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“Course she is,” I roll my eyes and step back, wrapping my arms around myself to try and keep the chill out.
“Anyway, night Penny,” his rosy cheeks glow, flushed from the cold air, his eyes twinkle and I’m glad he came over to say hello.
“Night Pacey,” I exhale, as he turns on his heel and jumps down the steps and back into Tripp’s waiting truck. Tripp doesn’t move. He stands next to Riggs as if forming some sort of alliance against me.
Tripp whispers something to Riggs which gets a solid nod in return. Seconds slip past when Tripp climbs into his truck and starts the engine.
“I’m going in. Good night, Austin,” I say quietly, closing the gap between us and giving him a kiss on his cheek before I turn and walk back into the house.
And finally, I feel as if I can breathe.
CHAPTERSIX
RIGGS
Ihave been reeling the whole way home. I offered to give Harlow a lift home because she was wasted and as much as she gets under my skin—and one of the many regrets in my life—I’m not an asshole who would leave her stranded and drunk.
Aspen was out on a date.
On a date with Conrad the jerk.
Why was she dating? She was engaged to whatever that douchebag’s name was back home in LA.
I tighten my grip on the steering wheel, and as we approach closer to Maple Farm the rage that fills me consumes me whole.
Pulling down the drive, I cut the engine and Austin jumps out before the truck has even stopped, barreling down towards his sister who is sitting in the rocker on the porch, nightlights glowing around her.
Cutting the engine, I jump down and slam my door shut. I move forward but stop myself when Tripp and Pacey stand beside me, I keep my feet grounded. Harlow bounds up beside me, skimming her fingers over my shoulder, back and forth and I know she is trying to spark a reaction from Aspen. I glare when I see Pacey leap over to her like an excited fucking puppy. At least he has the balls to actually not be a dick to her. They embrace, he swings her around and I feel the stab of jealousy erupt deep inside of me. Old feelings rupture on the surface, taking me straight back to when we were younger.
Aspen gives an icy glare over to the two of us before Pacey whispers something in her ear which causes a giggle to come out of her and that shit stirs me crazy. Pacey says his goodbyes and then runs towards Tripp’s truck.
“You need to cool it,” Tripp mutters quietly so only I can hear, both of our eyes pinned to Aspen. Tripp squeezes my shoulder, “I’m going to get Pacey back, see you soon.”
I nod as he gets in the car and starts the engine while I watch Aspen say goodnight to Austin and head inside the house. Sighing heavily, I shrug Harlow’s fingers from me and call out to Tripp.
“Yeah?” he asks.
“Can you take Harlow back with you please?”
“But,” she says, shock evident in her voice.
“But nothing, you’re going home with Tripp,” I tsk, marching forward towards Austin who is still standing there all giddy.
My feet stomp up onto the decked porch and I stand next to Austin, leaning over the banister too.
“Why the fuck did you let her go out on a date?” I growl, and I know I have no right even asking that, but I hate the thought that she was sitting with him all night.
“Fuck you man, I’m not her keeper,” he scoffs shaking his head from side to side as his eyes stay fixed on where Harlow once stood.
I nudge into him. “Still pining after her are ya?” Humor laces my voice and I watch as Austin’s head snaps around fast.
“At least I’ll do something about it unlike you, you grumpy moping asshole,” Austin chuckles, slapping me on the back hard, which makes me cough. “I’ll see you tomorrow, go get some sleep cowboy.”
I snort a laugh as he walks away and shuts the front door behind him.
“Fuck’s sake man,” I groan into the emptiness and give myself a moment of quiet before I trudge back towards my truck and let my heavy boots drag along the floor.
CHAPTERSEVEN
