Dangerous Crush (Dangerous Noise 2)

She shakes her head.

"You have condoms?" Mal stares at his sister. "Grab some from my room if you don't."

She looks to Joel. "Why is he so calm?"

"You're 19, Pipes. We all know you're having sex. Except Ethan." Joel looks to me. "Well, not sure about Lockhart." He turns back to Piper. "Who's playing?"

"Butterfly Wings." She smooths her skirt.

"Aren't they bringing back emo? You won't meet any guys worth fucking at an emo show." He moves closer to Piper. "Now the chicks—they're way into the damaged musician thing. I can clean up."

She looks up at Joel. "You're damaged?"

"Only if hearing damage counts," Mal teases.

"Don't worry about it, Pipes. I'm a good wingman. I'll make sure you find a winner," Joel says.

She stares into my eyes as she addresses Joel. "Sure."

Mal looks between the three of us. "What's up with you guys today?"

"I'll come." I run my hand through my hair, trying to play cool. No fucking way is Piper sleeping with some jackass who doesn't give a fuck about her.

"No thank you." She glares at me. "Joel and I have it covered."

Joel raises a brow. "You sure, Pipes? He's got the damaged hottie thing in spades. He'll attract all the hot chicks and you'll be left with your pick of guys in eyeliner."

She looks to Joel. "It's a free country. If Kit wants to go to the show, I can't stop him."

"You leaving now?" Mal asks.

She nods.

He motions come here to Piper. "Then give me a hug goodbye."

She does.

He whispers something in her ear.

She shakes her head as she steps back. Her eyes meet mine. They flare with that same hurt expression. "I'm leaving in five minutes. Whoever wants to come should get in my car." She spins on her heels and leaves.

Mal looks to Joel. "You know why she's this pissed?"

Joel's eyes meet mine. "Some idea."

"Make sure she doesn’t do something she'll regret." Mal nods goodbye to Joel. "I'm gonna talk to her." He nods goodbye to me then he's out the door.

Joel waits until the Strongs are out of earshot to move closer. "I can't believe it took me this fucking long to figure it out."

I say nothing.

"Did you fuck her?"

"No."

He cocks a brow. Not buying it. "But you want to."

"She's an attractive woman."