Page 13 of Pucking Good Girl

Gen’s fists clench at her sides, her slender frame trembling with fury. “Your whole face lights up when you talk about her.”

“I love her, Gen.”

It’s the first time I admit that out loud using the L-word.

Genevieve’s eyes fill with tears, and despite everything, I feel like the biggest piece of shit on this side of the country.

But she doesn’t cry. “You never said that to me. You know what, Mack? We’re good.”

Her jaw ticks and I brace myself for another slap but it doesn’t come.

“I wish you and Talia all the happiness in the world. Of course, I’m sure you don’t expect me to help her since she pretty much stole my boyfriend.”

This woman is unbelievable. “Gen, we were over way before I started seeing Talia.”

She walks back to her desk, lowering herself onto her chair. “Whatever. We gravitate in the same social circles, so unfortunately we have to see each other. But I hope you understand that you and I are no longer friends.”

I don’t think we’ve ever been friends. Not in the real sense. But I don’t say that out loud.

“Stay out of my way,” she continues. “And I’ll stay out of yours.”

I couldn’t ask for anything better than staying out of each other’s way. “What about our group project for Professor Cantucci’s class? We still have that to complete.”

“I’ll join another group and swap with someone else.”

“Gen,” I object. “The professor was clear that there would be no swapping groups.”

My ex-girlfriend laughs. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m sure Victor won’t mind helping me with this since I let him put his dick wherever he wants. And I won’t have to worry about my grades anymore. Now, if you don’t mind, Giovanni will see you out. A sorority doesn’t run itself, and I’m busy. Goodbye, Mack.”

As I follow the illuminated path back to the front door, I feel relieved and worried at the same time.

I’m relieved that Gen finally got the message. But I have no idea how I’ll help Talia out of the predicament she’s in thanks to my jealous ex.

There’s also the fact that with Gen out of the picture and Becks openly interested in dating Talia, our deal should come to an end.

Maybe that’s why Talia wanted to see me later.

I drive to meet Vaughn at the gym, dreading seeing Talia for the first time in weeks.

CHAPTER 5

TRAIN WRECK

Talia

I’m nervous.

My life is a train wreck. And that’s even without the whole situation with Victor.

I should be happy about my date with Becks and I am. I’m excited.

But what does that mean for me and Macklin?

My feelings for my brother’s best friend are growing stronger with every minute I spend with him. With every kiss, every touch.

But it isn’t just the insane chemistry between us that’s making me fall deeper and deeper for him.

The truth is that I love his sense of humor, his loyalty, and how he’s protective of me without being a pain in my ass like the men in my family.