Circle of Lies (Red Ridge Pack) (12 page)

Teagan was still trying to act like my interest in her romantic life was no big deal, but even in the dark of the auditorium I could see a blush creep up her neck. She didn’t answer right away when I did ask. Instead she said, “Well, what about you? Becca looks pretty upset, probably because you’re not sitting with her. In fact, right now she’s giving me a death stare.”

I leaned forward to check it out. Sure as shit, Becca was watching me and Teagan—and she wasn’t the only one. My flirting had caught Marcus’s attention as well. He shook his head in a disapproving manner.

Seriously?
I pretended not to notice.

“Becca is just a friend,” I told Teagan.

“Bullshit,
” she pretended to cough.

I smiled then quickly set her straight. Turning in my seat, I looked Teagan square in her beautiful blue eyes and said, “I swear. She’d like us to be more, but I’m not interested.”

Teagan seemed skeptical, but she nodded and let the subject drop. We didn’t speak again until the show was over, and all the curtain calls.

The house lights came up. I knew this was my moment, as I hadn’t managed during intermission. It was now or never. I had to ask her out, had to make my move. It was already crazy that it had taken this long, but I couldn’t focus on the negative. Time to go all in.

The side theater door opened, so we were soon to be bombarded by overly excited actors. Like Sean. I gathered my courage, leaned over and whispered, “I’m interested in someone else.”

Teagan looked stunned for a moment, like she was confused, but then I winked at her. She got it. Our eyes locked, and I held her gaze until it became too much. For both of us.

24.

Teagan

Aiden’s green eyes bored into mine, and I had to look away. It was that or just take off and run the other direction.

Oh, what this guy did to me. I could hardly stand to be in his presence without turning to mush, and then he’d brazenly admitted he was interested in “someone else.” Someone other than Becca. That someone had to be me, otherwise he wouldn’t have said it, right?

Shit, it had better be me.

But did I really want him interested in me? He was one of them, part of a group to which I could never belong. Not only did Becca now look as if she wanted to rip my head off, the man I’d assumed to be Cade’s dad hadn’t taken his eyes off of Aiden and me all night. What the hell was up with that?
Creepy.
Aiden’s own dad hadn’t seemed to notice me, and here this stranger was getting all hot and bothered by us being in close proximity. They were definitely very cultish, that group.

I left the theater trying to shake off Aiden’s spell. He was trailing behind, and I wasn’t sure why or how to react, but before I could make up my mind, Alli grabbed my arm and said, “Hey, we’re all going out for pizza. You should come.”

I wanted to go. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to spend time with Aiden—but not if Becca was going to be there. Not if Cade’s dad would be there. I might not know how I felt about hanging out with this group, but I was pretty sure I didn’t want to hang out with those two. I couldn’t just ask if either was going, though.

Alli’s persistence won out; she didn’t let go of my arm until I agreed. We all walked together through the parking lot, but Aiden continued to keep his distance.

Soon we approached my car and I told Alli that I would meet her at the pizza place. As I did, Cade’s dad turned and glared at me. He was getting into a car with his wife and Aiden’s parents. Again, I wasn’t so sure that this was a good idea. But they didn’t seem to be joining us. That was something, I guess.

I got in my car and toyed with the idea of just driving home, but I knew Alli would be pissed. Pushing the desire aside, I followed Cade’s car to the pizza joint down the street.

When I opened my car door, Aiden stood nearby. My insides flipped-flopped as I saw that dazzling smile. He didn’t seem to be hanging back anymore. He must have decided on a course of action.

“Glad you decided to come.”

I couldn’t have stopped the girly grin that spread across my face if I tried. “Well, your sister wasn’t going to take no for an answer,” I admitted.

“Why would you have said no?”

And there it was: the question I needed to answer. Why would I have said no? Actually, it was easy. Because these people, Aiden’s people, made me a panicky mess. His mere presence somehow made me feel like a bumbling disaster, reminded me that I had a mother who’d abandoned me and a drunk for a father and that I was the farthest thing from one of his beautiful people friends. So, there was no way I was answering truthfully.

“Well, I figured I’d do something with Sean. He’s probably wondering where I went. I really should have stayed and at least congratulated him.” There, I really was planning on seeing Sean afterward, so it wasn’t a complete lie.

Aiden’s smile slowly faded. Shit. Why had I mentioned Sean?

“Well, I guess his loss is my gain,” he said after a moment. “I’m glad you’re here.”

My face flushed, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he had this same effect on every girl. Unfortunately I knew the answer. Of course he had this effect on everyone, even if I wanted more than anything to be the exception. Why couldn’t I just be the exception?

Trying to appear nonchalant, I strolled past him toward the entrance. Acting cool and casual had never been a strong suit, but I knew better than to let Aiden Wright think he could get in my pants by simply paying me a bit of attention. If that’s what he was trying to do. Was that what he was trying to do?

Aiden sauntered after me. I had to convince my raging hormones to stop jumping up and down. The last thing he needed to know was how much I wanted to kiss him, to full on, no-holds-barred kiss him. I closed my eyes, attempting to clear my head, but his hand brushed the small of my back as he guided me through the door. Right then, at that small show of chivalry, a tiny piece of my heart was stolen. A piece I knew I’d never get back.

My previous fears returned. My subconscious was screaming again,
Wake up, Rhodes, he’s bad news. Way too hot for you. Way too everything. Remember where you live. Remember where he lives. Remember who your father is. Aiden could never really care about you. He’ll hurt you just like everyone else in your life has, you should get out now before it’s too late.

I stopped in midstride. Before I could stop the words tumbling out of my mouth, I asked, “What exactly are you doing?”

That caught him off guard to say the least, and it was Aiden’s turn to blush. Standing in the doorway he asked, “What are you talking about?” There was true concern in those emerald green eyes.

“I just don’t get it, that’s all,” I said. I resumed walking toward our table. It was filled with a group too beautiful to be real. They looked like they belonged on the set of
90210
, not at a small-town pizzeria. The adults were gone, so it was only Allison, Cade, Shari, Luke, Sammy, Cami, and five other kids whose names I didn’t know. I’d never said more than five words total to any of them besides Allison. Thankfully, Becca wasn’t there.

Aiden caught up. All eyes were on us as we took our seats. Surprisingly, the others smiled and greeted us. Maybe it was just for Aiden’s sake, though. Who knew what any of them would have done if I had showed up alone.

As we sat, Aiden leaned over and whispered, “What don’t you get?”

“Nothing. Forget I said anything,” I replied, regretting I’d spoken up and hoping he’d let the subject drop. What had I been thinking? Why couldn’t I just keep my big mouth shut for once?

We settled in, and everyone began to rave about how great Shari had performed. She beamed, and I hated to admit that she
had
been really good, and suddenly I felt guilty for not sticking around to tell Sean the same.

Drinks and several large pizzas were ordered. Aiden’s leg brushed against mine, and I could tell he was looking my way. I did my best to ignore both him and the goose bumps that rose on every inch of my skin, taking a long swig of Coke and turning my attention to the conversation taking place at the table.

His leg gently grazed mine again, and he leaned over to whisper, “Are you going to tell me what you’re talking about?”

His nearness sent chills through me, and I had to focus not to shudder. Damn, but I wished my body would behave around him.

Without looking his way I replied, “Didn’t plan on it.”

“Seriously, Teagan? You’re kinda killin’ my swag here.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Then I wanted to kick myself for sounding like one of those giggling idiots who followed Aiden around every day. Aiden didn’t seem to mind, though. He leaned my way and spoke again in a whisper. His breath tickled my ear.

“I like it when you laugh. You should do it more often. I can help you with that, you know. I’m kind of a funny guy—when I’m not a stammering fool.”

This time I couldn’t stop myself from looking. Those radiant green eyes burned into mine, and I reminded myself to speak. “A stammering fool? You?”

“You seem to have that effect on me,” he said. A small smile played across his lips, and it took every ounce of self-control for me to not lean over and kiss him. I’d been dreaming about it non-stop.

Against my better judgment, I flirted back. “Why, Aiden Wright, I have no idea what you are talking about.” And this time, there wasn’t a speck of hostility in my voice. Not an ounce.

He noticed. Leaning in even closer, he let his lips almost graze my ear. “Oh, Teagan Rhodes, I think you know exactly what I’m talking about.”

I suddenly caught Alli and Cade staring at us. Shit. I moved over a bit and smiled in embarrassment, but Aiden’s sister was grinning ear-to-ear. I don’t think I’d ever felt so uncomfortable.

“I’ll be right back,” I said.

I scooted out my chair and hurried toward the restroom. My head was down, so when I reached the door and moved to push it open I couldn’t see whose hand gently grabbed my arm. I turned to find Aiden standing there. He’d followed.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just needed to go to the restroom,” I lied.

“You sure?”

“Aiden, I just don’t know what to think of all this,” I finally admitted.

“What do you mean? Just tell me, Teagan,” he pleaded.

I didn’t know what to say. I was so unlike everyone else sitting at that table, so
average
—and that was being kind. And then there was Becca, the would-be new queen of the school who practically threw herself at him every chance she got. Why me? Why would he possibly want me?

“I just don’t get you,” I blurted. “Are you really interested in me, or is this all just a game? Because I’m not into games.” There, I’d said it. I’d admitted that I thought he liked me and opened myself up for ridicule. Still, I felt a bit relieved.

Aiden stood there shell-shocked. “Really, a game? You think I’m playing some sort of
game
with you?”

“Isn’t that what guys like you do? You have every girl in school eating out of your hand, so you want the one who isn’t standing in line waiting her turn to hang on your arm. That’s a game if I’ve ever seen one.”

“It’s not like that. Why would it be like that?” He eyed me, and a new expression crossed his face. “Why is it so hard to believe that I like you? I, Aiden Wright, like you, Teagan Rhodes.”

“Because life doesn’t work that way,” I snapped. Then I marched into the restroom without turning back.

I hurried into a stall, locked it, and cussed the tears that filled my eyes. And I cursed Aiden. Damn him! Now what was I supposed to do, stay in here all night?

I hung out in the stall long enough to get my tear-reddened eyes under control. The last thing I wanted was to go back to the table and have everyone ask what was wrong. Would they even notice? Alli would.

As I made my way back to the table, I immediately noticed Aiden’s chair was empty.
Way to run him off, Rhodes.
Alli shot me a look from across the room, but all I could do was shrug. Thank God the waiters were headed our way with the pizzas, and I took the opportunity to get the hell out of there.

Throwing my purse over my shoulder I announced, “Hey, I gotta go. My dad needs to borrow my car.”

Alli frowned. “Okay. I’m glad you came. Be careful getting home. Call me tomorrow?”

I nodded as everyone else waved goodbye. No, I couldn’t eat. Aiden’s mysterious disappearing act had made my heart sink, but I also knew I’d done the right thing. Regret was better than disappointment. Much better than heartbreak. I just had to remember Alex Foster. Or I could just ask my dad.

25.

Aiden

“Are you
ever
going to ask her out?” Alli asked the next night.

We were sitting in the family room watching TV, and the expression on my face must have showed everything.

“She likes you,” Alli rushed to say. “You two had some serious chemistry last night. It’s obvious,” she continued. “At least when you stay in the same place long enough.”

“You think?” I wasn’t so sure. “Last night at dinner she all but said she doesn’t trust me. She thinks I’m playing some kind of game, chasing after the one girl that doesn’t want to get caught.”

Alli frowned. “Maybe she’s just scared. Maybe she was burned before. But, trust me when I say that deep down she likes you.”

Well, there was definitely something between us; I knew that. But possible attraction wasn’t the only problem. The apprehension I’d been feeling wasn’t just coming from Teagan or my pull to her; it was coming from everyone who had ever watched us interact. This was a complicated crush at best.

“Is it even smart?” I said. “I mean, Teagan and me getting together. I’m not sure anymore.”

Alli looked pissed, really pissed. I’m-about-to-kick-the-living-shit-out-of-you pissed. Her hands flew to her hips as she scolded, “Why the hell not? I thought you liked her. The going gets rough and you fade into the background? Maybe she’s right and you
did
just want a challenge. Maybe the challenge is too—”

“Calm down, calm down. I
do
like her. Why are you so hell-bent on us going out, anyway?”