Too Sweet (Hayes Brothers #3)(47)

Here I was, replaying our kiss all evening, thinking it was the best kiss in my life, and she rates it eight?

Way to drive me nuts.

I want to prove her wrong, up my score, and kiss her until our lips are numb, but... I can’t. She’s not mine to kiss.

She’s Cody’s.

The back of my head hits the wall. I can still taste her sweet mouth. One kiss and I’m fucking addicted. How the hell do I stop this? The neurotic thoughts; the growing, burning need; the— Who am I kidding?

I can’t stop or step aside.

I’m too far gone to give up without a fight.

I never thought I’d consider going against my brother, but I’ve reached a point of no return. Not one thought today has been unrelated to Mia.

She’s all I’ve thought of for weeks.

She’s too young, still in college. She should have fun, party, and enjoy her youth before mundane life begins. I’m not the guy for her. Too obsessive, too fucking possessive, but...

I’ll make it work.

I’ve been learning how to handle, touch, and talk to her for almost two months now.

She’s not as soft as I initially thought.

Every time I see her, I discover a new part of her character. She argues: shows me my place, and stands up to me when she feels strongly.

She’s two parts gasoline and one part match. She’s got a spark, too, and once all that fuses together, she’ll burn bright.

I toss the cigarette to the ground and enter the building, taking no time to rethink what’s already decided. There’s no turning back now. Win or lose, I’m done pretending I can’t stand on the sidelines, watching my brother attempt to woo the girl I want.

Everyone save for the triplets, and Theo, is gone. The room emptied half an hour ago, but Mia’s been home much longer. She was exhausted, barely keeping herself awake at the table. Since Cody was nowhere to be found, I called the cab driver who took us home a couple weeks ago and slipped him a hundred so he’d wait until Mia got inside.

Better safe than sorry.

I push the door to the Ballroom open with both hands, letting the wings bang against the wall. “Where’s Cody?” I ask, not spotting him by our table.

“He’s here somewhere,” Conor says, rolling a bottle of vodka across the table. “Sit down. We’re having shots.”

“Not until I talk to Cody.”

“Why?” Theo narrows his eyes at me. Either he’s frowning, or he’s drunk and seeing double. “Come on, bro. Spill your guts.” He pats the chair next to him, slurring his words. “You’ve been on edge all day today.”

“He’s always on edge,” Conor muses, launching a grape in the air and catching it with his mouth.

“Not like this,” Theo continues. “You’re a different kind of tense today, and you’re freaking me out because I know that tension. I’ve seen you like this before.”

“I’m good,” I clip, not in the mood to divulge the subject. Whatever Theo thinks he knows, he’s wrong. “Where the fuck did Cody go?”

“It’s Kaya, isn’t it?” Theo sighs, pouring a round of shots. “Your ex. That’s what’s riling you up, right?” He grabs my shoulder, squeezing hard as he leans in closer. “Last time you acted so odd was when you were with her. You’re mad she didn’t make it tonight?”

“I didn’t know she was invited.”

“Adrian said he saw you two talking at Rave a few weeks ago...” He pushes a defeated breath down his nose. “Listen, I love you. I’ve got you, alright? If she’s what you want—”

“You think I’d let her crawl back to me? We’re not together, Theo. And before you ask, we’re not fucking. She was drunk off her ass, begging for another chance at Rave, but that’s not happening.”

“Thank God.” He falls back in his chair, theatrically wiping his forehead. “Honestly, I’d be here for you, but I’m glad you don’t want her.”

“He didn’t go home, did he?” I ask, my leg twitching against the floor.

“Who?”

“Cody.”

“No, he’s here,” Colt chips in, lifting a shot glass and gesturing for us to follow. We all throw our heads back, swallowing the disgusting liquid that burns down my esophagus. “You being tense today isn’t about Kaya.” He points his finger at me, eyes glassy, too much alcohol in his bloodstream. “Can’t fool me, bro. You’re into Mia.”

I knew he’d throw that at me at the first opportunity. I’ve had two drinks tonight, but my ears ring, and shame washes over me once more.

I open my mouth, but he bangs his hand on the table before I get a word out.

“Don’t lie. Don’t lie to me, Nico. I see how you watch her, how you fucking hold her and worry when she’s one bit uncomfortable.”

“Mia?” Theo pours us another shot, chuckling under his breath. “The blonde with Cody? You’re drunk, bro. No more for you. Isn’t she like in high school?”

“College,” I correct. “I’d love to entertain you, Colt, but Cody’s the one I need to talk to.”

“Oh, he knows,” Conor chuckles, launching another grape. “He’s not blind. None of us are.”