Page 21 of I Saw Her First

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”Liar. “I just… I’m tired.”

He blows out a heavy, irritated breath. “Come on. We finally get the chance to do this, andnowyou’re tired?”

I swallow. “It’s been a long day.” I rub my face as guilt weaves through me. He’s been very patient; some guys barely last a week. What is wrong with me? Why don’t I want to do this with him yet? We’ve never had a more perfect opportunity than right now, but the thought of sleeping with him makes me feel anxious more than anything. Is it just nerves, or something more?

I like him, at least I think I do.

But maybe that’s the problem. I onlylikehim. And I really want to feel more, especially when it comes to having sex, but I’m beginning to wonder if that’s unrealistic.

“I—” A sound from somewhere in the house makes me stop. “What was that?”

Jess gives a sullen shrug. It reminds me of the way he acts with his dad, and irritation flares in my chest. With a roll of my eyes, I push to my feet and go to investigate. It was probably nothing, but I’m desperate for a moment to myself. I wander toward the kitchen, planning to get a glass of water and stare out at the sea as I get my thoughts in order, but when I round the corner, I crash into a solid wall of man. Strong hands steady me, and I glance up into Weston’s ocean-blue eyes, my heart catapulting into my throat.

“Daisy?” Weston blinks down at me in surprise. “What…” He loosens his grip on my arms, stepping back, and my skin burns from his touch.

I take a deep breath to steady my runaway heart. “Jesse brought me here. We got a ride with Rex.”

“Ah.” Weston nods, scrubbing his palm over his stubbly chin. He’s in his navy suit, tie loosened around his neck, eyes tired from what I assume has been a long day. “Well, that backfired didn’t it?”

“What?”

He sighs, gesturing to his bags at the front door. “I took a few vacation days from work. Thought I’d come up here to give you guys space at home. I didn’t realize…”

“Oh.” I breathe out a laugh. “Didn’t Jess tell you we were coming?” Weston shakes his head, and I frown. How rude of Jesse to not even tell his dad that A) we’re using his beach house and B) he wouldn’t be home for a week.

There’s a sound behind me, and I turn to see Jess round the corner with a thunderous expression aimed at his father. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”

“Jess.” I shoot him a shocked look. Honestly, the entitlement with this one.

“It’s fine.” Weston heaves a sigh. “I’ll go.”

“No.”

I whip back to Weston before I even realize I’ve said it. Both he and Jess say “What?” at the same time, and it would be comical if not for the tension between them.

“I mean… it’syourhouse, Weston. We can’t kick you out after you drove two hours to be here because you felt as though you couldn’t be in your own home in the city.”

I glance at Jesse, who has his arms folded across his chest as he glowers at me, and I can’t explain why, but suddenly I feel the need to make sure Weston stays. The relief at seeing him is palpable, and if having Weston here means I get to delay things with Jesse for a bit, then I’m taking that opportunity.

Even if I can’t understand why I need it so badly.

I look back at Weston. “We’re all adults. The weather is beautiful. You shouldn’t miss out on that because of us. This is a huge house; I’m sure we can stay out of each other’s way.”

Weston glances between me and Jess, and for a second I think he’s going to insist on leaving again, but after a moment of studying my face, he nods.

“Okay. I’ll stay.”

My shoulders sag with relief, and I send him a grateful smile.

Behind me, Jesse throws his hands up and turns back down the hall. “Fucking great.”

9

Weston

Daisy sighs wearily as Jess retreats. “Well, he’s going to be fun to share a room with.”

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