Page 22 of Mr. Big Mistake
“I know it’s sneaky and conniving, but I wasn’t comfortable with something like that. And something tells me you weren’t quite comfortable with it, either.”
“Why would you think that?”
I grinned. “Would you really have been comfortable sleeping with my older brother? Some dude you just met? Just to get rid of your virginity like the girls are trying to get you to do?”
“They mean well, Brenden.”
“Trust me, I know they do. I’m sure Roxy sees this as some kind of plot to get you to live life, and Karina wants you to gain some confidence.”
“Actually, it’s kind of the other way around. But, essentially…”
I held my hands out. “See? I know more than you think.”
She smiled. “Is this when you tell me the plan you have to get me laid? Because something tells me you’re not talking about dropping this topic altogether. Oh, and don’t think I’m not pissed off about last night.”
“Wait, what?”
She leaned forward. “You inserted yourself into this situation for me when I never asked you to. Even though the girls are a bit crazy, I was okay with the plan. Your brother made me comfortable, actually, and he also gave me an out. You butted into something that was none of your business.” Kelly shook her finger at me. “So, don’t think you’re off the hook for that.”
“Well then, I take it you’re not interested in making me part of your plan.”
Her eye twitched. “What?”
The waiter interrupted. “Here’s your coffee, and your food is coming right out behind me.”
Kelly looked up at him. “Oh, thank you. Do you have cream and sugar as well?”
“It’s coming with the food, ma’am. He should be--.”
Another waiter popped up. “Cajun chicken pasta and a slice of carrot cake?”
I raised my hand. “That’s me.”
Kelly reached for the cream and sugar. “The rest of it is mine. Thank you so much.”
“You two need anything else?”
She looked at me. “We might need a body bag. I’m still debating.”
The waiters both glanced at me and tried to bury their smiles.
“Well, if there’s anything we can do, just let us know.”
I nodded. “Appreciate it. Thanks.”
They both cast me a ‘we get it’ look before gathering their things. And while the food in front of me smelled good, I wasn’t the least bit interested in eating. Kelly didn’t look upset. Her face didn’t register anything akin to anger. So, was she really angry at me?
Or, really good at covering it up?
“Kelly, I--.”
She picked up her fork. “Spit out your plan so I can eat.”
I sighed. “Kelly, we’ve known each other forever. You, me, Zane, and Roxy. That’s how it’s always been, ever since college.”
She stabbed her lettuce. “I know.”
“So, why in the world would you be asking something so important from someone you just met?”
