Games We Play (Thistle Cove 2)

“What are you doing here?”

“I was picking up a few people. Thought you may need a ride.”

My heart beats erratically.

Mom replies for me. “That’s very thoughtful of you, Ezra. I’d feel much more comfortable if Kenley didn’t have to go alone.”

“Mrs. Keene, nice to see you.” He reaches out and shakes Dad’s hand. There’s no doubt they’ve heard the rumors—know the gossip about Ezra and his troubled past. It’s evidence of how much they trust me that they don’t think twice about him offering me a ride. “I’m happy to offer KK a ride to and from the dance. Make sure she gets there and back safely.”

God, what a kiss-ass. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately? I’m not any more immune to his charm than anyone else.

“Ken,” Dad says, holding my eye. Okay, my dad may be less charmed. “Are you okay with that?”

“Yeah, Ezra and I have class together, and we’ve been hanging out some. It should be fun.”

He nods his approval. “Be home by one. Call if you go anywhere after the dance and don’t get in trouble.”

“When do I get in trouble?”

His eyes flick to the boy and fancy car behind him. “It’s my job to say it.”

“Gotcha.” I walk over and kiss him on the cheek, then give my mom a hug.

Ezra smiles and offers me his arm, and I hook mine to it; we walk toward the car.

“You look fantastic,” he whispers.

“You look pretty good yourself.”

The driver opens the door and I climb inside. Four legs sprawl across the spacious inside. Ozzy, looking handsome in a button down and blue tie that matches his eyes. It’s not the lack of T-shirt or grubby jeans that has my attention.

“You took off your hat!”

He runs his hair through his shaggy, wavy hair. “I feel naked.”

I laugh, then look at Finn. He’s in a dark blue suit with a small plaid weave. He’s wearing a bowtie in a similar blue. He hands me a second flower. “You look gorgeous.”

I smooth out the chiffon of my dress. It’s actually also a dark blue, not that different from Finn’s. I narrow my eyes. “Did you match my dress intentionally?”

“Today may not have been the first day I’ve sneaked into your room.”

My cheeks heat, remembering what it was like seeing him first thing in the morning. It was a sight I could get used to.

Ezra climbs in last, taking the seat next to me. The driver slams the door, and I shake my head. “What is all this?”

&nbs

p; “That,” he says, pointing to the driver getting into the front seat, “is Robert. My dad uses him when he travels to and from the city and doesn’t want to worry about his car.” He opens a small door, revealing a small refrigerator. He pulls out a bottle of champagne and four glasses. “This is us having an amazing night together to celebrate our senior year.”

“Isn’t this a bit much?” Ozzy asks, watching Ezra peel off the foil and carefully uncork the bottle.

“I feel like our first real outing together deserves some recognition.” He pours the bubbling liquid into each glass. Finn passes them around.

“You want us to all go in together?” I ask. My gaze lands on Finn.

He nods. “I’m tired of pretending to be someone I’m not. And one thing I know for certain, is that while I’m not tied to Rose Waller, I’m also not single.”

I look at the three of them. “So we’re making a statement?”