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His reputation always makes me laugh. Hell, I believed it, too, before we became friends.
He’s consideredrebelliousbecause he does what he wants, he has never had a serious girlfriend, nor has he been interested in one, and he defies his father with every move.
Rex doesn’t care about that rep and hardly shows anyone who he really is. We’ve learned each other’s secrets, flaws, skeletons, and secret traits.
Which is why we’re in love with each other.
Rex knows this.
I know it.
It’s just easier for us to play pretend.
* * *
“Damn, Lina,”Rex says, strolling into my living room. “You look hot.”
I lower my gaze to my white summer dress and strappy brown sandals. Summer dresses are my go-to outfit. They’re comfy, cute, and effortless to pull together—my style. I’ve never been one to keep up with trends, and my parents were strict with what I wore growing up.
My contacts are in, my hair halfway up, halfway down, and I have a hint of makeup on.
I shyly grin.
Rex complimenting me isn’t new.
My dress could be a paper bag, and he’d still flatter me.
Having a best friend who pumps up your ego on the regular is fun.
“Thank you.” I snatch my pink sweater from the edge of the couch and drag it over my shoulders. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
His walnut-colored hair is messy. Envy hits me of how simple his hair routine is. All he does is run gel through it, spiking it up, and he’s all set. A gray moto jacket fits his muscular shoulders perfectly, a thin white tee underneath it, and his black jeans have rips down the front.
He playfully pops the collar of his jacket. “Yeah, I know.”
I snort and smack his stomach on my way to grab my crossbody bag. “Geesh, how has your head not exploded from all that ego you carry in there? Must be because your brain is so puny.”
“Weird.” He chuckles. “You sure have no problem taking compliments that boost your ego.”
“That’s different.”
“Do explain how it’s different.”
“I don’t pop my collar like a 2002 rap song and say, ‘I know.’” I mimic his collar-popping gesture. “I politely say thanks without letting it go to my fat, smug head.”
He’s laughing as he opens the door, and he follows me down the outside stairs to the driveway.
This week was a rough one. A drink will help dim my problems … dim my secrets. I duck into his car after he opens the door for me, and then he goes to his side. The ride to Down Home is short, and the parking lot is packed when we pull in. The pub is the place to go for a good time and to relax. Even when it’s a full house, the setting unwinds you. Sierra remodeled the bar and made it her goal for the customers to feel like they’re at home, sharing drinks with friends.
Music playing from the live band hits us when we walk in, and Rex’s hand finds mine before he leads us to a crowded table in the center of the room. He steals two unoccupied stools from another table and brings them to ours, gesturing for me to sit in one while taking the other. When I sit, he tugs me closer, and I settle back while doing a once-over of our table.
Rex’s brother, Kyle, is across from me with his arm slung over his girlfriend, Chloe’s, shoulders while he sips on a beer. Their history has always fascinated me. They hated each other in high school, became neighbors, and are now in a serious relationship. It’s been a rough ride for them with Chloe being involved in their family drama. I’ll never forget the night Rex called me, ignited with a fury I’d never heard from him before, when he found Chloe’s secret. It was some soap-opera, Jerry Springer drama.
Chloe is chatting it up with Lauren Barnes, who’s sitting next to her. I’ve admired Lauren for years. Her family has never failed to help me with any charity or benefit dinner I bring to them. The Barnes family is one of the kindest families in Blue Beech. Her fiancé and Kyle’s best friend, Gage, is next to her. They were high school sweethearts, and everyone was waiting for their marriage announcement, but instead, Lauren broke his heart. He returned a few years later with no intention of rekindling with Lauren. That didn’t last long, considering they have a baby girl together.
Lately, Rex prefers to hang out with his family and brother’s friends than the people we went to school with. Since they’re chill and always accepting of me, I have no issue with that.
“Hey, Carolina,” Sierra greets from the other side of me, a friendly smirk on her face.
