Tucker runs a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. Maybe before tonight, I would have thought that you were all crazy. But I have to admit that every time I see you kiss Taryn, I think it’s hot, rather than feeling jealous. And seeing you with her in that room was even hotter. I want to be with my girl, but I don’t want to see you get hurt, Col. So maybe we can try. What do you think?”
“I’m on your same page.” Colsen nods. “What about you, pretty girl?”
I feel my eyes fill with unshed tears. “Would you really want to keep dating me together?”
“Together was fun, so I wouldn’t say no to that.” Colsen chuckles. “But I’d love more time alone, too. We would figure it out as we go, but yeah. Maybe you don’t really have to choose between me and Tucker.”
“That would be awesome, but…” my voice breaks.
“But you care about Nash, too.” Tucker finishes for me. “Look, baby, like Colsen said, we don’t have to decide everything tonight. Let Nash cool down, and then we can all speak. When we’re all more calm. Col is my best friend, so sharing you with him sounds possible. But if he wanted to try to date you with us, I wouldn’t stand in his way.”
Colsen agrees. “Yeah, me too. And if seeing you with us upsets him, we can work it out. As long as he understands that Tucker and I are starting to feel serious about you.”
“I’m starting to feel serious about you too.” I whisper. “You’re right, we have a lot to figure out, but it doesn’t have to be all tonight. I’m exhausted. Let’s go home.”
I walk back to my car holding hands with both my handsome, sexy men. With them, I feel safe. As I fall asleep with my head against the passenger seat’s window, I send a silent plea to the universe that Nash could be a part of us too.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO
TARYN
The morning after, there’s a strange vibe going through our group as we learn two more dance routines under Adrianna Bergen’s direction.
Carole and Lexi haven’t been around, and we’re all wondering why. The whispers going through our group are that they’re in Carole’s office ranking each candidate so that they can start making cuts to our roster.
Everyone is paying extra attention to every step Adrianna shows us, and especially to any corrections we’re given.
The only exception is Genevieve, who is distracted and keeps giggling and whispering to her friends Olivia and Madison.
Of course, the fact that her mother doesn’t correct or call her off for distracting everyone with her chatter isn’t surprising.
Ten minutes before we’re due to break for lunch, the door of the dance studio opens.
“Adrianna, do you mind ending the lesson a little early?” Marianna Da Costa, the team coordinator, asks. “Everyone is required to gather in the auditorium right now for someimportant communication that concerns both the cheerleaders and the hockey team. Attendance is mandatory.”
As we all grab our things and begin to file out of the dance studio, Jodie leans to whisper into my ear. “What do you think this is about? Do you think they’re announcing who’s getting cut already?”
I squeeze her hand. “I doubt it. I think they would just speak to the people who are getting cut one-on-one. But even if that isn’t the case, I don’t think they would need the hockey team present for that.”
Jodie exhales a shuddering breath. “You’re right. Then who knows what this is about?”
Talia and Sam catch up with us. “Maybe someone complained about the after party at Vaughn’s last night. Things got a little rowdy before people decided to go back to their rooms.”
“I hope it isn’t that.” Jodie sighs. “I was there too. Vaughn was absolutely shit-faced. Davis and Haller were brewing some extra strong coffee to help him sober up when I left. If someone complained about the noise, I hope they don’t punish everyone who was there.”
“I don’t think it’s that.” Gen chimes in. “Aside from a few people, most of us were there. They can’t cut everyone. Besides, my mom would have given me a heads up.”
For once in my life, I’m grateful to Gen for her nepo-baby boasting. “See? Gen would know. Maybe it’s just something that has to do with the reality show.” I muse, pointing to the cameramen that are following us on our way to the auditorium.
“Anyhoo,” Gen links her arm with mine. “How wasyournight, Taryn? You weren’t at Vaughn’s. I’m sure your after party was in the birthday boy’s room. Is what they say about Tucker true? Did he make you come until you begged him to stop?”
I open my mouth to tell her that what Tucker and I do in bed is none of her business, but Talia cuts in.
“Shut up, Gen. I thought we agreed that I don’t want to hear any details about my brother’s sex life.”
Gen dismisses her with a bitchy smile. “This is the problem with small-town people. You’re so stiff and bourgeoisie. He’s your brother, so what? Be an adult. Besides, Taryn and Tucker are trending.”
