Ignite (Wildwood 1)

“I’m seeing West,” she said quietly, her voice so low she almost hoped Wren wouldn’t hear her. Though of course, she did, even with the loud music playing.

“Wait a minute. You’re seeing my brother West?” Wren looked from Harper to Delilah, her expression downright horrified as she pointed at Delilah. “And you knew before I did?”

“That’s because she’s crushing on Lane, but he won’t do anything about it,” Harper blurted, like she couldn’t control herself. She slapped her hand over her mouth the moment she said it just as Delilah sent her a glare that could’ve silenced ten squirmy little ballet students on a Tuesday afternoon.

Clearly, that glare couldn’t silence Harper though.

“Lane? Are you serious, Delilah?” Wren’s eyes looked like they were going to bug out of her head.

“Nothing’s happening between Lane and me,” Delilah said in a rush, stepping toward Wren. But Wren dodged her when Delilah tried to touch her arm. “I’m serious. I had a crush on him, but it’s pointless. He’ll never see me as anything but a friend.”

“But you want more?” Wren turned on Harper. “And you do too? With West? How could you not tell me?” Her eyes blazed with anger.

And hurt. So much hurt. Harper’s heart cracked, knowing she was the one who’d done that to Wren. Her best friend since they were little kids. They never kept secrets from each other. Ever.

“We didn’t know how, Wren,” Harper said. Delilah snorted, but Harper ignored her. “I’m not even sure if this is going to last, you know? West isn’t, um, big on commitment.”

“That’s a total understatement,” Wren said bitterly, shaking her head. “Did you leave Roger for my flaky brother? Because if that’s the case, you’re an idiot. You had a nice, stable relationship with a good guy, and you break it off for a chance with West. Unbelievable. Not that I should be too surprised. You’ve had a thing for him since we were kids.”

“I didn’t break up with Roger for West. That happened on its own.”

“So, what? You and West are dating now?” Wren actually laughed. “Let’s see how long that lasts. He doesn’t do long term. Delilah knows this firsthand.”

That last remark stung. Harper knew Wren was mad and was just trying to make her feel bad, but still.

“And if you really think you have a chance with Lane, Dee, then you can forget it. That guy is cold. He doesn’t care about anything but work,” Wren practically spit out, scowling. “The only one with any heart is Holden, and he’s already taken. Or are you going to chase after him too? Try your chance at all the Gallagher brothers, Dee?”

“Come on, Wren. That was a low blow,” Harper started, shocked her friend would say such a thing.

Delilah stepped close to Wren, poking her in the chest with her index finger. “This is exactly why we didn’t tell you. We knew you would be a total jerk about it. You’ve always been jealous of the attention your brothers get. You couldn’t stand the thought of your friends wanting to be with them.”

“That’s not true,” Wren said, but Delilah wasn’t listening.

“I’m leaving. You coming with me, Harper?” They’d ridden together in Delilah’s car and met Wren at the restaurant.

Harper met Wren’s gaze. “I wish you’d understand. I really . . . care for your brother,” she said.

“If you cared about me, you would’ve told me you liked him in the first place.” Wren folded her arms in front of her.

“Right. And you would’ve told me not to waste my time.” Harper had heard it all before. Wren had never encouraged her interest in West. Back in the day she’d hated that Delilah and West went out, even for a short time. She hadn’t wanted her brother to sabotage her friendships all for a fleeting romantic entanglement.

“That’s because it is a waste of time when it comes to West,” Wren argued. “Lane too. But who am I to stand in the path of true love? Oh, I know, I’m your best friend.”

“What is this? High school? Enough with the guilt trips. Come on, Harper.” Delilah grabbed hold of her arm and practically dragged her out of the bar area, stopping when they got to the top of the stairs. “Why did you tell her when I asked you not to? I knew she’d freak out and act like a total bitch.”

“Delilah, don’t call her that. She’s just upset,” Harper chastised.

“She’s upset because you opened your big mouth,” Delilah muttered, her gaze going back to Wren. “She should just come home with us.”

“She’s too mad.”

“I’m sort of mad at her, too, and I’m mad at you. Way to ruin our night out.” Delilah shook her head.

Harper refused to feel bad. The guilt had been tearing her up inside. At least it was all out in the open. The worst part was over.

“Let’s go,” Delilah said.

Harper frowned, sniffing the air. “Is that smoke? Do you smell it?”