CHAPTER 49
JESS
Grabbing my things, I let Tom drape an arm over my shoulder and lead me out of the house. Outside was crisp and fresh and took away the bit of the drunken haze I was in before falling into the pool. I needed to thank Tiffany, actually, for getting my ass. sober. Now, I was a little worried that in my moment of triumph, I might have miscalculated how drunk Tom was and second- guessed this drive home. In the worst–case scenario, I would just drive.
When we reached the truck, my heart skipped a beat. Luke was leaning against it, his arms crossed and an unreadable expression on his face. I wanted to ask him what sort of ninja dust he carries around because I didn’t see him walk out of the house, but then again, it was Luke–probably drifted outside on a cloud of smoke and rage.
“Dude, what do you think you’re doing?” Tom slurred, trying to sound tough but failing miserably. His words were thick and unsteady.
Luke’s eyes didn’t leave Tom. “Taking Jess home. You’re too drunk to drive.”
Tom stepped forward, fumbling for his keys. “I’m taking Jess home.” His voice wavered as he tried to maintain his balance.
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Luke didn’t move, his cold, brooding gaze fixed on Tom. He was calm–almost too calm–which made me uneasy. I couldn’t
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figure him out, and the uncertainty gnawed at me.
“Josh would kill you if he found out you were driving drunk,” Luke said, his voice low and steady. “And if he doesn’t, I will.”
I sighed, frustration bubbling up inside me. “I’ll drive,” I declared, stepping forward and yanking the keys from Luke’s hand.
Luke’s expression darkened as he stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. I found myself flattening against the truck, feeling like prey caught in the gaze of a predator.
“You’re not driving,” Luke seethed, his voice laced with anger. “You had a whole fucking liquor store.”
His words stung, but I couldn’t argue with him. I had drunk too much, and even though my impromptu dip in the pool sobered me up, my blood tests would indicate otherwise. Luke turned back to Tom, who looked like he might collapse any second.
“I’ll take her back,” Luke continued, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You can crash here, but I’m keeping your keys to make sure you don’t drive.”
I wanted to snort. Luke was the good guy, taking care of everyone. It was a lie–a big fat lie.
Tom opened his mouth to protest but then seemed to think better of it. He slumped against the truck, defeated. “Fine. Just… take care of her.”
“You can’t drive either!” I snapped, my frustration boiling over. “I saw you drinking tonight too!”
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Luke’s jaw tightened, but he kept his eyes on the road. “I’ve only
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