Games We Play (Thistle Cove 2)

“That hickey? The best way to cover it is with a hint of green.”

I unzip my bag and pull it out of the small compartment. I’d been carrying it ever since I marked up Ezra’s neck.

Kayla eyes me suspiciously—or is she impressed? I hand it over. She squeezes out a small dot and pulls back her collar, giving me a better look. It’s more purple than red, the skin not inflamed like the mark I’d left on Ezra.

I’m not so sure that’s a love bite.

“Yikes,” I say, “that looks like it hurt.”

She shakes her head. “Guess that’s the dichotomy of pleasure and pain, right?”

“Right.”

Did Chandler do that to her?

I lean against the sink. “It’s not okay for someone to hurt you if you don’t like it.”

“Who says I don’t like it?” She rubs in the concealer. “Look, Kenley, right?” I nod. “I appreciate your concern. I know they gave you that award and everything, but I’m no

t some damsel in distress. I can take care of myself, I’ve been doing it for a long time.”

“Yeah, that’s what Rose thought, too.”

She snorts. “You think Finn Holloway liked it rough?”

“No, I don’t. But I know that whoever did that to you has done it before to other girls. Girls like you.”

She blinks and shoves the tube back in my hand. “Rose Waller and I are nothing alike. I’m not a rich girl with a powerful father. I’m also not about to toss myself off a bridge.”

She adjusts her sweater and storms out of the bathroom. I watch her go, not saying what’s on the tip of my tongue; that more than ever, I’m convinced that Rose didn’t jump off that bridge.

She was pushed.

Hot tub?

I read the text from Ezra twice, feeling the flutter in my lower belly.

Now?

It’s late. We have school tomorrow, but that little part of me that loves risk begs me to go for it.

Ten minutes. I’ll pick you up.

I meet him on the corner, like the last time he came to get me. This time there’s no hesitation about getting on the back of his bike. It gives me the chance to unabashedly wrap my arms around his body and hold him tight, but tonight he has other plans. I’m okay with it.

“Is your dad here?” I’ve done my best to avoid Mr. Baxter since our altercation in the kitchen during float building. He made it clear he didn’t think his son should waste his time on a girl like me.

“No,” he says, leading me through the house and out the back door. Lights from the pool and hot tub cast a glow over the deck. “You need to change?”

I shake my head. “I’m wearing my suit.”

He grins and kisses me, pushing at the hem of my shirt. His fingers are warm from his leather gloves, but I still get a chill when he touches me.

“I’m not. I’ll be right back.” He walks into the guest house.

I pull off my shirt and jeans, shivering from the sudden cold. I toss them both on a chair and walk over to the hot tub. I’m wearing the bikini that matches the one Rose wore. I still remember the look in Ezra’s eyes that day. He liked it. A lot.

I dip a toe into the steaming water, feeling the rush of bubbling warmth. I sit, first on the edge, then submerging my lower body. Ezra jogs out the guest house door, shirtless in a pair of black swim trunks.