Caught in Us (Caught Series Book 4) by Kacey Shea (free e books to read TXT) 📕

through the book of popular and obscure karaoke tunes, I find what I’m looking for and give the title to the sound guy. He raises his brows as if to question my choice. Ten years ago I’d have been embarrassed to admit how much I love this song—or how a few years ago I spent one week learning all the dance moves out of sheer boredom. Now, it’s a really cool party trick.

The first beat drops and Alicia turns to me, eyes narrowed as she shakes her head. She mouths the word, “No.”

But it’s too late. We’re already on stage, mics in hand, and we might not be a powerhouse boy band like NSYNC, but we’re about to sing the shit out of “Bye Bye Bye.” I wince as I realize how she might interpret the lyrics. Fuck it. She can read into that as much or as little as she wants. I picked this for an entirely different reason. To show off.

Bringing my microphone to my lips, I point at her as I belt out the first verse. I shake my hips to the rhythm, waggling my brows and acting silly until the chorus hits. Then I bust out all my moves.

Alicia’s jaw drops, clearly not expecting me to reenact the popular music video.

“Don’t make me carry this number,” I tease into my microphone.

Alicia snaps out of her momentary shock, a smile working its way onto her lips as the guys from the department whistle and cheer. She holds up her mic, joining in with the chorus and taking the next verse. Laughter bursts from her lips when we reach the next refrain because this time I go all out, falling to my knees and pretending I’m Justin Timberlake. There are cell phones held up capturing every second of this moment, but it’s totally worth it. Her smile is so big by the time we exit the stage. Her joy contagious, and I put it there.

Random people gather around, patting me on the back and offering their sincerest compliments when I hop off stage. I hold my hand out to Alicia, steadying her as she jumps the short distance.

“Um, we need to talk about your hidden talents,” she says as we make our way back to our friends.

“Alicia,” I say as if I’m scandalized by the suggestion. “Keep it PG. This isn’t that kind of a club.”

Her nostrils flare, her eyes widening just a second before we’re surrounded by our group. The guys pull me in for bear hugs, their teasing and laughter separating me from Alicia. I look over to try and find her, but instead lock eyes with Julia.

Fuck. I was so caught up in Alicia, I kind of forgot she was here.

Julia’s stare is serious, as if she’s not having fun. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. She shuffles forward, her mouth pressed in a thin line as she makes her way to my side. She touches my arm, leaning forward to speak into my ear. “I think I’m gonna head out. I’m not feeling well.”

I can’t help but wonder if I have something to do with that. “Do you want me to drive you?”

“No.” Her gaze darts to my brother. “You should stay.”

“Okay. Let me at least walk you out.” I rest my hand at the small of her back.

She shakes her head, stepping away from my touch. “I don’t want to pull you away from the party. Besides, my ride’s already here.” She holds up her cell.

“Okay.” I want to ask her if she’s angry with me. She has every right to be. In some ways it would make this easier. Instead, she’s perfectly accommodating, leaving without another word.

My body hums with a restless energy after she’s gone. I want to talk to Alicia, but now is not the time nor place. Plus, she won’t even look at me, back to hiding across the room like she was for most of the night. It’s probably for the best. As much as I want her, and as much as she strikes up old feelings, I shouldn’t act on them.

I’m sitting back into one of the chairs when I notice Alicia give Callie and Jill hugs, then head for the entrance. What the hell? I ditch my table and in several long strides catch up to her before she reaches the exit. “Hey, you leaving?”

She stops and turns at the sound of my voice. “Yeah.”

She wasn’t going to say good-bye. It stings more than it should. “Need a ride?”

“I borrowed one of my parents’ cars.”

“I’ll walk you out, then.”

She shakes her head before I even get out the words. “No, I’m right here.” She presses the disarm button on her key remote and the taillights to a car parked right out front flash. “Night, Chase.” She turns and walks away before I can convince her otherwise.

“Drive safe.” I want to ask her to text me when she gets home. I almost do, but something holds me back.

She lifts her hand, waving without looking back. I hate that I can’t see her face. Or read her expression. She pushes out of the front doors and seconds later she’s in the car, pulling onto the street. Leaving me behind. Like she always seems to do. I wonder how many more times I’ll watch her do it. More importantly, when will it stop hurting?

It's after midnight by the time our party wraps up and everyone is safely on their way home. I stick Cam and Jill in the back seat of my pickup and head home. They talk but my mind drifts to the apprehension I feel for tomorrow. I hadn’t expected to see Alicia tonight, or Julia, and especially not together. I expected to feel torn. Maybe more conflicted. But there was no contest. Wrong or right, there was only one woman taking up space in my mind. Just thinking about how much worse it will be at the wedding frazzles my nerves.

Which is why, after I park my