“Alright, I’m headin’ out. See y’all soon,” I say, then put up my dirty plate. “Thanks again, bro. I appreciate you doing this for me.” Kaitlyn’s behind me, rushing out too.
I give her a side hug. “You owe me one now.”
She rolls her eyes with a huff. “No way. This is all because you owed me, remember? So don’t get cocky.”
Chuckling, we head down the porch stairs, but before we go our separate ways, I stop and grab her attention.
“Hey, have you talked to Hadleigh this week?”
She turns toward me with a knowing expression. “Just earlier today. Why?”
“Just curious how she was doin’ or if she said anything to you,” I tell her truthfully.
She crosses her arms. “You mean about your ultimatum? Yeah, I heard about that.”
Fuck.
“Who told you?”
“There are no secrets ’round here, Knox.”
I scoff. “Okay, ya gonna tell me what she’s sayin’ or what?”
Kaitlyn steps closer as if to ease the blow. “She hasn’t made up her mind yet if that’s what you’re wondering. I think she’s drinkin’ to numb her feelings because she’s obsessed over it all week.”
She and I both.
“You know this will change things,” she says. “Kane knows about it too.”
I narrow my eyes, giving her a frustrated and conflicted look. Blood rushes to my head as a pounding headache settles in my temples.
“I’m surprised he didn’t bash my face in.”
“Honestly, I think he’s relieved. He wants her to make a decision just as much as you do.”
I nod. “Okay. Well, thanks. See you in a few.”
“Bye, bro!”
Once I’m home, I take a shower and change. Then I organize all the alcohol and cups on my counter. There are cases of beer stocked in the fridge and plenty of snacks. People should be arriving any minute now.
But I hope by the end of the night, the only person left is Hadleigh in my bed.
By ten, my house is packed, and everyone seems to be having a good time. Hadleigh and the girls showed up an hour ago, most of them already tipsy. I haven’t had the chance to get her alone yet because they’re too busy shaking their asses in the living room to loud music and being rowdy. Most of the guys are drinking and standing around, keeping eyes on their women, and occasionally dancing with them. Kaitlyn loves being the center of attention so she’s in the middle, twerking like her life depends on it. Out of the corner of my eye, I glance at how Payton watches her. For being just friends, he sure acts protective.
As the host, I make sure everything stays stocked. But it also allows me to keep busy while I wait for Hadleigh to talk to me. Kane’s stayed near Grayson and Ethan, but she hasn’t spoken to him either.
After another hour of waiting, I decide to confront her the next time she goes to the bathroom. Since she’s sucking down alcohol like it’s water, she’s stepping away every thirty minutes.
Right on time, she excuses herself from the group and walks down the hallway. Once she’s finished, I grab her arm and pull her into my bedroom.
“Knox!” she squeals as I slam my door and press her against it. “You scared the shit out of me.”
I bury my face in her neck, inhaling her scent and kissing below her ear. “I’ve been waitin’ all night to get you alone.”
She tips her head back, giving me more access to her soft skin. “I’ve been enjoying the party.”
“So I’ve noticed…and you’ve had a lot to drink.”
She shrugs, then laughs. “That’ll be future Hadleigh’s problem.”
I shake my head with a grin. “You have somethin’ to tell me?” I’ve been waiting six long days, and I’m ready for her answer.
She slouches against the wood, peering up at me. “I thought I had until the end of the night?”
“I can give you a few more hours if that’s what you need.”
Hadleigh nods, but I can’t help myself. I lower my mouth to hers and taste the bitter beer on her lips. She moans, leaning into me, and I grab her ass. Her hands fist my shirt as she twists her tongue with mine.
“You better leave before I lose control,” I warn as her thigh wraps around my hip. My cock presses against the outside of her pussy, and I’m two seconds away from snapping. I said I wouldn’t touch her until she made a decision, but fuck, she’s irresistible.
When we finally pull away, we’re out of breath and aroused as hell. Without another word, I open the door and usher her out. If that doesn’t prove I’m not in it just for sex, then I don’t know what will.
“Alright, Birthday Girl. Time to blow out your candles,” Rowan says as she carries the cake and sets it on the breakfast bar. Everyone sings “Happy Birthday,” and then Kaitlyn blows out the candles but misses one.