Page 57 of Sharing Shadow Secrets (High Five Novella #6)
“ O kay,” I say quickly, ignoring my water and walking away. That was weird of me. Embarrassing, even. But also—holy shit—I’m about to live out a book fantasy. Two gorgeous guys. One very willing me.
Focus, Taylor.
Tapping my phone, I have to work for just a little bit more. I need to announce the costume contest, take more content, and not combust.
Normally, I’d be speed-walking to find Gwen and Morgan, already breathless with gossip. Still, I need to know what they’re doing after this. If Kyle comes back with me … us … yeah, that’s going to raise some questions.
I spot them at a tall boy table, flirting with a couple guys dressed as cowboys.
“Hey!” I cut in, pretending I’m not freaking out in the best way. “What are you feeling after this party?”
“Well,” Gwen says, flipping her hair, “these cowboys are trying to convince us to go to a bar down the street.”
She wants to go with them.
“I’m being convinced,” Morgan adds, eyeing the taller one.
“Sounds fun!” I say, maybe too eagerly. “You should definitely do that.”
They both look at me suspiciously.
“Since Brandon’s here—” I start.
“We know what you’re going to be doing,” Morgan interrupts. “Or should I say who.” She nudges into me.
No, no you do not . I fight back a smile.
I pivot fast. “Cowboys,” I say to the guys. “Where are you from?”
“Chicago,” the shorter one answers.
Too curious, I ask, “How did you hear about this party?”
“TikTok.”
Marketing. It works. I laugh to myself. “Can I take a quick video for the recap?”
They glance at each other then nod. I raise my phone. “Okay—pretend to pull out guns and go back to back. Ready? Three. Two. One. Go.”
They ham it up, and I instantly love them.
“Well, show my friends a good time and keep them out late,” I say, smacking Gwen and Morgan on the butt.
Go home with the cowboys! I internally scream, trying to will it into existence.
“Have you seen Patrick and Rachel?” I ask casually.
“They left before that guy proposed,” Gwen says, already blinking back up at the cowboy.
Even better. If they’re asleep already, maybe I can sneak Kyle in without a single follow-up question. I’m barely processing that this is even happening—talking about it would make it too real. I don’t want to jinx it.
“Taylor,” a familiar voice calls, and I turn toward it. Nicholas is at the bar, Aaron behind it. My cue, thank God. I back away with a wave.
I walk over, and Nicholas greets me with a smile. “You don’t have to work anymore. Grab a drink. Enjoy yourself.”
“But the costume contest?—”
“I’ll announce the winners,” he says, cutting me off gently. “Aaron just told me where sales are for tonight.” He holds up a fist. “Another successful event.”
I bump knuckles with him, smiling.
Aaron leans forward. “What can I make you?”
“Mocktail. Dealer’s choice.”
Nicholas tilts his head. “You’re not driving back to the city tonight, are you?”
“Nope. I’m staying at my boyfriend’s lake house.”
The word leaves my mouth without hesitation, and I blink.
Boyfriend. It rolls off the tongue so easily.
Nicholas raises a brow. “Very nice. Is he here? I’d love to meet him.”
I scan the crowd but don’t see Brandon. “Somewhere around here.”