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My eyes bulge at his words.

Nooooo way!

Maybe I’m not such a freak thinking that there was something between them after all. I mean, he’s not actually her brother, and they are together all the time. But the only thing that happened lately was a home invasion at Kaleb’s.

I frown. Horror races through me at the memory of hiding scared in the bathroom. Kaleb killed two men to protect Sam and me on Halloween. Frankly, the man can do no wrong in myeyes. If they want to act on what they’ve been dancing around for years, I’ll be their biggest cheerleader.

Besides, Samantha isn’t the only one I love. Kaleb and the rest of the Cromwells are family too.

“What’s this I hear about a belated Halloween party?”

He’s such a dad.

“None of your business,” Sam answers for us.

“Shelby?”

Unlike my best friend, I instantly fold.

“I told you that I don’t like Halloween. I invited a few friends over so I wasn’t alone, but then the burglaries started happening. Everyone canceled their trick-or-treating plans, so I called off the party.”

“So it’s canceled? Then why am I hearing about it from Edward’s dad?”

I look at Sam for help, but she’s got nothing.

“Well, it was canceled, but then everyone heard what happened at your house, and they wanted a party to relax. Some of the parents and kids are trick-or-treating today instead, so I thought, why not?” We weren’t the only ones worried about the recent break-ins. Now that the culprits are gone, we can all relax. “It’s nothing huge, just a few friends, food, and films. More of a movie night,” I rush to add.

The line goes quiet, and for a second, I think we’ve won.

“No alcohol, and make sure you lock up after everyone leaves. I’m sure you’ll have fun, but Samantha won’t be there.”

What? No!

“Yes, I will!” Sam argues.

But I know we’ve already lost. “Why not?”

“She’s grounded,” Kaleb answers, ignoring Sam’s outrage.

“No, I’m not!”

“Awww, what for?” I moan.

“For not having her phone and being unavailable. Clearly having a word about it wasn’t enough.”

Not ready to give up, Sam continues to argue, “You can’t ground me. I’m not a fucking child, Kaleb.”

“Yet you’re acting like one. Stop fucking ignoring me.”

Clearly, I’m missing something.What happened between them after the break-in?

I didn’t think Sam’s face could get any redder. I was wrong. “Go fuck yourself,” she spits.

I may not have a sibling, but I’ve been around Sam and her brothers long enough to know that this is about to get ugly. My finger stabs the red circle on the screen, ending the call.

My heart stills.

“You hung up,” Sam states, just as shocked as I am.