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She wasn’t trashed, and that isn’t why she kissed me. But confronting her won’t help. “I’m not mad. I’m not blaming you, either. You don’t need to apologize or spend the rest of the week punishing yourself. But I think we should discuss the reason you plan to lose your virginity and why you picked Xavian.” Because I’m definitely not ready to dissect our kiss. “We both know he and his wandering dick will make you miserable.”
“I’d rather not talk about it. Can you give me some time alone?”
So she can feel guiltier? So she can put more distance between us?
On the other hand, when Echo is upset she often wants to think alone. What kind of friend would I be if I refused to give her space when she needs it?
Besides, wouldn’t it be better for your sanity if she wasn’t so close?
“Why don’t you go to the room? Text me when you’re ready, and I’ll come up. We’ll talk then, if you want.”
She shakes her head. “You go. I’m going to stay here a bit longer.”
I’d rather she didn’t, but I can’t dictate to her. “You have your key?”
“In my pocket.”
“All right.” With a sigh, I stand.
She sends me a bland, thoroughly fake smile. “I’ll see you in a bit.”
Then she lies back, turning away from me.
She’s shutting me out. That bothers me—a lot. I force myself to walk away, but I can’t leave her alone and upset.
On the far edge of the pool, butting up against the garden, is a seating area. I slip into the shadows and sink into the chair in the darkest corner. I wait. And I watch.
She curls into the fetal position again. Her shoulders shake. And I feel fucking helpless, watching her misery. What makes everything worse is, I’m not totally sure why she’s so upset. She knows I’m not mad.
Maybe she realizes what you knew the instant she put her mouth on yours.
That kiss changed everything.
It doesn’t have to, does it?
Seriously? When was the last time you felt a pull half that strong to any woman?
Never.
Fuck. We’re friends. Just friends. Best friends. And it’s been awesome. She’s honestly one of the most important people in my life. Why would I risk fucking that up when my father’s cheating gene makes up half my DNA?
Or is Gramma Liddy right, that I’m nothing like him?
My thoughts turn in circles. I drift off, then start awake suddenly. I’m not sure how much time has passed, but the dark is inkier now. The moon is brighter. Even the random people I heard sloshing in the hot tub on the other side of the hedges earlier are gone. Except for the distant crashing of waves, the grounds are silent.
Thankfully, Echo is still huddled in the cabana. She’s sprawled out on her stomach now, using her arm as a pillow, fast asleep.
Yeah, it’s probably not a good idea to share a bed with her tonight, but I won’t leave her here. And we both need rest.
Slowly, I approach Echo, roll her to the edge of the padded dais, then I lift her against my chest. She curls closer to me, her head nestling trustingly against my shoulder.
That does something to me.
Fuck, this night has been long and confusing.
Slowly, I carry her up the stairs and back to the lobby. One of the cleaning crew darts ahead of me to call the elevator. I thank him with a nod, then head into the car. Two minutes later, I reach our door. Xavian is coming up the other side of the hall.
“You found her. Thank God. What happened?” he whispers, glancing at Echo with concern. “Is she all right?”
“Long story.” And I don’t really want to tell him. What happened between Echo and me is our secret. If she wants him to know, fine. But I’m not spilling. “Can you reach in my pocket and swipe the key?”
“Sure.” He does, then he opens the door.
“Thanks.”
He follows me inside, rushing to the bed to yank back the blankets. On soft sheets, I lay Echo down and cover her. She stirs, then rolls to her stomach again, out cold.
She sleeps like that, trustingly exposing her back to the world like she doesn’t have a care. But the furrow that settles between her brows, even in slumber, tells me she’s still unsettled.
Because she didn’t like the kiss? Or because she liked it too much?
Shaking off the question, I cover her, then motion him into the adjoining sitting room, closing the bedroom door behind me. “Look, you said you were going to back away from Echo. Fucking do it.”
He shakes his head. “She and I talked again, and I’ve been giving it more thought. E asked me for a favor. I don’t have any reason to say no. I hear you about her possibly getting attached, but she seems clear that it’s a completely unromantic arrangement. And I’d rather take the chance that she changes her mind than have her hit up some other asshole who either doesn’t care about her or bumbles his way through sex.”
