to do that. I could’ve talked to her.”
“I did have to, Madden.” I lean my head back to look into his eyes when he tilts my chin back. “I wanted to. Just like you wanted to punch that guy at the bar for me.”
He kisses my forehead and whispers, “It looks better on you by a long shot.”
“Yes.” Jess plops down into the chair beside us. “You two have the right idea. Just chill and soak up the sun for a bit.” She laughs when she notices me wearing Madden’s jacket. “It’s getting hot out here, babe. Might want to take that off before you have a heat stroke.”
“I will.” My eyes land on Alana’s from across the pool. I’d rather that outcome than to take it off. “In a little bit.”
I find myself running my fingers along Madden’s arms when they tighten around me, taking in his smooth skin. Everything about this moment feels right. My frame of mind is good, as if I could just close my eyes and get lost with him, right here, right now.
Monday is our last full day here, and as I sit here in his arms, snuggled into his chest, I try to figure out just how I feel about that.
The pit in my stomach tells me I’m feeling anything but good about it.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
MADDEN
My knuckles are still sore from the other night when I punched that fucker across the face, but I’d do it again when it comes to Natalie, no questions asked. The fact that my brother isn’t willing to hurt someone over her has me sitting here in my thoughts, pissed at him for being such a fucking pussy.
It’s not the beer talking either, despite how many I’ve already had tonight. It’s all me—my real thoughts. I don’t have to be sober to know that.
The girls are hanging out by the fire, so I’ve just been sitting back with Jake and watching Natalie talk and laugh with Jess. I meant it when I said I’d make sure she gets to come back next year. Even if I have to bring her as a friend. She deserves to enjoy this experience like Logan and I have been doing for years. She belongs here, and more importantly, I want her here.
“What’s good, man? You’ve been stuck in that head of yours for a while. Things going according to plan?”
I pull my eyes from Natalie and tilt back my beer. “If not, we still have tomorrow. We’ll step things up if we have to, but I think Alana is finally giving in to the idea of me moving on with Nat.”
“I don’t think anything needs to be stepped up, Madden.”
“You think she already believes we’re a real couple?” I turn my attention to Alana, who is watching Natalie and Jess bond. She looks jealous, which probably means she expects Natalie to return next year.
Jake lets out a humorless laugh. “Shit, I believe you guys are a real couple; even more now than our last convo. You sure you haven’t been playing me this whole time? Tell me the truth. Are you and Natalie really together? There’s no way your brother would be okay if he saw the way you two have been bonding.”
I shake my head and set my beer down. “Why would you have to ask that shit? If I was dating someone your ass would be the first to know. You know me, Jake. Trust me, we’re not dating. I’m not sure I could even handle a relationship with anyone because of how fucked up my head is.”
“Could’ve fooled me, brother.” He stands when Seth and the others head toward the girls. “You may think you’re pretending, but at this point, I think it’s a hell of a lot more real than you realize. You just haven’t figured it out yet. And from what I can see, you’re a lot less fucked up in the head than the last time I saw you. Maybe that’s all Natalie’s doing.”
“Fuck off, Jake. I already told you she’s with—”
“I know, dickhead, but I don’t see him bringing her. Just because he’s in the picture, doesn’t mean she wasn’t meant to be yours to begin with. I’m just saying… be careful before you start to believe that yourself. I’m just looking out for you. As your best friend, that’s my fucking job.”
Jake walks away and I remain sitting here, beer in hand, as I watch Natalie laugh at something Seth said. Her smile has my