Page 58 of Conflict
His smile is brighter than a thousand watts and I lean forward, my brow raised. “That being said, let me get my obligatory ‘if you hurt my sister, I’ll cut off your nuts’ threat out of the way,” I tease.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Branson tells me.
I want to swoon in my seat as he leans over and kisses my sister’s cheek. I also want him to ask him to give his cousin pointers. Though I doubt Shane needs them.
As another round of drinks is delivered to the table, Shane takes his rocks glass and holds it up. “To the happy couple,” he says, and for a split second, it sounds as if he means it.
He gets through the toast without scoffing, something I feel like commending him for. But that would mean addressing him, and yeah, I’m not about that tonight.
“Well, I will definitely miss you, but I’m thrilled for you both. I’ve never seen my sister happier than I’ve seen her tonight.”
Ari’s eyes well with tears, and man, it’s contagious. “I’ll miss you, too.”
“Okay, okay. None of that,” I laugh, wiping at my eyes. Suddenly, I remember my conversation with Bryan from earlier. “I have a proposition for you. My lease is up, and you know I’ve been having problems with my landlord. What if I rent your condo from you? Then you won’t have to worry about finding a buyer, and you’ll always be able to come home to visit me whenever you want.”
Excitement floods her features. “You mean it?”
I nod, hoping she’s going to agree.
“Yes, definitely. That would be perfect!”
“Looks like everyone’s got everything figured out. Hurray.” The sarcasm dripping from Shane’s tone isn’t enough to bring me down.
“What’s the matter, Shane? Sad to lose your wingman?” I ask, equally sarcastic. I scan him up and down with feigned interest. Okay, maybe not so feigned.
Branson and Ari, making moon eyes at each other, don’t even notice the way he leans in close. “Of all people, sunshine, I think you know I don’t need a wingman. I do just fine on my own.”
Jealousy burns in my belly when he pulls away and starts a conversation with his cousin. I stew even though this is all my doing. He’s right here, for the taking, and I’m a pain in the ass.
It’s just…complicated.
I’m so lost in the battle waging inside my mind—the devil on one shoulder, the angel on the other—that I don’t realize dinner is over, Branson’s signing the check, and Ari’s getting into her coat. I feel something nudge my knee and look up to see Shane’s—ugh—gorgeous smile. The hungry look in his eyes tells me he knows exactly what I’ve been thinking. My stupid heart flutter when he leans in close yet again, his breath heating my skin.
God, I want him. He knows it. And then, when his lips are hovering just above my ear, he gives me a taste of what I’ve been missing, of what I shouldn’t want, but his whispered words send heat coursing through my blood.
“Damn, sunshine… After all this time apart, I can’t wait to see what happens at the wedding.”
Those words send shivers all the way down to the tips of my toes. His voice is laced with such sweet promise that I immediately want to give in.
The next thing I know, however, we’re all rising to leave. Something burns low in my belly—relief or disappointment, I’m sure. But the fact that I’m still conflicted tells me all I need to know.
Shane runs his hand through his messy hair then glances in my direction. “I’ll walk you out.”
Panic sets in. I can’t be alone with him. Not tonight. My resolve isn’t strong enough—I know it. I also know I only have to get through this damn wedding, if it ever really happens, and then he’ll be out of my life for good.
Wishful thinking, since he’s practically part of the family now, my stupid brain reminds me.
So I put on my best bitch face and shake my head. Looping my arm through my sister’s, I shoot him down.
“No need. I’ll walk out with my sister.” Then, not wanting to seem too rude in front of the other couple, I nod and offer a stiff smile, suddenly remembering he mentioned a business trip the next day. “Have a safe trip tomorrow.”
Before he can respond, I lead my sister away from the two men, breathing a sigh of relief once we’ve stepped into the lobby and out of earshot.
“What the heck was that, Alyssa? I thought you and Shane were friendly,” my sister asks, confusion etched on her delicate features. “Why were you shooting daggers at him all night? Why was he so broody in the beginning? Am I missing something here?”
I sigh my frustration. Apparently, she’s forgotten about the last time she asked me about him. Which is good, because I just brush her off as the memory washes over me.
Over the summer, Ariana and I had been out at one of our favorite Atlanta wine bars when my world suddenly stopped. One second I was sipping a fantastic pinot noir, and the next I was staring into the incredible eyes of the man who’d taken my virtue. I’d squeaked, turning, hoping he hadn’t recognized me—even though I knew he had. Ariana, always one to read me so well, glanced behind me, her eyes widening when she saw him.
