Bad Habit (Bad Love 1)

“Well.” I shrug. “Now you do.”

We sit in silence as she takes in the trees and the lake along with the information I just dumped on her. The thing I love about Briar is that she didn’t even bat an eye when I told her about stealing the cars or snorting the coke. She doesn’t judge me. She’s probably the only one who never has.

Finally, I pull onto Dare’s street. His house is secluded, far away from town, and the roads are so narrow that you have to pull over for oncoming cars to be able to fit. I thought I was anti-social, but Dare makes me look like

the freaking prom queen in comparison.

“We’re here,” I say, cutting the engine. Briar’s wide eyes take in the luxury cabin before us.

“This is where you lived?”

“Yup.”

“Why the hell did you ever leave?” she asks, incredulous. The cabin itself isn’t very glamorous, but it’s right on the water, and people pay millions for that. Literally.

“I had something prettier waiting for me in Cactus Heights,” I tease.

“That’s sweet, Ash, but your dad really isn’t that cute.”

I snort, hopping out of my truck before walking around to the other side to help her down, too. Instead of stepping down, she launches herself at me, wrapping her arms around my neck. I squeeze her ass as she brings her lips to mine, her tongue seeking entrance.

“Are you guys going to come in, or are you just going to fuck in my driveway all night?” Dare asks from his open door. Briar jumps at the sound of his voice and sheepishly slides down my body.

“Briar, this is Dare. Dare, Briar,” I say as we make our way inside. Bry surprises me by hugging his middle. And Dare looks even more shocked, arms held out to his side, not knowing what to do.

“Is she always this friendly?” he asks, cocking a brow and pointing a finger at her arms wrapped around his tattooed torso.

“Thank you for helping him,” she says, and once he understands, he returns her hug, even if it is one-handed. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the way she cares about me. It never fails to surprise me.

“Kelleyyy!” someone slurs from far away.

“Cordell or Camden?” I ask.

“I have no fucking clue.” Dare laughs. “But it’s one of them. They’re all out back.”

Remember how I said Dare was anti-social? Our friends, who happen to be brothers, don’t seem to realize it. Or more accurately, they just don’t care. They’re the complete opposite of Dare, and myself for that matter.

Briar takes in everything from the high ceilings to the old wooden floors, and everything in between as Dare leads us through the house and into the backyard.

“I can’t believe we’re only in the next state over. It feels like we’re in another world.”

“You should see it during the winter. It’s like living in an actual snow globe.”

“I’d love to live somewhere like this. You know, with actual seasons.”

I nod, because that’s my favorite part about being here, too.

We make our way toward the rowdy voices in the backyard, finding Camden and Cordell in the hot tub with three chicks. They’re randoms. Tourists. I’d bet my life on it.

“Well, if it isn’t the fucking King of the Mountain,” I say to Camden. He and Cordell both snowboard, like everyone else who lives here, but Camden went pro, and he’s achieved somewhat celebrity status around here.

“What’s up, motherfucker? Who’s that fine ass looking female?”

“You’re not going to be very good at snowboarding with two broken legs,” I warn, and he holds his palms up, laughing. “This is Briar.”

“Oh, shit, you found someone to deal with your brooding ass?”

“Seems that way,” I grumble, but fuck, it feels good to be with her like this. I link my fingers with hers, just because we can, and she smiles up at me.