The Best Friend Bargain
A big, beautiful life.
Shit, I’m getting way ahead of myself.
We barely kissed.
I want to kiss him again, but—
God, I really want to kiss him again.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Skye
By the time we get back to the Ballard place, the party is in full swing.
Eighties pop music flows from the speakers. Streamers cover the walls. Tattooed men bump into—
Well, this is one of Holden’s parties, so it’s full of beautiful women. There must be two dozen hot chicks I’ve never seen before.
As soon as Daisy steps inside, the party boy appears. He whisks her to the bar. Points out her protective older brother, Oliver, who’s sitting on the couch with Forest.
They’re deep in conversation, hands around plastic cups, bottle of bourbon in front of them.
Daisy frowns at the sight of the bottle, then Holden slides his arm around her waist, and her discomfort disappears.
God, that poor girl. Her crush on the troublemaker is super-sized. She’s so young. She’s still in high school. And he’s this cool older guy, with tattoos and experience and a devil may care attitude.
Ariel and I watch them for a minute. He’s being nice enough. Introducing her to friends, filling her drink, asking about school.
Maybe it’s innocent.
Maybe he’s actually keeping an eye on his best friend’s kid sister.
Maybe his whole I live to cause you pain thing is just for kicks.
“You think he’ll…” I reach for a euphemism. Remember Ariel doesn’t understand them. “He’s not into virgins or something?”
Ariel’s nose scrunches. “He’s into anyone who moves.”
I can’t help but chuckle. “Anyone?”
“Anyone pretty.” Her eyes meet mine. “Forest hasn’t been with anyone in a while.”
“Yeah, but…” I pull my arm over my chest. “He’s still into Mackenzie.”
“Maybe.”
“Maybe? He fucked every girl with the same body type for six months straight.”
Ariel frowns.
“And the ones with bright red hair…” God, there were so many.
“Yeah, but has he ever been with a cute goth chick?”
“Probably.”
“A hot, curvy goth chick who isn’t willing to let him get all woe is me?”
“How can you love Chase and hate your brother’s brooding?” I ask.
“Chase is…” Her hands press together. Her lips part with a sigh. “He’s protective. Sweet. Caring. Strong.”
I know the feeling.
“It’s not like I like his brooding. I mean, there is a certain appeal to the damaged guy, right? I thought I was beyond that, but I wanted to fix him. Every time he hurt, I wanted to soothe him.”
“You did.”
“Well…” She bites her lip. “He’s made a lot of progress, yeah, but he’s the one who did it.”
“It wouldn’t have happened without you.”
She beams. “God, he’s just so… have you ever seen his eyes when he smiles?”
“I have.”
“And that feeling of melting into his arms?” She sighs. “It’s the best.”
“And the martyr complex?”
“He’s getting there.” Her eyes meet mine. “Forest isn’t like that. He takes care of people, but he doesn’t feel—”
“Yeah.”
“He loves you.”
“Not that way.” I scan the room for Daisy. I am keeping an eye on her. Though… I’m terrified to say it, but I trust Holden to protect her.
That’s truly horrifying.
And a much better focus for my attention.
Ariel follows my gaze. Shakes her head you aren’t distracting me. “He’s protective of you in a different way.”
“Maybe.”
“He kissed you.”
“It was acting.”
She raises a brow. It’s the same gesture as Forest. Or Holden. “Oh yeah, it was acting when he kissed you? Holden said you were almost naked.”
Why did I tell her that? “That’s your brother.”
“So?”
“Doesn’t it bother you, thinking about that?”
She turns her head to one side. “Oh. You’re trying to get me to change the subject.”
“No.” Maybe.
“You’re uncomfortable about it.”
Ahem.
“Because…”
“I’m—”
“You haven’t talked to him about this like an adult.”
“Why did I tell you I like him?” I ask.
“I already knew. Everyone knows.”
“They do not—”
“Yeah, everyone but Forest thinks the two of you belong together,” she says.
“His opinion is the only one that matters.”
“True.” She surveys the room. Waves hello to her brother.
As soon as he spots us, his lips curl into a smile. Then his eyes meet mine and his cheeks flush.
Fuck, I can’t look at him either.
Ariel laughs. “I can see why Holden is so annoying. It’s kind of fun being the one in control.”
“Oh?”
“Well, not like that. Did I tell you about what Chase did last night?”
“Go on.”
“Oh!” Her eyes light up. “You’re trying to distract me again.”
“You don’t want to talk about the dirty things your boyfriend did to you?”
“Hmmm.”
“He is the father of your child.”
Her smile widens.
“You look good, by the way. You are glowing.”
“So sweet of you to compliment me right when I’m asking you questions you don’t want to answer.”
“Am I?”
She nods you are. “And I’m huge.”
“You look good.”
“I feel like a whale.” She rubs her belly. It is round, but she wears it well. “I’m afraid I’m going to knock over displays at grocery stores.”
“Have you?”
She glares. “That isn’t funny. And—Oh, you’re still trying to distract me.” She shakes her head you’re sneaky. “He really took off your bra?”