The Rules of Dating My Best Friend's Sister(53)
I sat down. “Uh-oh. You’re calling me by my full name. I must be in trouble.”
Holden shook his head. “I think I’m the one in trouble. I’ve been a bad boy. A very, very bad boy.”
“What are you talking about?”
He wagged a finger at me. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been with a woman?”
Before I could even answer, he pointed to me.
“Wrong! Longer than that.”
I chuckled. “Dry spell, huh?”
He pointed to his crotch. “He’s lost interest in other women.”
Other women? Holden was at least a little drunk, but it sounded like he was saying the only woman he had an interest in was me.
“How come?”
“How come my dick’s lost interest? Because he’s stubborn. He always has been.” Holden looked up at me. “He wants you more than you can imagine. But don’t worry…” He tapped his pointer to his temple. “I’ve got control of him now. For a while there, things were touch and go about who was steering the ship. But not anymore.”
“What do you mean?”
“I made him a date.”
I felt panicked. “What?”
“He needs a distraction. Kayla Weathers is one with a capital D.” He snort-laughed. “And she likes the D, a lot.”
My insides were in turmoil. It felt like I’d drunk sour milk and wasn’t sure how things were going to turn out in the near future. The thought of Holden with another woman was crushing, though I knew I had no right to feel like that. I was freaking engaged, after all.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t a better friend,” Holden eventually whispered.
“What are you talking about? You’ve been such a good friend. You’ve driven me all over the place, fixed everything in my apartment, helped me with my car a half-dozen times…”
Holden shook his head. “A better friend would have kept his distance.”
“I’ve been just as culpable. You said you want me more than I could imagine. Well, you’re not the only one with desires, Holden.”
He smiled sadly. “I know. Desire can be a fucked-up thing. But whatever is going on between us ends tonight.” Holden climbed to his feet. “I care about you too much to be your biggest regret. Take care, sweetheart.”
CHAPTER 14
Holden
Owen stopped in the following day after he returned from his Boston trip. He was still wearing his work clothes; I swear, that guy lived in suits. He gave me a scrutinizing look as he headed for my couch, and I knew what was coming. But after the way I’d left things with Lala last night, I was in a crap mood and had no tolerance for his usual bullshit.
“How did everything go with bringing Lala back from New Jersey? Once again, you manipulated your way into spending time with her, huh?”
I fisted my hands. “Shut the fuck up, Owen.”
“Is that not the truth?”
“You want the truth? The truth is…I’m gonna kick your ass if you don’t cut the shit and stop sticking your damn nose where it doesn’t belong.”
“Jesus. Chill out.” His brows furrowed. “Are you okay?”
“You act like this whole Lala thing is a fucking game to me. It’s not. It’s been eating at me. And walking away is hard.”
He blinked. “Wait—walking away?”
“Yes. You don’t need to police me anymore.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I got a little drunk last night. Told her I was done. Also told her I didn’t want to be her biggest regret. Then I stormed off. And I meant it. I’m done.”
Owen narrowed his eyes. “You don’t look done, my friend.” He placed his hand on my shoulder. “You don’t look done in the least. You look…like shit.”
“Suck a dick.” I chuckled.
Owen stared at me for a few seconds. “You know… I think this might be the first time I’ve realized how tormented you are over this.” He sighed. “I know you care about her. That was never in doubt, nor the problem.”
“I haven’t been with anyone since Lala came to town, Owen.” I pointed to my chest. “Me! What does that tell you? It’s fucking weird. I’ve never had this happen. It’s like I have tunnel vision. The more I feel like I can’t have her, the more I want her.”
Owen got up, went for my fridge, and grabbed a beer. He popped off the cap and tossed it aside. “You need to force yourself to move on somehow. Not only because she’s engaged, but for your own good.”
“I’m gonna try.” I let out a breath. “Starting tonight. I really am.”
“It’ll be easier when she goes back to Pennsylvania,” he said.
“Yeah,” I muttered, even though the thought of that—or worse, her going to California—gutted me.
“You know I’m just looking out for her like Ryan would’ve.” He took a sip. “But I’m sorry for giving you such a hard time. I can see now that you’ve probably been the hardest on yourself, more than anyone.”
“Are you apologizing to me? That’s so unlike you.”
“Don’t get used to it.” He grinned. “And for the record, I’m proud of you for not pushing things any further and for trying to do the right thing.”