Games We Play (Thistle Cove 2)

“Congratulations, Ez.”

He steps forward and pulls me into a chaste hug. “Don’t let him freak you out.”

“Too late.”

His fingers squeeze mine, and I know that Ezra’s solid. His dad is just an obstacle, one we’ll get past. With football over, he’ll get distracted again, I have little doubt about that.

They’re called over by the Coach, and I ease back over to Ozzy; he wraps his arm around my shoulder. Juliette crosses the field, her arm in a sling, and gives her father a hug. She’s sticking by him. What a strange world we live in.

“You know,” he says, luring me away from the pandemonium, “it’s going to be a while before they get to the party. You and I can go try getting better in the back seat again.”

I look into Ozzy’s blue eyes, a feeling of warmth rushing through me.

“I love you, Ozzy Drake.”

He blinks. “I love you too, Kenley Keene.”

I slip my hand into his and we head back to the car to kill a little time and get better at showing each other how much we love one another.

I last at the party until midnight. It was a community affair, put on by the Booster Club. Parents, faculty, and Thistle Cove elite were all there. I couldn’t take that much time in front of the liars that run the city and ducked out early.

I smell the flowers before I see them, the aroma rich and warm. I turn on my bedroom light and see the vase of fresh flowers on my bedside table. At first the flowers came daily, but now they’re a bit more scattered. Usually Mom keeps them downstairs, but I guess she decided to spruce up my room.

I change and get into bed. Leaning over to turn off the light, I see the card tucked between the blooms. There’s no name on the envelope. I fish it out and lean back against my pillow, sliding my thumb under the sealed flap.

The hair on my neck stands on end as I read the clean script.

Princess,

I’m here when you need me.

Fondly,

BD

My heart pounds as I absorb the message of the note, pulsing in my chest and ears. I look around, like I’m trying to figure out if I’m being watched. How did he find me? How does he know where I live? Who I am?

I stand in a panic, dread building in my stomach. I stop at my desk and look out the window. Finn’s just walked into his room, flipping on his light. He smiles when he sees me.

So close, but so far away. He couldn’t protect Rose. He can’t protect me.

I look down at the card in my hand.

I’d promised Ozzy that I’d stay away from trouble.

The real problem, is that for the girls of Thistle Cove, trouble finds us.