Chapter Fifteen

Aiden

B ec looks fucking hot tonight in a dress that hugs her full hips and thick thighs. Her bold lipstick makes me want to run my thumb between her lips. I want to kiss it off her.

I’ve avoided her all night, doing my best to not gawk at her. I don’t know how well I’m doing, since I’m pretty sure she caught me staring a few times.

I peek in her direction again to spot her catching up with Ellie and Dom as the party begins to wind down. All I can assume is my awkward stolen glances, without even saying hi, have probably made Bec feel even more uncomfortable around me than she did before tonight.

It doesn’t help that Ellie and Dom keep introducing her to what looks like every single guy here. Jealousy shoots through me every time I see her laugh and smile at men who are undoubtedly interested in her.

I have no right to be jealous, I know that. Bec’s single and can do what she likes. I just…I don’t know what to think about it, to be honest.

“Could you be more hung up?” Turning, I see Jake, Dom’s older brother, approach, handing me a new beer. He raises his glass to mine, tapping lightly before taking a sip but it’s not enough time for me to think of a subtle response.

“Don’t play dumb, Price. You couldn’t be more obvious if you were ringing a bell and wearing a sandwich board with Bec’s face on it covered in hearts,” Chris, Jake’s husband, says as he looks at me over Jake’s shoulder, wrapping both arms around his waist.

“Go easy on him, he’s got a crush, gentlemen. I think it’s best we give him a few minutes to write a note asking Bec to the homecoming dance. Which one of us should deliver it for you, Aiden? Don’t forget to include ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ and ‘maybe’ check boxes for her to choose from,” Dylan chimes in, slinging an arm around my shoulders and roughly pulling me toward him.

I shove Dylan off me. “Ha, ha. Very funny. Tell me, who did you harass before I moved back? Must have been awfully boring here without me.”

“Dom,” they all say in unison.

“But he’s a new dad, so he’s off limits right now,” Chris says.

“Exactly. So lucky for you, our schedule has completely cleared up. We are free to insert ourselves in your love life and offer you some crucial advice.” Before I can interrupt him, Dylan goes on, “Number one, if you’re interested in someone, you should speak to them. This requires you to be within a five-foot radius and to use your words like a grown-up,” he says like the unbearable smart-ass that he is.

“Number two, you cannot stare at your love interest from across the room all night like a serial killer. That’s grounds for an intervention. The longer you creep, the more lecturing you’ll have to suffer through,” Jake taunts. “You’ve already earned about three hours of lecturing, at least. It’s going to be brutal; I promise.”

“Number three, if you find yourself incapable of following rules one and two, you have to confess the truth to your friends, who care enough to ask for it so that they can help you.” Chris leans in close to whisper loudly, “That’s us, we’re the friends. Now, spill. ”

Sighing, I drag my free hand over my face. Dylan knows what happened when I met Bec, but do I want to confess to harboring this likely unhealthy infatuation with Bec in the years since? No fucking way. Could I use some advice? Abso-fucking-lutely. I’m confused as shit about what to do. I don’t know how to be friends with someone I can’t stop thinking about in a not- so-friendly way. Every moment I spend with her embeds curiosity further into my skin, leaving me wanting to know more about her. Shouldn’t I keep my distance, since I can’t pretend I don’t want more with her? It doesn’t seem like I’m hiding it very well if these three can call it out after only one night.

“There’s not much to tell. Bec’s cool. We met when Dom and Ellie got married, and I’m taking my dog to one of her training classes. We’re friends.” I rush out, trying to be honest and give as few details as possible.

“Uh-huh…and was it your idea to be ‘friends?’” Chris asks, hitting me with air quotes.

“No way, not with the way you’re blatantly pining for her. I’d bet money on it. You just moved back. How’d you manage to end up friend-zoned so quickly?” Dylan asks.

“Fuck…I don’t even know,” I say, deciding that the risk of oversharing is worth it if I can get some solid advice. “I don’t want to risk losing her friendship, but I think there’s a chance we could be good together.”

“Just come out with it and ask, Aiden. See if she’s on the same page. If she’s not interested, no harm. You’ll probably feel awkward around each other for a bit, but then it’ll be forgotten and you guys can stay friends,” Jake suggests.

“I agree. And imagine it does work out…you two would make a really fun couple. Then you can thank us for your successful relationship and give us a shout-out in your wedding invitations. You’re welcome.” Chris laughs at his own joke. He has one of those contagious laughs that captures the attention of the room and makes you want to laugh too.

“I know just how to give you two the chance to talk it out. Bec, where are you off to? Leaving so soon?” Dylan asks, pulling my attention to Bec as she pauses in the hallway, seemingly attempting to slip out of the party unnoticed.

“Yeah, I have a training session scheduled tomorrow morning. Sorry we didn’t really get the chance to catch up.” She looks from Dylan to Jake and Chris, notably ignoring me completely.

Not a great sign.

Fuck, abort the plan.

“No worries, we’ll catch up some other time. Hey, you’re headed downtown, right? Aiden was just about to order a ride since his car is in the shop. Think you could give him a lift?” Dylan asks. “Better to carpool. Go green and all that.”

Jesus, could he make this more awkward? I mean, he’s not lying. I was going to call a ride home, but still.

“You don’t have to…” I start to say, trying to give her an out.

“Oh, sure,” she says at the same time. Her face falls. “Oh, unless you’d rather not…”

Fuck, I just made it worse.

Trying to salvage the moment, I hurry and say, “That’d be great. If you don’t mind the extra stop, I’d appreciate it.” She offers a meek smile in return.

I think it’s safe to assume any discussions of being more than friends are off the table. Avoidance is easier than the disappointment I’ll face when Bec says no to me…again.