Page 104 of Twisting You

“Yep. I rented movies for us to watch,” Alec answered for me, and I arched an eyebrow at his eagerness to spend the night with me.

“I didn’t know you two are hanging out.” Dan was still frowning, glancing between the two of us. I suppose to him this was a complete shock.

“Only because she has no friends. I feel bad for her.” Alec shrugged his shoulders, making hanging out with me sound like community service. I glared at him for that, because we both knew it wasn’t like that.

“Well, we could watch the movies all together then,” Dan offered, “and you and Maddie can get to know each other.”

I don’t know if Alec picked up on my uneasiness about the situation. I just didn’t want to spend the night trying to get to know Maddison. It might have been mean of me. But I wasn’t up for it tonight, not after finding out they were getting married. I had to come to terms with that.

“No, it’s her and me. Maddie can meet her tomorrow.” Alec gave Dan a cool look. “It doesn’t matter when she gets to know her.”

“Why can’t we hang out with you two if it’s nothing special?” Dan narrowed his eyes at his brother, now not buying the whole friends thing.

“Because it’s a date.” Alec gave Dan the answer he was looking for. I would have loved to have pointed out that Alec hadn’t even told me about movie night tonight before Dan started talking to me, and that it sure wasn’t a date, because Alec had forgotten to ask me!

“So you two are dating?” Dan said, ripping his eyes from Alec to me. “You sure know how to get around.”

My mouth fell open at such a harsh comment. How could he say that after all he knew about me? I pursed my lips. My anger was going to get the better of me and I knew it before I opened my mouth.

“You know I have only been with you, Dan, and I sure as hell don’t get around!”

“Why my brother?” Dan crossed his arms. “WHY?”

“Dan, get over it before your mate walks in and hears you.” Alec stepped in between the fuming Dan and me. “She might get the impression you still have feelings for Chloe.”

“Of course I still have feelings for Chloe. She’s my best friend!” Dan snapped at Alec. I was thankful Alec was between us because the look in Dan’s eyes could kill.

“Last time I checked, friends want other friends to be happy.” Alec’s voice was calm, not a hint of rage. Alec and Dan were dangerously close to each other, and Dan didn’t look like he had his anger under control.

“You are only going to hurt her,” Dan snarled. “Don’t say you won’t.”

Dan’s words ticked Alec off. He pushed Dan with force. I hadn’t seen Alec mad before and, to be honest, it didn’t suit his nature.

“Chloe’s different. You know that. Now get the heck over it, Daniel.”

“I’m going to go.” I spoke up. This was all over me. Why do I always cause drama? “I’ll see you guys when I see you.”

“I’ll walk you out.” Dan shouldered past Alec. I would have preferred it if he hadn’t.

“Look, Dan, I’m sorry.” I started apologizing as soon as he closed the door to the house. “I don’t want to cause drama between you and Alec. You two always get on and I...” I paused when I noticed the large grin on Dan’s face. “Why are you smiling?”

“I don’t care if you see Alec, Chloe. I was just making sure Alec knew not to just mess with you.” Dan was like his old self, calm and smiling. He was no longer the fuming man from minutes ago. “Sorry about saying that too. It was mean.”

“So you did that to prove what?” I frowned, completely not understanding why my best friend would do that to me. It was beyond confusing.

“I actually think it would be cool if you two got together.” Dan grinned. “I proved he isn’t just playing with you. He doesn’t defend anything or anyone.”

“Do you have any idea how bad I was feeling?” I crossed my arms. “Honestly, Daniel, that was mean.”

“Yeah, well you can tell me off about it another day.” Dan winked. “‘Cause I’m pretty sure I am going to cop enough from drama queen in there when I go back in.”

“I’ll see you later.” I shook my head with a small smile. I was happy Dan wasn’t angry but, at the same time, I was angry Alec had said we were dating. But then I suppose the idea of dating Alec didn’t settle that badly with me.

“Yeah, I’m sure I will see you at some point tonight.” Dan grinned, both of us knowing that I would be back.

I walked to my car thinking over what Dan said. Maybe it wouldn’t be awful dating Alec. Actually, it would be pretty awesome.

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