He releases a long sigh that shifts a few strands of my hair, and I reach behind myself, pulling my collar up so I can’t feel it.

“I thought you said nothing would change?” he asks quickly.

“Changed my mind,” I clip back.

He moves to stand beside me, and I continue facing forward. I know I’m being bratty, but I don’t have it in me to care.

“What’s going on, Collins?” he presses, his voice a touch agitated.

My bus sails past the stop, and I close my eyes, irritation growing.

“It’s probably best if you head back inside. You never know who could be around to take more photos. You don’t know me, remember?”

When I look up at him, he’s already staring down at me, his green gaze showing he’s confused by my behavior.

“You would’ve preferred I told the world your name and that the images were taken right before we got naked together?”

My eyes flare wide, and I quickly check that no one heard that.

I remain quiet since I don’t have a decent response to his logic. No, I don’t want the world to know who I am, and Idefinitelydon’t want them to find out about our hookup.

“You’re really starting to piss me off—you know that?” I push out, pulling out my phone to check on bus times.

He rocks back on his heels, and I swear he chuckles low. “Tell me a time when I’m not antagonizing you. All I need to do is breathe, and you’re aggravated by me.”