Page 49 of Sharing Shadow Secrets (High Five Novella #6)

S tepping into the lake house, it’s silent. They must have all left for the party already. I open the entryway closet and smile, finding my costume: a leather jacket and combat boots. There’s a drawstring bag around the hanger. Inside, I find a skeleton face mask and note.

I’ll return whatever you don’t wear.

I appreciate our estate manager. He nailed this last-minute request. I’ll be a mix of one of the masked guys from Taylor’s TikTok with a motorcycle flair.

I make myself a fast dinner, then go into my room to change. Spotting Taylor’s toiletries on the counter, it sinks in. I’m about to have a girlfriend.

My phone starts buzzing. Dani Sommer is calling.

“Hey!” I answer, tapping the speakerphone button.

“Brandon. Why have you been keeping Taylor from me?” Dani asks, trying to sound firm but it’s impossible with her cute voice.

“What do you mean?”

“I want her to be my best friend, but she’s been dodging me. Now Declan’s telling me that she’s your girlfriend?”

“She’s almost my girlfriend,” I clarify.

“Well, there’s an executed contract in her inbox. That makes her your girlfriend, right?”

Thank fucking God.

“It does.” I chuckle, relieved this box has been checked. “Thank you for working with her.”

“Thank you for introducing me to her. Seriously. Also, she’s about to be my best friend. I already know it. So, double date next week. I’m not taking no for an answer.”

“We’re in.”

“Yeah! Cool. Well, have fun. Send me a pic of you two. You know I love a good costume.”

“You got it. Have fun at Declan’s party tonight too.”

“Bye!”

Dani and Taylor are going to be best friends.

I quickly change into black jeans and lace up the combat boots. Sliding the leather jacket on, I shake my head about this shirtless look, especially with the face mask.

Only for Taylor.

Hopping into the SUV we keep at the lake house, I start the short drive to High Five.