I Know Lucy (A Fugitive #1)(60)

“Nice.” She bobbed her head with a grin.

“So what part of L.A.?”

Her head tipped and she shot me a droll look.

“Too far?”

She snickered, her smile looking adorable as she shook her head.

I couldn’t stop myself from kissing those lips, I pulled her towards me, my tongue skirting into her mouth until it was ripped out by Elliot’s shout. “Hey Zach!”

He stood on the opposite side of the pool, feet apart, hands in his pockets… he looked pissed. Damn it, I should have called him last night.

“I’m gonna go shower.” Dani slipped out of my arms as I turned to face my irate friend.

He stopped a few feet from me, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. His brown gaze bore into me, flinging silent accusations. “I see you and Dani have stepped it up a notch.”

“Yeah.” I glanced behind me then back to Elliot, pushing an easy smile over my lips.

“Were you with her yesterday?” His voice was cutting.

“I, uh, yeah, I’m really sorry about that.”

He shoved my shoulder. “You’re such an ass. Yeah, you sound really sorry.”

I grimaced. “Shit, man. I really am. I just— I forgot.” I ran my hand through my wet hair, guilt singeing my insides.

“Yeah, obviously.”

“And I left my phone at home too, so that’s why I didn’t get your calls. I was gonna call you when I got home, but—”

“Save it. I don’t give a shit. I’ve wasted enough of my time on you anyway. I turned up at your house and your mom said you’d gone to study so I went to find you at the library, but no show. You never go anywhere else to study so I figured you’d bailed on me.” He tipped his head. “For Miss Mystery too. Thanks for that.”

“Look, dude, I didn’t mean to. This weekend was crazy for me.”

“Why?” The anger fled, concern flashing across his features briefly.

“I, um. It just got busy.”

The anger returned in a flash. “You are so full of shit.”

“No, it’s just…” I raised my hand to try and calm him, but his nostrils were already flaring. “Elliot, don’t get pissed okay. I needed to spend some time with Dani, that’s all.”

“What are you not telling me?”

“There’s…I can’t, okay. I promised her.”

The dead silence that followed was like an ax blade slicing through our friendship. Elliot already had trust issues and I was killing him with this. I hated myself for it, but I couldn’t break Dani’s confidence.

Elliot stepped towards me, pointing at his chest. “I have been your best friend for nearly a decade.” He held up his hand. “I’ve put up with all your shit and your crazy girlfriends, but never have you put one of them before me. I’m the closest thing you have to a brother and you’re not willing to trust me?”

“I do trust you. Of course I do. I just…I made a promise.”

“Screw you. You’re lying to me.” He shook his head, his jaw clenching tight. “And you know what kills me the most? You’re doing it for a freaking girl you’ve known less than three months. I’m really glad our friendship means that much to you. That’s awesome. Really great.” His sarcasm felt like razor blades.

“Don’t be like that, man. You just need to give me some time.”

“Whatever, go make out with your next conquest, but don’t expect me to clean up the pieces this time. You’re digging your own grave and I’m not pulling you out of this one. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He walked away, his checkered shirt flapping as he stormed out the door.

“Elliot. Come on, man!” I spread my hands wide and tried to call him back, but it was pointless. With a sigh, I turned towards the locker room.

Elliot was not the kind of friend you let down or lied to. He was loyal like a freaking dog, but he expected loyalty in return and I’d let him down big time.

I closed my eyes and blew out a sigh. This day was not going to be easy.

As I pulled on my shirt, I noticed my phone flashing.

Find out anything?

Uncle Alex was on a mission. I pursed my lips, wondering if I should reply or just ignore him. Maybe it was time to drop this. But how could I? If this all got exposed then Dani would be free and I could start telling Elliot everything again. I wanted to let him in. He was my best friend.

With a quick sniff, I texted back.

L.A. That’s all I’ve got so far. I’ll keep you posted.

*****

Dani was waiting for me outside the locker room. She looked gorgeous, making my grin a natural one. I hoped there was no lingering guilt on the edges.

“You okay?” She wrapped her arm around my waist and laid her damp hair on my shoulder.

“Yep.”

“Is Elliot okay?”

“Not so much.”

I opened the door for her. She put her hands in her pockets and walked through. “Is he mad with me?”

“No, me. I kind of forgot we were supposed to hang out yesterday.”

“Oh no.” Dani bit her bottom lip.

“Don’t worry. I’ll make it up to him this weekend.”

“I feel bad, though. It was my fault.”