Page 75 of The Trouble with You (Rixon Raiders 1)

“Ladies, you came.” Asher Bennet loomed down over me, a wicked glint in his eye. “And you both look smokin’.”

“Smokin’, really?” I scrunched my nose up. It was a miracle anyone fell for his charm, or lack thereof. Although not even I could deny he looked good in his charcoal dress slacks and crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his dark blond hair mussed up in his typical laid-back Asher Bennet way. “That’s the best you can do?”

“As prickly as ever I see, Raine.”

Flick peeked out from the table, gaping up at him. A slow grin spread over his face. “Me and you, Giles, let’s go.”

“Go? Go where?”

“To fuck in my Jeep, where do you think?”

“Oh my god,” she breathed out, and I thought for a second she might faint.

“Dance floor, Felicity.” Asher flicked his head to the crowd of kids dancing. “Let’s dance.”

“D- dance?” She mouthed at me and I gave her wide eyes.

“Go, it’s what you wanted right? To dance and have fun.” And I had no immediate plans to make a fool of myself in front of our entire class.

Cheeks a deep shade of red, Flick let Asher pull her up and they walked hand-in-hand to the dance floor. Last year, she wouldn’t have looked twice at him or Cameron or my step-brother. But this year, she was different.

Maybe we both were.

I watched on as Asher danced circles—literal circles—around her, but she was laughing, her eyes sparkling with happiness. It didn’t take long before he had the entire dance floor eating out of the palm of his hand and right at the heart of their attention was my best friend, in her crowning moment.

My gaze wandered over to where I’d seen Cameron before. He was alone now, watching Asher and Flick, a strange expression on his face. Feeling brave, I got up and made my way over to him but as I almost reached him, a girl tackle hugged him and he held her affectionately, smiling down at her. The same smile he’d given me more than once. My stomach sank as I ducked into the shadows by the wall, pressing myself flat until the darkness swallowed me whole. What did I think? That I’d come here tonight, and Cameron would actually want to dance with me? To spend time with me? Stupid, stupid girl.

Swallowing my pride, I marched back to my table only to realize Flick was no longer dancing with Asher. I scanned the room when my purse vibrated.

* * *

Toby: what’s up?

* * *

Me: At Homecoming and it kind of sucks

* * *

Toby: You should come party with us... it’s not a football thing, I promise

* * *

Another party with Toby? Did I really want that? My fingers hovered over the reply button and then I was typing.

* * *

Me: Okay

* * *

I hit send before I could chicken out. I didn’t really want to go, but the last thing I wanted to do was stay here and watch Cameron and some girl dance and make out.

Just then, I caught a glimpse of Flick. I rushed over to her, narrowing my gaze when I saw her grim expression. “What happened?” I asked.

“N- Nothing.” She swiped at her makeup, smudging the streaks of mascara across her face.

“Flick, I know you’ve been crying.”