Jake yells, “HE’S GONE.”
Cole starts fake sobbing.
But I barely hear any of it.
Because all I can focus on is the way Daltyn’s lips linger against my skin for half a second too long.
Like he forgot other people exist for a moment, too.
62
PEYTON
My fingers fly across my phone as I text Allie and Harper.
Me: SOS! I need help.
Their responses hit the group chat so fast it’s honestly terrifying.
Allie: ARE YOU DYING???
Harper: Oh no! Was Gram streaking by Daltyn’s cabin?
Allie: WAIT. DID DALTYN MURDER SOMEONE?
Me: What is wrong with you people??? These responses are concerning.
Harper: You said SOS.
Allie:What happened???
Me: Why would Gram be streaking by Daltyn’s cabin?
Harper: She got into a fight with a raccoon two nights ago. While running after it, her robe got caught in the fence and ripped off her, leaving her naked.
Allie: OMG! Crying! That’s hilarious.
Me: My stomach hurts from laughing. Did she get in trouble?
Harper: A cop saw her and brought her to our house. Ford was livid.
Harper: I’ll tell you more after Peyton tells us what the SOS is about.
I stare at my phone while butterflies assault my stomach.
Me: Daltyn asked me on a date this weekend.
The chat absolutely explodes.
Allie: WHAT????
Harper: EXCUSE ME????
Allie: THE GOALIE ASKED YOU ON A REAL DATE???
Harper: OH MY GOD!! This is EPIC!!!
Me: I panicked.
