Page 15 of Reconciling With the Rival

Just try not to think about the fucker, and you’ll be fine.Unfortunately, his stupid fucking smirk is the only thing I see when I close my eyes, but eventually, sleep consumes me.

A loud bang wakesme up.

Fuck, my head hurts.I haven't been that drunk in a while, and when I look around and see us girls clutching our heads, I know we’re in the same boat. I gather my bearings before I get out of bed and head for the kitchen. “I’ll grab water and some painkillers. Nobody move for at least an hour.”

“I feel like I’m being repeatedly punched in the face,” Paige groans with a smile on her face. Only she could be this happy hungover, and somehow, she ended up on the floor and not on the air mattress.Typical Paige.

“Ells, I can help,” Hads says as she stumbles to get up.

“No. Everyone stay here, I’ll be right back.” As I open the door to the kitchen, the bright ass lights hit my face, and I flinch. When my vision clears, I see Oliver and Grant in the kitchen, and they freeze when they see me.

“Oh good, you guys are awake,” Grant says as he hands me a water bottle and some painkillers. “Here, take these, and drinklots of water.” He smiles at me as I feel the girls file out of the bedroom behind me.

Oliver seems to be making breakfast for us as he stands at the stove, and he only turns around when Paige wraps her arms around him. He presses a quick kiss to her forehead before opening her water for her and handing her the pills they set out for us.

“Baby, here. You better down that whole thing. That goes for all of you ladies. Water only today, or you’ll hate yourselves.” Grant waves his spatula in the air as if his word is the law, and I hear us girls laugh—we’ve noticed what he’s wearing. “What?”

“My love, what is Grant wearing, and how do I get one for you?” Paige asks Oliver, and he rolls his eyes.

“Hey, if I’m cooking, I’m going to do it with style. Thank you very much.” Grant presses a kiss to Hads’ cheek, and she laughs again. Grant is wearing a bright pink apron that says, ‘Kiss the Cook,’ and I hate that pink looks so good on him.

“You’re not even the one cooking, pretty boy. I am,” Oliver says.

“Grant, where did you get that from?” I ask while trying not to laugh. He’s shirtless underneath it, and I guarantee the bang that woke us was Oliver throwing something at his head.

“It was in my car. It was originally a present for Paige, since I bought it for Oliver, but now that I’m wearing it, he doesn't want it.” Grant side-eyes Oliver, and he ignores him as he continues making eggs. “Now, you girls sit and enjoy the show.” Grant picks Hads up and places her on one of Paige’s counter stools.

“I’d rather watch paint dry than enjoy the show that is Oliver cooking,” Amelia says as she sits down.

“I could get used to seeing this,” Paige says as she hands Oliver fresh coffee before sitting down.

“Do any of you have work today?” I ask.

“We all took a long weekend for Paige’s birthday. Plus, Amelia is staying with Paige and me until Thursday, so Paige took off for that too,” Oliver tells me as he throws a bagel onto my plate just how I like it.

“Yes, it’s such a shame you have to work,” Amelia deadpans.

“Does that mean we can have book club fully in person on Wednesday before you leave? I’m so excited!” Hads says as she takes a bite of her waffle.

“Do you guys want any help with breakfast? My painkillers have kicked in, and—”

“Ells, if you move a muscle, I’m going to hit you with this spatula,” Grant threatens, and I raise my eyebrows at him.

“Kinky. That ruler’s done a number on you, pretty boy,” I say as I sit back down.

“Yeah, well, my hand isn't the only thing that gets smacked—”

“Grant, if you say another word, I’m going to burn your fingerprints off on my stove. It’s hard enough I know you two have sex.” Oliver pauses to shiver. “I don't need or want to hear about it.”

“Understood, old sport.” Grant salutes him, and I hear Paige laughing as Oliver rolls his eyes again.

“Oliver, you’re such a prude. I know for a fact you and Paige—”

“Hads, don't. Just don't. This is not an appropriate breakfast conversation.” Oliver palms his forehead, and we all laugh while eating.

“Oliver, you do know what kind of books we like to read, right?” I ask him, especially since the one we’re reading right now is a reverse-harem romance with three bodyguards. This was one of my picks, and I can't wait to discuss it on Wednesday.

“Oh, trust me, he knows. He peeked at our book club pick the other day and was suddenlyveryinterested. It was hilarious.” Paige smiles as she looks over at Oliver.

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