The Peer and the Puppet (When Rivals Play, #1) (83)

“Stop bossing me around.”

An amused, “Never,” was all he said before the door closed.




Once upon a puppet, she caught a ride from Jameson.



For all his talk about the morning after, he chose to sneak into my room and leave me another one of his fucking notes.

In a huff, I tore up the note and watched it rain onto my bedspread. I showered and dressed quicker than normal before gathering up Jay D for his morning relief. Three times during the night, I awoke to whimpers, trudged outside, and watched with sleepy-eyed glee as my pup pooped on the imported grass.

Worth it.

Downstairs, I was able to confirm my suspicions.

Ever had flown the coop.

He was probably kicking himself for all the promises he made or patting himself on the back for his successful lies.

I felt like a fool.

I managed to form coherent responses through breakfast. Of course, Rosalyn was in bed, and Thomas had long left for the office. After breakfast, I wrapped some of the leftover bacon and stuffed it inside my backpack before following Jamie to his car. He fussed when he noticed me carrying Jay D and threatened to pimp him out if he chewed up his custom leather seats.

I had no idea what I would do with Jay D once I got to school, but I knew leaving him alone to fend for himself was not an option.





THE DAY WAS A BLUR. I spent class time daydreaming. In between, I pretended not to look for Ever in the hall, and as usual, I only had Tyra to talk to. I had just finished another secret sweep of the crowd when I heard my name called.

I turned with Tyra at my side as Jamie jogged from the other end of the hall. When he stopped in front of us, he winked at Tyra, who sighed and rolled her eyes. He was determined to flirt with her despite her blowing him off.

“Don’t make any plans tonight.”

“Why not?”

“I’m hosting a gathering.”

“A gathering?” Tyra quipped. “Who says shit like that?”

“Of course, you’re invited, sunshine.”

Tyra snorted at his invitation even though we all knew she’d want to go. Chances were Vaughn would be there.

I was less tempted to attend another Brynwood party.

“Where is it?” I was planning to steer clear of wherever he had planned.

“Our place.”

With a groan, I turned to Tyra, but Jamie quickly intervened.

“And you can’t use her place as a hideout.”

“Why not?”

“Because she’ll be there if she doesn’t want Vaughn playing hide the eggplant with some social climber.”

“Who says he would?”

“I know he wouldn’t, but she doesn’t.”

One glance at the guilt on Tyra’s face confirmed Jamie’s claim.

“Sorry,” she whispered meekly.

I laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. Even though it had been Tyra’s choice to not make their thing exclusive, it couldn’t be easy to fear he might actually take advantage of bachelorhood.

“Don’t apologize, T-baby. Personally, I find territorial women stimulating.”

“Give it a rest, Buchanan. I’m not interested.”

He clutched his heart, feigning hurt. “Then I’m afraid I have to go. The captain of the debate team promised to show me a sweet spot to bury my bone.”

“How many more disgusting euphemisms for sex do you have?” I called as he sauntered away.

“I could write a book!” he yelled back.

I shook my head as we headed out the double doors and down the path toward the mechanic’s garage. We decided to skip lunch so I could check on Jay D, and Tyra could meet him. Dave agreed to keep an eye on him since the academy only allowed him a single period and a class of five. It was a good thing he owned his own mechanic shop in town. I made a mental note to speak with him about any openings. Jay D was going to need things, and my savings wouldn’t hold up forever. I refused to use the McNamara’s line of credit, so my only option left was a j-o-b.

As we neared the bay door, the smaller door on the left opened and out stepped…Ever.

He stopped short when he noticed me, and Tyra, quickly sensing the tension, excused herself and disappeared inside.

“What are you doing here?”

He slid his hand into his pocket and slowly looked me over. I did the same, noting the worn jeans, white long-sleeve, and a dark sweatshirt with the hood covering two-toned locks.

He wasn’t lord of the manor.

He was Danny Boy.

“You look well rested, sleeping beauty. Have a good night?”

Remembering his comments last night about my appearance, I felt a blush warming my cheeks and neck. I wasn’t too bewitched, however, not to notice that he’d ignored my question.

“Don’t tell me you’re transferring to shop.”

Dark gold eyes brightened. “I haven’t considered it until now.”

“Don’t.” When he flashed straight white teeth, I added, “I’m serious. This is my space. My thing. I don’t need you distracting me.”

He moved until he was standing so close I had to tilt my head back to look him in the eye.

“I’m a distraction?”

Only the very best kind.

I answered with a silent nod.