I breathe a sigh of relief. It’s over. One day down. Two to go.
I practically run away from Morgan without another word.
A short drive later, I check into my lodging. It’s a building of eight bedrooms arranged in a circle that opens to a shared kitchen, living room, and porch. It’s older. Kinda moldy oceanscent. Popcorn ceilings, creaky floorboards, and a small television in each bedroom. But it’s clean, close, and cheap. Many from my group are staying here for the same reasons.
I take a shower, wrap a towel around my hips, and—
Through the wall, a muffled laugh carries. The hairs on the back of my neck prickle.
This isn’t happening.
I stride out of the bathroom, bedroom, and grip the door handle.
Please don’t be her.
I open the door and lean out. My gaze spans over the living room. People lounge around the big television. There are a few on the porch drinking beer. Then my gaze lands on the kitchen.
Two guys laugh. One mixes a drink and pours it into a red solo cup. Morgan, like a little rabbit, appears between the two wolves and takes a sip.
“Ew! No, I don’t like it!” She laughs wildly and returns the drink. “I’m not a fan of vodka.”
The guy takes it back, smiling. “I’ll make it lighter.”
Ugh.
They’re flirting.
That sick, heart racing feeling returns in full force.
“Jack!” she yips excitedly and bounces toward me.
It’s been a long day. I’m tired. I’m angry. I’m on edge. I just want it to end.
I lean on the doorframe, my eyelids heavy.
“Morgan,whyare you here?”
“Oh, Alex invited me over to hang out.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. I swear, she’ll be the death of me.
“Hey, you okay? I was really worried about you today.” She strokes my bicep.
Her touch makes my stomach knot.
My eyes dart to hers and I glare. “What’s your goal here, church girl? Quit the games.”
“Yo, Morgan! Come over here. Try this one.” Alex holds up a cup.
“One second.” She smiles at him, her grin too wicked for such a pure thing. But faster, she crowds me, her hands clutched together.
“Can I come inside your room to talk, or should I go hang with Alex?”
“You little—”
She presses her palms to my stomach as she slips by me, entering my room as if I invited her in.
I sigh and shut the door behind us. She sits on the end of the bed, searching around.
