Page 59 of Sharing Shadow Secrets (High Five Novella #6)

T aylor approaches me, joking, “You’re free.”

While tonight has been fun, I’m relieved it’s over. “When are you free?” I ask, seeing she has a drink in hand.

“Now.”

The excitement of hearing her pant again rushes through me.

“What is that?” I ask, nodding toward her glass.

“A mocktail. It’s amazing. I don’t even know what’s in it—lavender and ginger beer, I think?”

“That sounds good. Join me at the bar?”

She nods, and as we walk, I lower my voice. “Where’s your boyfriend?”

Taylor glances around. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen him in a minute.”

“So, when we find him …” I pause just long enough to be suggestive. “We’re going back to his place?”

She looks up at me with wide, excited eyes. “I think so.” Her smile is shy and completely irresistible.

“You’re too cute,” I whisper in her ear, surprised by all of this. That Brandon wants me to join. That Taylor does too.

She presses a finger into my stomach in retaliation, then turns to the bartender. “Can you make Kyle the same thing you made me?”

I take a look around the crowded bar and spot Brandon entering through the front door. I raise a hand, and he nods, then starts walking over. Watching him approach, my pulse quickens as he holds my gaze. I can’t wait to touch him too.

“What are you drinking?” Brandon asks Taylor. I clock the subtle edge in it.

“A mocktail,” she says, offering it up. “Want a sip?”

His shoulders visibly loosen as he takes the glass. I think back to him paying for my drinks and us doing shots at this bar and how we’ve shared so much yet nothing at all over the years.

“This is great,” Brandon says after a sip, looking at ease.

“Aaron,” Taylor yells. “One more.”

I squeeze his shoulder. “All good?”

He doesn’t answer me right away. His gaze drifts back to Taylor. “Are you done working?”

“I am,” she says, and something in her voice shifts—flirtier.

He grabs her hand, fingers threading through hers. “Have you talked with Kyle about later?”

“She has,” I cut in. “I’m down.”

Taylor giggles softly, taking a sip of her drink, and Brandon’s eyes linger on her before checking me out.

“Tonight’s about Taylor,” he says, looking right at me.

“Understood,” I say, though my eyes flick down him. They’re both beautiful people, and I’m curious if there will be anything between Brandon and me tonight.

“We’re giving her whatever she wants.”

My eyes lower to the hem of Taylor’s dress. I’m more than happy to give her what she wants.

“She’s the boss,” I quip and reach for her drink, taking it from her hand and setting it on the bar. I step closer to her and grab her other hand in mine. “She’s also a pillow princess.” I lean in close, grazing her ear with my lips. “Do you want me to keep the fangs on?”