but I never fell in love with him.
Not like I did with Jace.
Which is why I knew I had to break up with him.
Considering he fucked my friend two days later; he bounced back pretty quickly.
Tommy, on the other hand, is obviously still upset with me for blowing him off.
“Look, I already told you I was sorry. I don’t know what else you want—”
“What I want is my chance.” His gaze fixes on my mouth. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted from you.”
Oh, boy. I’m so not in the right headspace to pursue any kind of romantic relationship.
“My life is a mess, Tommy.” A wave of exhaustion sweeps over me. “And it’s only going to get messier because Jace hates me and I have no idea why.” I throw up my hands and laugh helplessly. “And he’s not the only one. Britney is back to her old tricks with her crew of mean girls. Bianca Covington’s planning my murder for some unknown reason. Hell, even my own step-cousin—” To my surprise and shame, my voice cracks. “I don’t mean to lay all this shit on you. I’m just really not read—”
“I get it, you have a lot to deal with.” Concern lines his features as he tips my chin. “I’m not trying to add any more bullshit onto your plate. I’m content being your friend…for now.”
“Thank you. That’s…I could really use a friend.” I tilt my head. “I should probably go before my aunt gets worried and comes out here.”
She won’t. Not only is she laid back, I doubt she can even see us because the house sits on top of a giant hill. However, the longer I stay in this car, the worse I’ll feel about not being able to give him what he wants.
“Hey, Dylan?” he calls out when I start walking.
I spin around. “Yeah.”
“You have my number. If you need a ride, or someone to talk to—if you ever need anything. I’m here.”
I give him a sincere smile. “That means a lot.”
A muscle in his jaw jumps. “The next time Jace starts with you, you better tell me. I don’t want him making you feel like crap or filling your head up with lies because he can’t deal with his shit and he’s taking it out on you.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him I’m perfectly capable of handling Jace on my own, but I really want to go inside so I can find Oakley and try to find some common ground with him.
“Sure thing,” I call over my shoulder before I start my ascent up the driveway.
I’m thankful when he starts the engine and I hear him drive off.
I’m passing Oakley’s car when furious, dark eyes slice right through me like a hot knife through butter.
“Jace. What are you—”
As if answering my question, Oakley rushes out the front door. There’s a beach towel slung over his shoulder and a pair of swimming trunks in his hand.
“Ready to—” He stops speaking when he spots me.
Of course Jace is here to see Oakley.
My stomach sours. Jace and Oakley are best friends now.
Jace’s eyes lock on something behind me, but he stays silent.
Oakley tracks his gaze and scowls. “What the fuck was Tommy DaSilva doing here?”
It’s all I can do not to roll my eyes. “Giving me a ride home. You know, like you were supposed to.”
He snorts. “Damn, I knew you were easy, but I didn’t think you were desperate.”
Anger races over my skin. “Excuse me.”
He takes a step forward. “That piece of shit is not welcome here. Ever.”
He has no right to tell me who I’m allowed to hang out with. Especially since he started the rumor that made me a leper.
“That piece of shit is my friend. Deal with it.”
He wags a finger in my face. “Christ, you got a lot of fucking nerve. You want to screw around with trash, do it somewhere else. If I ever catch him on my property again—”
“It’s not your property,” I remind him. “Last I checked; it’s your dad’s.” I glare at him. “You don’t own shit, bitch. Except maybe a few bags of weed so you can get high and forget what a loser you really are.”
Oakley tosses his head back and laughs. “I’m the loser. Baby girl, don’t get it twisted.” His voice drops to an icy whisper. “Rumor has it the coolest thing about you is that everyone thinks I stuck my dick in your snatch.”
It’s all I can do not to swing my