Because the blog was the end-all-be-all on sex advice. And yet, last night, when we’d had sex…it was supposed to have been her first time. Like me. We’d been taking it slow because of her past, too. Not that it had ever bothered me. But…

Was it all bullshit?

No.

It couldn’t be.

But how could I know for sure?

After everything.

Amber…who are you?

“Amber Henderson?” Tanner’s voice shocked me out of my heart shattering inside my chest, and I slammed my laptop shut two seconds too late. “She’s the source?” He straightened, a smug smile on his face.

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “That wasn’t—”

“Don’t,” he cut me off. “Don’t lie for her. I read it over your shoulder. Saw the shock on your face.” He tsked me. “She kept it from you.” He sank behind his desk. “Good work, Winters,” he said, turning his desktop screen so I could see it. He clicked open the vid-file of Tessa stealing his computer, before dragging it to his trash, and then emptying it. “As promised.”

I swallowed hard, feeling like sharp pieces of glass tore at my throat all the way down. I knew he likely had a copy of that file. I’d find it later and trash it for good. But I couldn’t focus on that right now, couldn’t focus on much beyond packing my gear and nodding at him as I left his office in a numb stupor.

“Dean?” Ms. Howard’s voice called before she stepped into my path in the hallway outside their offices. I wondered if she’d made a point to come in on a Saturday because Tanner did, or because she knew Tanner was going to ask me to. “Are you all right?”

No.

“Fine,” I lied and kept walking. Ignored her as she asked again. Forced my feet to move until I’d sunk behind the wheel of my car.

Another buzz vibrated my pocket.

A text from Amber I read through blurry eyes.

Pixie: Can I head over in 30?

Me: Sure

I pocketed my phone and started the car, anger replacing the break in my chest. Filling it with heat and blame and rage.

I loved Amber.

And she had broken my heart without even knowing.

I wasn’t sure I’d survive it.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Amber

I can’t believe I’m going to tell him.

The words repeated over and over in my head as I drove to Dean’s house. I’d spent the day crafting my final blog post—filled with apologies, intentions, and hopes for the future—and I planned to post it tomorrow.

After I talked to Dean.