Hotel O

“I didn’t think it would make a difference,” he says.

“No, you were just afraid she was going to hate you even more,” Flynn says.

“No, you’re afraid she’d choose me over you,” Declan retorts, continuing to fuel the fire to the point I have to remain between them to keep them away from each other.

“Okay, that’s it. Time-out,” I say, holding up my hands. “Stop acting like little kids and start behaving like grown-ups. Jesus.” I let out a big sigh. “Stop fighting over me like I’m some goddamn prize.”

Flynn crosses his arms as Declan puts them against his side. Both still look angry as hell, but neither of them are trying to grasp each other’s throats anymore, so I guess that’s good.

But fuck … I wish I could’ve seen this coming. I would’ve brought some protective gear.

“I thought you were over him,” Flynn says.

“I …” I swallow. “It’s complicated.”

“She can do whatever she wants,” Declan interjects. “Maybe you should take her wishes into consideration next time you burst into my office.”

“I’m protecting a friend because I care about her,” Flynn spits. “Unlike you.”

“Please,” I say, looking at both Declan and Flynn. “Can you stop this? Do it for me, please.” I look at Flynn. “I don’t want to lose you as a friend, but I … like him, okay?”

“Tsk,” Flynn says. “Because he has a dick? This guy isn’t good for you.”

“You don’t even know me,” Declan rebukes. “And you’re walking on thin ice here, buddy.”

“Listen!” I yell, which makes them lean back and finally focus on me instead of each other. “This isn’t your choice,” I tell Flynn. “It’s mine. Please respect that.”

Flynn rubs his lips together, clearly having trouble accepting it, but at least he’s not trying to change my mind.

“And you …” I say to Declan. “Stop making this about jealousy. It isn’t. Flynn’s my best friend. Please, don’t be so hard on him. He’s listened to me again and again when you pulled all that shit on me.”

Declan swallows, visibly shaken too.

“I need both of you to behave like adults, please. Now, I know you might not like each other, but at least pretend, for my sake,” I say. “Flynn, I love you, but I need to make my own decisions, okay?”

Flynn takes a deep breath and nods slowly.

“Declan … I know he’s probably crossed the line several times because of me. But please do not fire him,” I beg.

Declan cocks his head and closes his eyes, rubbing his forehead.

“Fine. I won’t,” he says through gritted teeth. “But this has to stop.”

“It will. I promise,” I say, glaring at Flynn so he gets the point. “Flynn, thanks for the suitcase. I owe you.”

“You’re welcome,” he replies. “But I’m outta here. You gonna stay, or are you coming with me?”

My lips part, but I don’t even know how to respond because I hadn’t thought about that yet. “Umm …” I look at Declan, who still looks like he’s swallowed a bunch of sour grapes. “Maybe? I don’t know.”

“I think it’s better if we all cool down for a moment,” Declan says, clearing his throat.

I nod a couple of times. “True.”

“Don’t you have to go to work too?” Flynn says with that snobby voice he puts up whenever he catches me doing dumb shit.

“Fuck.” I immediately check my watch. “You’re right.”

“Guess that’s settled then,” Declan says, folding his arms.

“Sorry,” I say, smiling at him. “I’ll see you later then?”

“Of course.” An arrogant grin spreads on his lips that makes the butterflies return. “But you’re not going to go without a kiss, are you?”

“Oh, fuck no,” Flynn grumbles, turning around. “I’m outta here.” He slams the door shut behind him.

“Bye,” Declan snaps, but I grab his face and make him look at me.

“I’m here,” I say, licking my lips.

He grabs my ass and pulls me toward him, kissing me hard and greedily as if he wants to show me I belong to him and no one else. As if he’s actually scared to lose me to Flynn. Not that that’s ever a possibility … but at least it means Declan cares. Maybe more than he’s willing to admit.

When our lips unlock, I bite my lip. “That wasn’t just a kiss …”

“Had to show you who’s boss,” he murmurs.

I playfully slap him on the chest. “Seriously?”

“Go on then. Get dressed. Work is waiting.”

“One sec,” I say, quickly opening the door so I can catch Flynn before he disappears. “Thanks, Flynn! For the suitcase, I mean.”

He waves at me without turning around. “No problem. Glad I could help.”

I don’t think he’s really that happy to help, but I appreciate it. I know it’s hard on him to see his best friend date a guy like Declan.

If we’re even dating … At this point, no one knows. Not even me.

As I close the door, I turn and grab my suitcase filled with clothes so I can finally put on something decent before going out. But I can’t help say, “So about this kiss …”