Page 70 of Deadly Forever

“Well, now I feel bad,” Grady grumbled, running a hand through his long hair. “I didn’t know she never had a prom.”

“Emma didn’t either,” Finn said, his eyes keen as they shifted toward James. “Her prom was held after her father was arrested for molesting all of those kids. She was already looked down upon at school because she was poor, but after that happened, she was pretty much ostracized.”

“I’m betting she didn’t have money for a dress anyway,” Jake said. “That’s too bad. I think every girl should have a prom. Ally still talks about hers, which I find irritating because I didn’t know her then.”

“Hey, I have an idea,” Finn said, his tone laced with exaggerated wonder. “Since we all would like our women to have perfect proms … and James is throwing a prom … .”

James rolled his eyes. “I knew it!”

“You knew what?” Grady challenged.

“I knew you were going to make fun of me for doing this and then jump on the bandwagon,” James said. “You can make fun of me all you want, but I’m a genius.”

“I think you just might be,” Peter said, grinning.

“Yes, you’re a regular prince among men,” Grady deadpanned. “Are you going to let us join your prom or what? I need to find a dress for Sophie this afternoon if you are.”

James let loose with an exaggerated sigh, although his eyes twinkled. “The prom is being catered for twelve people,” he said. “I knew you guys would invite yourselves once you figured out what a hero I was going to be. I wanted plenty of food because our women like to eat.”

“Awesome.” Grady clapped James’ back. “Please tell me you got good food.”

“Red Lobster.”

“Oh, well, sold,” Jake said. “I need to get Ally a dress and corsage.”

“I took care of the corsages,” James said. “I ordered five of them in different colors. I got the pinwheel roses.”

Finn raised his eyebrows. “Why five?”

“Because I invited someone else, too,” James admitted. “I had to text the floral shop on my way over here to add the fifth.”

“Who did you invite?”

“Maverick.”

Grady made a horrified face. “Why would you possibly do that?”

“Because he’s interested in Darcy and she didn’t have a prom either,” James replied. “She missed out because of what happened.”

“Oh.” Grady’s eyes were soft when they locked with his brother’s soulful brown orbs. “I don’t think I say it enough – and if you ever tell anyone outside of this group that I said it, I’ll deny it – but you really are a genius.”

“And you’re a good man,” Jake said, patting James’ shoulder. “Thank you for allowing us to attend your prom.”

“Oh, I bet you thought you’d never say those words,” Grady teased.

“You have no idea,” Jake said. “Now, let’s get this show on the road. What are we going to do about Kaspar?”

“Luckily for us, I think he’s going to walk right into our hands,” Peter mused.

“What makes you say that?” James asked, confused.

Peter pointed to the front door of the hotel, where a familiar face strolled out and headed toward the parking lot.

“It’s Kaspar,” Finn said, smirking. “I wonder why he’s outside.”

“Perhaps he realizes you’re all good men and subconsciously he wants to make your day easier,” Peter suggested.

“I doubt it’s that,” James said. “I’m not going to ignore a prime opportunity, though. Let’s do this.”