Because I’m not enough.

I finish another round. Savor every drop of the bittersweet drink.

Order another.

Then I see the last person I need.

Mack sits next to me. Drops her credit card on the bar. “Can I get this round?”

Chapter Forty-Six

Skye

For once, I’m glad my parents are over-involved. They can deal with my stuff, so I can get out of here as soon as possible.

I pack the, uh, more sensitive items. And makeup. I may be a heartbroken mess. But at least my mascara is in place.

I change into something warmer. Don shorter shoes.

Stop at the sound of a knock.

“Skye, baby, I’m here for you.” Holden’s voice is bouncy. But sympathetic too.

“What do you want?”

“Forest sent me.”

“Oh.” Figures. He’s breaking my heart in style. I’ll give him that much. “I’m leaving.”

“I’ll take you home.”

“You’re sober?”

“Had two drinks four hours ago.”

It’s not completely implausible. I saw him have that first drink. Then he went to flirt with… someone.

He probably spent the last few hours getting laid.

Good for him.

“I can call a cab,” I say.

“No can do.”

“Are you going to physically restrain me?”

“Sounds kinky. I’m game.”

“What if I’m not into it?”

“Then why’d you suggest it, baby?” He laughs. “You could open up. Follow me to my car. I’d rather throw you over my shoulder and carry you. Throw you on the hood, maybe.”

I can’t help but laugh.

He’s so ridiculous.

He doesn’t mean any of this.

Maybe.

I think.

It’s really hard to tell with him.

“Fine.” I let him in.

He looks around the room—it’s at full-on tornado state at the moment—and shakes his head. “You’re still drunk.”

“You can finally take your swing.” I motion to the bed. “Get me on the rebound.”

“Finally?” His laugh is soft. “I proposition you all the time.”

My laugh breaks up the tension in my chest. Not enough. But some. “True.”

“You could stay here. Talk to Forest when you sober up.”

“No thank you,” I say.

“What happened?”

“What if I said I’ll only stay if you fuck me.”

“You wouldn’t.” He takes my overnight bag and slings it over his shoulder.

“What if I did?”

“No.”

“No?” Really?

“You really think I’m gonna sleep with the woman my brother loves?”

Well… maybe. I don’t know. “He doesn’t love me.”

Holden scoffs okay, right. “He does. He’s just an idiot. But we both know I’m not gonna convince you.” He motions to the door. “I’ll suggest you stay one more time.”

I shake my head.

“If you need a guy, I know a few.”

“A guy who will fuck anything that moves?” That’s the last thing I need.

“Fuck no. All the guys I show your Instagram. Heard a lot about how they want to come on your tits.”

Oh my God.

“Alright, I mostly hear myself say it. But it would be hot. You have to admit.” He grabs my purse and coat. Opens the door for me.

I move into the hallway. Check that the coast is clear.

No sign of Forest.

Good.

I mean, it should be good. Because I’m sure. I’m done. I’m leaving.

Even if it makes me empty.

Even if it hurts like hell.

It’s just…

Happening.

“Are you into that?” he asks. “Not that they’d object to coming other places?”

“Please stop.”

“Always thought coming on the back was underrated.”

“Oh my God.”

“Fucking some hottie doggie style and you’re pulling out—”

“That isn’t—”

“It’s almost as effective as condoms.” He chuckles. “Not that I do it.”

“You’re just Mr. Sex Ed?”

“Women ask.” He leads me to the elevator. Presses the button.

“The seventeen-year-olds you flirt with?”

“You mean Daisy?” he asks.

“Yeah.”

He laughs. “It’s not like that. She just needs a friend.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I have a code.”

“The bro code?”

“You could say that.” The elevator dings. Holden holds the door open. Motions after you.

It’s empty. No sign of Forest. He’s not here. He’s not waiting for me. He’s not begging me to stay.

Of course, he isn’t.

He doesn’t love me.

Why would he beg me to stay?

Why would he want me to stay?

Now I’m gone and Mackenzie is jealous and he has everything he wants.

His picture-perfect revenge. Reconciliation. Whatever.

I press my back into the wall. Fuck, the elevator is moving. Or maybe it’s the vodka.

Either way, I need to hold on to the railing to stay upright.

Holden notices. Warps his arm around me to lead me to the parking lot—also empty.

Then to his car.

The passenger seat.

He leans over me to click my seatbelt. “Gotta say, this is a nice perk.” He winks, gets into the driver’s seat, turns the car on.

“You really wouldn’t fuck me?”

“You know you wouldn’t ask.”

“You’re flirting right now.”

“So?” His gaze shifts to the hotel. “We can stay. Go back to his room—”

“No.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah.”

He shakes his head you’re being an idiot, but he still pulls onto Pacific Coast Highway.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Forest

Mack twirls her cocktail straw.

Ice clinks against the glass. Bounces off the maraschino cherry. Sends amber liquid spiraling.

She’s drinking an old fashioned. She always did. She always liked the mix of richness and sweetness.

“Skye ran out of the party.” She brings the glass to her lip. Takes a shy sip. “Is everything okay?”

Tags: Crystal Kaswell Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net