Page 26 of Lead Me A Stray

It’s too soon to out us in front of the whole town, and the last thing I need is to make a scene in the Neon Saloon.

As discreetly as I can, I pick up my phone and type out a message to Mack. If nothing else, he deserves the heads-up.

PIPER: Rory wants to go dancing tonight

MACK: That sounds fun

PIPER: Okay…

MACK: Should I be worried, Honey Girl?

PIPER: No, I just thought you should know

MACK: And?

PIPER: And maybe I was expecting more of a reaction

MACK: I trust you, baby—and who knows, maybe I’ll see you there

MACK: Been a long time since I got a dance with you

I remember that dance.It was a few years ago after Stray to my Heart received state-wide recognition. Rory had dragged me to the Neon Saloon, and after a couple of whiskey sours, I’d let Mack spin me around the uneven floors. He’d barely been twenty-one, and it felt scandalous with me being close to twenty-six, my body reacting to his close proximity and competence as one dance turned into three.

After that, I kept my distance. He’d already had a reputation and there was no way I wanted to be caught up with that.

Not that I believed I had a chance anyway.

There was no shortage of gorgeous girls on his arm, none of them staying long enough for me to get their names. I wasn’t jealous, but I also couldn’t deny the annoyance either. His attention felt good even if it was fleeting.

His attentionstillfeels good.

But now it’s more. He’s kissed me and fucked me and made me come more times than I thought was possible in such a short time.

Ugh,why am I already so attached to him? I hate that I’m like this, investing so much of myself in someone who says all the right things but ultimately doesn’t care as much about me as I do about him.

I want to believe the little voice in the back of my head that says he’s different, but I can’t—not yet—and especially not with Rory staring at me like she suspects something.

“Dallas is yelling at Levi,” I offer, waving my phone back and forth for emphasis. “You know how they are.”

“Levi has worse taste in men than you do,” she agrees and even though it’s true, I feel like I should still be offended—for Leviandme.

And also Mack because I’m technically dating him.

Regardless of the fact that I asked if we could keep it quiet.

PIPER: I don’t know how to hide this from your sister

MACK: Then don’t

PIPER: I’m not ready for that

MACK: Come over so I can fuck the indecision out of you

PIPER: Tempting but we’re both working

MACK: Then you better make time before your night out

PIPER: She’s going to want to go back to her house to get ready after work