Page 59 of Starry Skies, Stolen Kisses, and My Best Friend's Brother

The rest of dinner passes uneventfully.Bryan keeps trying to make out with Abi, and Jonathan is very good at shutting it down.I expect the movie will not be as easy.

After we reach the bustling town square, we unfurl a few blankets and arrange them on the grassy lawn.The sun is just beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over everything.Bryan and Abi seem to have forgotten about the movie entirely, lost in each other’s embrace, and Jonathan lets out an exaggerated eye roll.The sounds of chatting and laughter from the people at the nearby food trucks fill the air, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.People walk by, some stopping to chat with us or grab a snack while others settle onto their own spots on the lawn.This would’ve been so much more fun with Seth.

Jonathan jerks his head toward Abi and Bryan.“I swear, some people have no self-control.”

“Eh, they like each other, why not?”

“And do you like me?”he asks.

“I do.”

He’s going to kiss me, and I’m not sure if I really want him to or not.In a way, I do.I want to know if I can even stomach kissing another guy.But I’ll probably only be thinking of Seth.Instead, he slides his hand over and intertwines his fingers with mine.It’s nice.Not butterflies in the stomach but nice.A lot like things with Rick.I lean into him as the movie begins.

Just after Dorothy gets the Tin Man up and running, Abi shouts, “I said no.”

Both Jonathan and I are on our feet, and I grab Abi while Jonathan towers over Bryan.

“What did you do?”he growls.It’s the most aggression I’ve seen from him.

Bryan stands as well and straightens his shirt.“Nothing.She just suddenly got prudish on me.”

Abi opens her mouth to argue, but Jonathan beats her to it.“I doubt that.”

A few people stare at us, but no one else stands up.We’re close to the edge, so that helps.

Bryan pushes past Jonathan.“Come on, Abi, you don’t mean it.”

Jonathan shoves Bryan backward.“Find your own way home, asshole.”He leans down and grabs both blankets.“Let’s go.”

I’m seeing Jonathan in a whole new light, and I kinda like it.Again, he’s not Seth, but he’s not Rick either.Maybe I will enjoy the rest of the evening after all.But I’ve got to take care of Abi first.

I put my arm around her, and we rush away from the park and the movie.

“Are you okay?”

Abi nods.“He let his hands wander where I didn’t want them, and after the second time, I wasn’t going to put up with it anymore.”

“Good for you.I’m sorry it didn’t work to take your mind off of the mystery man.You know you’ll need to tell me that story at some point.”

“I know.But not tonight.Tonight you’ve got a knight in shining armor to play with.Just take me back to the bunkhouse and then maybe take a long walk in the woods with your boy toy.”

“That sounds delightful.”

Anxiety pools in my stomach.Because it doesn’t sound delightful at all.

NINETEEN

Seth

A knock sounds on the door.I glance at my phone.It’s just after midnight.I set down the book I’m reading and open the door.Mae pushes past me, irritation written all over her face.She’s still wearing the same outfit she had on for her date—cutoff denim shorts and the sexy tank top.I have this sudden urge to take her shopping in Paris.I love the clothes she wears, but I want to see what she’d pick if money were no object.

She barely even looks at me, pacing while opening and closing her fists.I have no idea what she’s upset about, but I’m sure she’ll tell me.I probably would’ve gone to bed, but I was waiting up because she always texts me before she goes to sleep.She’s lucky I still have pants on.

I was a little worried her date had gone too well.I shouldn’t be that insecure about her feelings toward me, but I am.I don’t normally feel this way about the women I date.

If she’s here, it means it didn’t go well.

I shouldn’t be happy about that.

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