She’s jealous. Hurt and upset. “I don’t want to have this conversation with you. Teagan can tell me whatever I need to know.”

“But why would she?” She shrugs. “Fine. Go back to the mansion and ask her about it. I suggest checking Rich’s room if she’s not in yours.”

My stomach curdles at the idea, but no. Teagan wouldn’t sleep with Rich. He terrifies her. She asked me here to be a buffer between them. She even warned me that he’d try to get in my head. I wonder if she knows her cousin is just as bad. “Why do you hate her so much? You and I had one night. Why be so terrible to her?”

“You’re a nice guy, Carter. And I think that night, part of you already knew you and Teagan wouldn’t last. Otherwise, you would’ve never taken another woman home.” She draws in a ragged breath. “I’m pissed you didn’t tell me you had a girlfriend. You’re not off the hook for that—I’ve been the other woman before, and I never would have cast me in that role again if I’d known.”

“You sent me pictures of your underwear after I told you I have a girlfriend.”

“I didn’t think it was serious.”

Bullshit. I clench my teeth so tight my jaw clicks.

“But despite that,” she says, her voice softer now, “I still believe you deserve better than a woman who will always end up back in Rich Nasser’s bed.”

Teagan

I knock on Rich’s door at 10:59. I can’t risk being late. Can’t risk him punishing me by sending those pictures to Carter—pictures of me in Heath’s bed. With Rich. Pictures of a night that has haunted me since it happened.

Rich pulls the door open. He’s shirtless, his jeans slung low on his hips. I can’t deny he has a beautiful body. He’s strong and built from long hours at the gym and a strict bodybuilder’s diet. I’m in the same black dress I wore to dinner, and he looks me over slowly—so slowly that I want to take a hot shower and scrub away every inch of skin his eyes touch. “You’ve done such a good job avoiding me the last few years, I didn’t think you’d show.” He pulls the door wider. “Come on in.”

“I’d rather not.”

He arches a brow. “I thought we already established that the ball’s in my court now. I’m done chasing you, Teagan.”

If only that were really true. “Fine, but keep the door open.”

His nostrils flare, and his eyes flash with anger. “Have I ever—ever­—forced myself on you?”

I lift my chin. “Door. Open.”

“Sure. If you want everyone who passes by to hear what I know, it’s your call.”

Everyone who passes by. There’s no one in the halls right now. Everyone’s out celebrating and probably will be for a couple more hours. Even my parents are staying out late to take advantage of the time with all their best friends in one place, and he knows it. That’s why he suggested this time to meet.