Page 84 of Rise After Fall

Dad stands. “I’ll walk you.”

“There’s no need,” I say.

“I’ll do it. I was going to head down to the lobby bar for a bit anyway. Give you two some alone time,” Tobias says.

I open my mouth to protest, but Dad cuts me off, “Ah, perfect. Make sure she locks the door behind her.”

Mom kisses my cheek, and Dad gives me a tight hug before walking us out into the hallway.

“Good night, Zoey. We love you.”

“I love you too.”

He shuts the door.

“Come on. Let’s get you home,” Tobias says as he wraps an arm around my waist.

I nudge him with my elbow and take a huge step to the side.

He grins and extends his hand, beckoning me to walk ahead of him.

A trickle of dread slides down my spine as I head to the stairs. Preferring to use them than be trapped in an elevator with him.

We exit the hotel, and I purposely take the longer, well-lit route to the cabanas.

Thankfully, the staff is enjoying a night by the firepit when we arrive. The moment they catch sight of the world-famous coach, Tobias Taut, they all surround him, allowing me to make a hasty escape.

“Zoey, wait,” Joanna calls as she follows after me.

I slow my pace so she can catch up to me.

“Won’t you hang out with us for a while?” she asks.

“I’m tired. I think I’m just going to go to bed,” I say.

“What’s going on with you?” she asks.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“You’ve been acting strange the past few days. And not the sketchy,trying not to get caught sneaking around with Morrisstrange,” she says.

“I’m not sneaking around with Morris,” I gasp.

“Oh, please, you two are as subtle as an avalanche,” she quips.

Oh my God.

“What’s this I hear?”

We both turn to see Tobias standing on the porch behind us.

Joanna’s eyes go wide. “I was just teasing Zoey,” she says.

“So, you and the Tuttle boy are a couple?” he asks me.

I shake my head. “It’s none of your business,” I say.

He takes the four steps that are between us and looms over me. His big, broad frame pinning me to the door of my cabana.