Page 58 of Personal Foul

“Hey, sweetheart.” He reaches his arm out and pulls me to his side.

“What made you come out tonight with us commoners?” I smile up at him, pretending I don’t even know Easton’s there, even though I can feel his eyes burning into me.

“Wanted to see my little brother for a bit longer since you all left early last night.” He nods in Easton’s direction, and I look up, feigning surprise when my eyes meet his.

I glance at the woman on his arm, and he at least has enough of a conscience to pull away from her.

“Oh, Kenz said you all were gonna be here tonight. I didn’t know that you had your brother with you though.” I smile at Easton.

He doesn’t answer, a little tick of his jaw the only signal that he heard me at all.

“So how long are you here for?” I turn back to Tobias.

“Another day or so, then it’s back north.” He smiles at me for a moment before his eyes flit back to his brother.

“That’s too bad. What are you up to tonight?” I bat my lashes.

He grins wider. “Having some drinks and trying not to get into too much trouble, sweetheart.”

I feel my phone buzz in my purse, and I open it.

Easton

Can I talk to you?

Please?

I have half a mind to ignore it, but then it wouldn’t make me any better than him. I take a breath and close it.

“Well hopefully, we can catch up some. I definitely want to talk to you more.” I smile at him.

“Of course.” He nods, and he releases the grip he has on my waist.

“Do I get an introduction?” Liv questions, finally catching up with me after saying her hellos to the guys.

“Tobias, Liv. Liv, Tobias. I’ll be right back.”

Kenz looks up at me as I pass her by. “Just gonna run to the bathroom, I’ll be back.”

She nods, and I move swiftly through the crowd toward an outer corridor. I’m gonna give him exactly 60 seconds to extract himself from that harpy’s grip and then I’m gone. I lean up against the wall, crossing my arms over my chest. I almost feel like I might cry. Which is insane. I amnotgoing to cry over Easton Westfield. What the hell is wrong with me? I take a breath, trying to clear my head.

“What the fuck was that?” Easton’s tone is lethal.

“What was what?” I play naïve.

“You know what.”

“I was just saying hi to your brother. Being polite. How’s your girl, Easton? Only one so far? Slow night for you.”

“I wasn’t even talking to her. She just came up and started hanging on me, I was trying to get away from her.”

“Right. I believe that.”

“It’s the truth. Have I ever lied to you?”

“I don’t know. Where were you all afternoon?”

“Out with the guys. You knew that.”