Page 42 of Burning Bridges Duet

I glance at River, who’s already looking at me. We both understand the gravity of the situation and stay silent.

“You guys do whatever. I’m out,” Chase states, and I furrow my brows in confusion.

“What do you mean? Don’t act like you’re not into her just as much as we are.”

“I can admit she’s intriguing, but that only confirms that I’m not interested,” he says with a chuckle. “I’m not committing to anyone.”

“Sure, whatever,” I reply. “River and I are going out to buy some blankets and nachos. Can you open the door for her if we’re not back in time?” I ask him since I know Jaxon will be busy with his cooking once he starts.

“Sure, if I’m still around later, but I have a hot date tonight,” Chase announces, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Idiot,” River mutters under his breath.

“At least I’ll be getting lucky tonight, little brother,” Chase replies before putting River in a playful headlock, despite River being larger than him. I intervene, pulling my twin out of Chase’s grasp and pushing him towards the door.

As I walk away, I call back to Chase, “Sure, go ahead and convince yourself it’s worth it while you imagine Liv in that other girl’s place.”

Jaxon’s nervous energy is palpable as he busies himself in the kitchen, preparing snacks for their movie night. It’s unusual for him to go all out like this. For us, it’s usually just homemade popcorn and that’s it, but tonight, there are nachos with cheese sauce, sweet and salty popcorn, and an array of chocolates and gummy bears. River and Ryder are back from their hunt for blankets, all in the hopes that Liv likes to cuddle while watching a movie.

As I watch their efforts, I find myself contemplating their behavior. It’s a stark contrast to the way they used to be, but I don’t mind it one bit. If someone had told me a month ago that Jaxon would be excited about movie night with the twins and a girl they barely knew, I’d have laughed and called them crazy, but here he is, acting all nervous and shit. All because of her.

I love it for him. I just hope they can figure their shit out because it’s clear that all of them have a thing for that cute, funny, and fierce woman, but that could end badly.

The twins told me what Liv had said to them yesterday. I had already noticed the tension in the air after Ryder’s comment, and I can’t help but feel annoyed with him for it. I can’t deny that I had stood them up a couple of times in the past because I was hooking up with some girl in the locker room shower, so I can’t be angry, but I feel like shit that it made Liv feel bad, especially because she isn’t just another easy conquest for me.

Also, because I won’t go there. I can’t. The guys would kill me if I hit it and quit it with her, and I don’t know if that would even be enough for me this time. Normally, a display of jealousy like that from a girl I haven’t even slept with would be a major turn-off, but with Liv, it feels different. It’s nice to know that she cares, and that alone is a red flag. So I’m gonna skip their movie night, removing myself from the situation. I have a date tonight, in the hopes that hooking up with another chick will get Liv out of my mind.

The doorbell rings, and I go to the door, opening it with a wide smile.

“Hello there,” I say.

“General Kenobi!” Liv responds with a grin, and I chuckle.

Since when do Star Wars quotes make me hard?

“You guys going to watch Revenge of the Sith tonight?” I ask, stepping aside to let her in. She takes off her shoes, and I take her into the living room.

“Oh, I don’t care what we watch. I’m just excited to experience the magic of your ‘nearly a cinema’ living room. I’ve heard it’s the best in the city,” she says, winking at River. He stops fussing with the blankets and walks over to her, pulling her into a hug.

“Happy you’re here,” he whispers against her hair.

I feel a pang of jealousy. They look adorable together, and if anyone deserves her, it would be River. Ryder barges into the room and pulls Liv out of his twin’s embrace and into his own, nearly crushing her.

“Finally,” he exclaims.

“Can’t breathe,” Liv responds, her voice muffled. He lets her go and licks her cheek. Liv makes a grossed-out noise while swiping at her cheek with her sleeve.

“I licked it. It’s mine,” Ryder says. River glares at him over Liv’s head, and Ryder laughs. “Chill out, little brother, it’s just for tonight. I call dibs on her sitting with me.”

Liv narrows her eyes at him. “She’s right here, and she’s not something you can call dibs on.”

“Tell ’em, girl,” I say with a chuckle, throwing my arm around Liv’s shoulder. She glances up at my outfit—dark wash jeans, a black shirt, and a leather jacket.

“You’re not joining us?” she asks, her voice tinged with disappointment, and I shake my head.

“He’s got a hot date tonight,” Ryder interjects, and Liv steps away from me.

“Oh, good for you. Have fun,” she says, but I can hear the hurt in her voice, and it makes me feel sick.