And then came Reed.
Now, instead of running through scenarios and devising plans with Kenzie, I’ll be hiding in my bedroom. Under a blanket. In the closet.
A date? He honestly thought I’d fall for his little charming act.
How dumb does he think I am?
He’s as transparent as a freshly cleaned windowpane, emphasis on the pain. It’s obvious he’s trying to get close to me to further his investigation.
Classic Reed, using me for his own gain. How typical.
For the record, when I end up turning myself in, it’ll be to his partner, Agent Dad Andrews. He’s gonna get the glory of my arrest. Reed can suck it.
A knock at my door startles me, both in sound and the vibrations running along my spine. Pressing off the door, I turn to open it with the speed of a slug on Xanax. It better not be Reed. I just can’t.
Kenzie’s bright eyes greet me. “Hey, let me in.”She doesn’t wait, pressing past me with gusto and closing the door behind her.
I shuffle backward. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?”
She shushes me, speaking in a whisper. “Nothing’s wrong. I have an idea about my dumbass brother.”
I crick my head to one side, raising my brows in silent inquiry.
Grinning maniacally, she shakes me by my arms and declares, “You need to get close to him.”
My neck turns to gelatin, wobbling my head around my shoulders. “No. No. Oh, and also,nooo.”
Unbidden, that scene fromThe Officeplays in my mind’s eye. The one where Michael Scott flips out when he learns Toby is back, and he wails, “No, no, no, no, God no!”
The thought is almost enough to make me laugh.
Then I realize Kenzie is seriously suggesting this.
Positively gleeful, she’s already celebrating. “I can’t believe I didn’t come up with this sooner. Hear me out and have an open mind.”
Crossing my arms, I narrow my eyes at her. “Go on. I’m giving you the tiniest bit of rope here.”
“Since he’s insisting on inserting himself into this shit, we might as well use him.”
The idea ofusingReed does things to my gut. Whether they’re good or bad things is yet to be determined.
Then again, it might be hunger pangs. Still haven’t gotten those cookies. In fact, I don’t even know if we have any here. That’s unfortunate.
She plops down on my bed, letting her clasped hands fall between her knees. Quietly, she begins her plea. “You know he likes you still, right?”
“Debatable.”
“Oh, he does. Trust me. He’s a disgusting pig, ruled by his dick. And he’s always had a hard-on for you for whatever reason. We need to exploit his creepy obsession. This is how we save you.”
Slowly, I lower my aching body to the bed, taking the spot beside her. “Why on earth would we do that?”
“To find out what the FBI knows. Duh! It’s a perfect plan.”
“Hard disagree. Anything involving Reed and me togethercannotbe perfect. Kenzie, you know why I can’t be around him. Not after we... well, you know why.”
Her face scrunches up. “As much as I hate thinking about my brother having sex, I’m curious. Did you two ever discussit?”
I shake my head ardently. “As much as I’ve wanted to hash it out, I haven’t been able to bring it up. I’m still really hurt. I’ll cry, and I’m done being vulnerable in front of him. I know I’m too sensitive, but?—”
