Escape In You Read Online Free Page B

lot in common anymore.”
    That’s a little cryptic. Does that mean he doesn't live in one of these huge mansions on this side of town? Or is it simply that he stayed home and got a job while Preston went off to school?
    “He’s not a bad guy, though,” Taylor says. “His parents travel a lot, so he throws a ton of parties in the summer.”
    “Maybe I’ll see you at another one of them.”
    He’s quiet for a moment as he holds my gaze. “I hope I see you regardless.”
    His tone makes my stomach flip and all in a rush I’m frightened. Am I getting in too far here? Flirting at a party is one thing, making plans to see each other after tonight is another. To my great relief, Ellie chooses that moment to wake up fully.
    She moans as she sits up. “Ugh, I have a headache. Zoe, you weren’t supposed to let me mix beer and pot. You know this.”
    “I warned you,” I say. “You told me to fuck off.”
    She laughs weakly, rubbing her head. “That does sound like something I’d say.” She pulls her phone from her pocket and starts to type. “Let’s find Hunter. I’m in need of sustenance. I want pancakes.”
    “Mmm, pancakes,” Hunter says, as he walks up behind her. “I’m in.”
    Ellie holds up her phone. “I was just texting you.”
    He taps his forehead. “I could sense that my presence was desired.”
    I look over at Taylor. “I guess we’re leaving.” Somehow I’m both disappointed and relieved.
    “I guess so.”
    I know it’s better to leave before I start getting any weird ideas about seeing him again, but I still feel a sense of letdown. I’ll never get to find out what it’s like to kiss that gorgeous mouth. To trail my tongue across that jaw…
    As I start to stand, Taylor grabs my hand. “I’ll be seeing you, Zoe. That’s a promise.”
    I look down at him, not knowing what to say. I should discourage him, tell him I’m not interested. But I just can't do it. “We’ll see,” I murmur, then turn to help hoist Ellie into a standing position.
    “Let’s find Everett,” Hunter says. “He’s the DD tonight. Why’s it so dark down here?” He looks around the room. “Hey, Everett!” he shouts. “I want pancakes!”
    Everett’s laugh sounds from across the room, and we head off in that direction. I refuse to turn around to take a last look at Taylor. Even though we aren’t heading home yet, leaving the party takes me one step closer to my real life.
    And there is no place for anything as beautiful as Jet Taylor in my real life.

Chapter Three
    Zoe
     
    I wake up the next morning with a raging headache. As is often the case, Hunter and Ellie had found a second wind after their midnight pancake snack. Along with Everett, we ended up in the park with another fifth of vodka. I can't remember actually getting into the house, and I say a silent prayer that I was quiet.
    There’s far too much light in my bedroom, and I pull my raggedy quilt up over my face. No sooner am I ensconced in my cocoon than my phone starts vibrating on the nightstand. The sound of the phone clattering across the cheap particle board of the nightstand might as well be a jackhammer in my already pounding head. Groaning, I stick an arm out from under the covers to grab it.
    “Hello.” My voice is raspy, and I rub my eyes.
    “You sound lovely this morning,” Ellie says, sounding amused.
    “How are you not hungover?” I moan. “You drank more than I did.”
    “You were downing vodka all night,” she says. “I didn’t start on the hard stuff until we got to the park.”
    “Right. What’s up? Or are you calling me at this God-forsaken hour just to be a bitch?”
    “It’s noon, Princess. I thought you might want to get your lazy ass out of bed and go get burritos.”
    I moan a little. Burritos are our sure-fire hangover cure. “When can you get here?”
    She laughs. “Give me twenty.”
    It’s a struggle, but I manage to roll out of bed. Once I’m on my feet, I slowly make my way to the bathroom down