Page 8 of Built to Fall
There’s only been a few occasions where I’ve seen Kara while being over here, and even those times, she was either getting ready or just leaving.
“Makes sense.” Braxton nods before drilling one last screw into the wall. He steps off the couch and says, “Alright, let’s get this beast on the wall.”
With one of us on either side, Braxton and I heave the massive painting into our grip, step up onto the couch, and get it situated on the mounts.
When we step down, all three girls are standing on the other side of the coffee table.
“Good?” I ask them, examining each of their expressions. Braxton nudges me when I spend a moment too long fixated on Lina.
Butdamn it,I can’t help it.
Eden tilts her head. “It’s a little crooked.”
Meredith reaches over, not saying a word as she grabs Eden’s jaw and shifts her head so she’s looking straight, making her smile and nod.
“It looks good to me,” Lina says, her shoulders hitching. The motion makes the collar of her crewneck fall off one shoulder, and my eyes instantly fall to the bareness of her collarbone.
Jesus, I need to get my shit together.
“Does anyone want to get dinner?” Braxton asks, wrapping his arms around Meredith’s shoulder. He messes with the zipperof her jacket, and when it falls open further, he fiddles with the strap of her tank top underneath.
He scans the room, waiting for a response.
“We could order food!” Edens suggests, bounding toward the kitchen to grab the copious amount of takeout menus they have stacked on top of the fridge.
“Yes, and we can enjoy it while sitting on the couch, admiring our new painting,” Lina adds, a bit sarcastically.
“While also praying that the boys mounted it correctly and that it’s not going to fall off the wall and kill us,” Meredith deadpans, stepping away from Braxton and toward the counter.
“Your faith in us is truly astounding, Mer,” Braxton drawls.
Lina picks up one of the takeout menus, turning it around and asking, “What about Chinese?”
“Classic.” Eden nods strongly. “Everyone in agreement?”
There’s a chorus of nods while we all surround the kitchen island. Eden opens one of the drawers beside her, pulling out a strawberry-themed pen and paper set. She jots down what everyone wants before making the call to place the order.
I can’t stop myself from constantly glancing in Lina’s direction. She’s in the kitchen now, leaning against the sink while still sipping on the glass of water she poured.
I’ll never be able to describe the feeling in my chest, one that says,“I know I’m not meant for this, but God, do I want to be.”It’s one that’s nearly suffocating me.
And I’ve been here maybe twenty minutes.
Shit.
“So,” Lina says, her voice breaking me from my daze. When I look up, her eyes are directed at me. “I’ve heard you have a bit of a playboy status.”
Oh shit.“Sure, you could say that.”
“Have you ever had an STD?”
“Lina!” Eden shouts, smacking her in the arm.
She doesn’t look bothered whatsoever. “Am I not allowed to ask questions?”
I nearly crack a smile. I can’t stop myself. This girl is as blunt as can be, and it’s more entertaining than annoying.
“You can ask whatever you like. The real question is whether I’ll answer or not.”
