Page 92 of Sticks and Stones (Shadow Valley U)

“Now who’s lying?”

I cross my arms in defeat, and he presses on the gas, flinging me backward.

“Don’t worry, baby. I fully plan on making you admit how much youlovethe idea of me being your boyfriend later.”

I press my lips together at the same time my thighs clench.

Boyfriend or not, I kind of hate him.

CHAPTER32

STONE

Step-monster

Stone!!! Please call me!!!

I stareat the text from a week ago. I didn’t answer it. Didn’t bother coming up with an excuse. I have no doubt it’s about my father’s birthday party, which is probably coming up soon.

Actually.

Before I can think better of it, I dial her number.

“Oh my gosh, Stone!” Her voice is sugar-sweet. Enough to give me a mouthful of cavities. “I was just thinking about you. I expected your call a few days ago.”

She’s polite enough not to say a week ago. Or more. Since I’ve been dodging her texts and calls since the start of the school year.

“Sorry.” I clear my throat. “It’s been busy. Adjusting to a new school and team, all that…”

“Of course, of course. So, are you able to make it?”

“To the party?” I put her on speaker and scroll through the texts. She never mentions a date. “When is it, again?”

She makes a tsking noise. “It’s tonight. Starts at six. And you know you’re welcome to spend the night before returning to school.”

Fucking hell.

“I’m bringing a guest,” I tell her. “I, uh, just wanted to make sure that was fine.”

“Of course! Is it Evan?”

“No…”

She gasps. “A girl?”

“Yeah, my girlfriend.”

I set my phone down on the kitchen counter and turn to open the fridge. As she continues gushing about how great a girlfriend will be for me, and how I’ve been single for too long, with too much of a focus on hockey, I contemplate slamming the door shut on my head.

Beer is out of the question. It’s eight o’clock, everyone else is asleep, and I can’t get drunk first thing in the morning. As much as this conversation is driving me to do so.

“Hey,” I interrupt, “it’s at the house, right?”

“The party? Yes, of course. We have caterers…” She keeps talking.

I shake my head and grab my phone, bringing it with me back to my room. I take her off speaker and set the water bottle I don’t really remember grabbing on the nightstand. Wren’s still asleep, and she looks too fucking peaceful like this. She’s star-fished in my absence, her hair spread across the pillows. She’s left no room for me…except on top of her.

I pull the blankets down, pinching the phone between my ear and shoulder, and drag off her panties. It’s amazing she even got them back on after last night, but she must’ve gotten up to go to the bathroom while I slept.