Bad Judgment Read Free Page A

can’t be upset that my moving assistance just went out the window because Chad’s future at stake is a way bigger deal.
    “Maybe Rachel got it wrong. Maybe it wasn’t them? And what about Chris? No one has any word on him? This could all be a mix-up.” I’m scrambling for some other alternative.
    James, a guy in our Evidence class, comes up to the table and holds out his phone. “Did you hear about Chad and Chris? Check out this picture of his truck. Totally crushed. I heard some asshole ran a red light, tagged his bumper, so he spun out and hit a telephone pole, and the person didn’t even stop. Unbelievable. That was a sweet ride after he lifted it.”
    Any hope of Rachel being a typical girl and thinking all pickup trucks look exactly the same disappears. It’s definitely Chad’s truck.
    Sadness and anger shove aside the panic. Why would he drive drunk? How could he take the chance?
    “I wonder who he’s going to call for bail if they throw him in the drunk tank.” The speculation comes from James.
    “His girlfriend will bail him out.” I offer up the information quietly. They’ve been together since high school, so I know she’ll be there for him. But what about after? His job . . . his future . . .
    “Why was he even driving?” Merica asks.
    James shrugs. “He didn’t want to leave his truck in the parking lot overnight. He only had maybe four or five beers. I’ve seen him drink way more and still act totally sober. That’s some shit luck, though. If someone hadn’t hit them, I bet they’d be home already.”
    Shit luck and bad judgment. Chad, what were you thinking?
    “This sucks all around. Now his entire future could be fucked, and you’ve got no one to help you move.” Merica looks from me to James. “What do you drive?”
    “A Harley. Which you’d know if you ever let me take you out.”
    Merica rolls her eyes. “I have a boyfriend. Not happening. Also, your timing sucks.”
    Everything about this sucks, and I’m so freaking pissed at Chad. Why would he take the chance? We all have too much at stake to take chances like that.
    James opens his mouth to reply to Merica, but a familiar voice rumbles from behind me.
    “You need help moving?”
    I force myself not to turn around when the heat from Ryker’s body registers against my back.
    I can practically feel the sudden change in the air now that he is present. It’s like the alpha wolf showed up to the discussion.
    Always looking out for me, Merica turns her focus on Ryker. “Do you have a truck?”
    Oh, hell no. I want to slap a hand over my best friend’s mouth, but even that wouldn’t pull back the question.
    “My old man has a truck we use for deer camp. It’s at my parents’ house, and they only live a few miles from campus.”
    It’s crazy to hear Ryker refer to his father as his old man because he’s a state supreme court justice, not just some dad who works a regular nine-to-five. Also, he was my boss for the last four and a half months during my externship at the court.
    To this day, I’m shocked Ryker didn’t show up in his father’s chambers while I was working. Either he didn’t know or he considered that venue off-limits—I have no idea which.
    Ryker’s hand lands on my hip and squeezes before he turns me around to face him. All thoughts of his dad and Chad fall away when those blue eyes pierce me with a direct stare.
    “Then you can totally help Justine move tomorrow.” Merica’s words are bubbly with triumph. No doubt she sees this as a case of life closing a door but opening a window.
    “You need my help?” Ryker asks, never breaking eye contact with me.
    “If she says no, she’s lying,” Merica offers unhelpfully.
    I have to get out of this conversation before I cave and accept his help. I also need to escape to go call Katie, Chad’s girlfriend, and get the scoop on what’s happening and see if I can help.
    I sidestep Ryker’s hold and announce, “I have to pee.”
    Merica gives me a