Page 82 of Firecracker

“You’re here to walk her home nearly every night,” Liam added. “I’m still surprised she lets you.”

Tyler barked out a laugh. “It pisses her off, but she lets me.”

Liam nodded. “Does Jamie know?”

“Know what?”

“That you’re hot for his sister.”

“Jesus. No.” He wanted to tell Liam it wasn’t one-sided, that Arden was just as hot for him, but even though he was as happy as the next guy to brag about his sexual conquests, it didn’t feel right when it was Arden. Also, there was no way in hell he was telling Jamie.

He grabbed the drinks and headed back to the table.

Had Arden said anything to Jamie?

Nah, not possible. Jamie would have mentioned it. Or punched him in the nose.

But it was none of Jamie’s business.

Okay, Arden was Jamie’s sister, so it sort ofwashis business. But then, she probably didn’t go around telling Jamie about every guy she slept with.

He pretended to be interested in the conversation, but when this round of drinks was done, everyone started making noises about going home. He cast another glance Arden’s way. She’d probably be here another half hour.

He held up his beer, which was only half-done. “I’m gonna hang a bit longer. You guys go on.”

“I’ll stay too,” Norton said, his “fear of missing out” always there. Tyler sighed, but Norton’s FOMO was probably easier to deal with than Jamie.

They watched a rerun of a NASCAR race on TV while they sat there. Tyler finished his beer but still made no move to leave while Arden cleared the last few tables until the place was empty.

Finally Norton gave up, giving Tyler a look laced with what-the-fuck-dude as he left money for his tab and headed out. Not before checking into plans for next weekend, though.

Arden was finally done, pushing her arms into a sweater and pulling her hair out from it. “Tyler. Why are you still here?”

“I had to finish my beer.”

“Bullshit.” But her tone was mild, and her lips quirked into a smile even as she shook her head.

They left together and walked through the cool night air home.

“Why did you tell Jamie you weren’t leaving?” she asked.

“I told him I had to finish my beer.”

She snorted. “Tyler.”

“Did you tell him about us?”

“God, no! What would I tell him? ‘I slept with your best friend’?”

“I wasn’t sure.”

“So you haven’t said anything either?”

“No. But I want to.”

“What? Why?”

“I don’t like lying to people.”

---