The WRONG Brother (Love You Forever #1) - Alexis Winter Page 0,55
her down, and she was good at getting you to let loose. That’s what a real couple does. Each partner makes up for what the other lacks, so there’s perfect balance. So, are the two of you dating?”
I snort. “What? No, Mom. We’re just becoming friends again. I think she’s finally starting to outgrow Preston and his childlike behavior.”
He rolls his eyes and scoffs.
“Well, hopefully something will come out of it eventually. I’d like to have grandchildren while I’m still young enough to enjoy them. Keep that in mind,” she says, looking at me. Then she turns to Preston and says, “You keep wrapping yours up.”
“Hey!” He looks from her to me. “Why’s everyone picking on me today?”
I laugh as I stand up. “Because you’re a dumbass.” I put my plate in the sink. “It’s been a long day. I think I’m going for a shower and some sleep.”
“Good night, honey.”
“Night, Mom.” I start to walk out of the kitchen but stop when Preston pushes his chair back.
“I think I’ll call Piper and see if I can talk her into a nightcap.”
I grind my teeth together but push myself forward, not wanting to stop him from hanging out with his friend.
On my way up the stairs, I shoot her a text, warning her that Preston is about to call. That way, if she wants to hang with him, she can back out of our hot tub plans. But if she wants to keep our plans, she’ll have time to think up an excuse.
I’m almost up the stairs when Preston reaches for the door.
“Where you going?” I ask.
“Over to Pipes’ place. What’s it to you?” Without another word, he walks out and shuts the door behind him.
Fuck. He’s not even going to bother to call. Looks like our plans will have to be postponed.
Fourteen
PIPER
I have a late dinner with my parents and spend a little time talking with them before excusing myself to my room. I’m walking up the stairs when I get a text from Calvin warning me about Preston. A few seconds later, there’s a knock at the door. I turn around and walk back down the steps to answer it.
To no one’s surprise, it’s Preston. He flashes me that flirty smile of his. “Nightcap?” He lifts his shirt to show me the bottle of Jack tucked into his waistband like he had to sneak it out of the house.
I laugh and shake my head. “I’m tired. I think I’m just going to go to bed.”
He cocks his head to the side. “All right, tell me . . . what’s up with you?”
I cross my arms over my chest. “What do you mean?”
“Ever since the show, you’ve acted differently toward me. We’re not as close as we used to be and you promised we’d still be friends—that the show wouldn’t change us.”
“It’s not that, Pres. It’s just that I’m tired. It’s been a long day.”
He snorts and rolls his eyes.
“Fine. Come on, we’ll go out back,” I tell him. He smiles wide, happy he got his way.
Calvin and I spend every evening together, so I guess I do owe Preston a night. But if this goes on too long, Calvin and I will have to cancel our hot tub date. I was really looking forward to a few minutes alone with him. But Preston is my best friend and he thinks our friendship is strained. I need to right that wrong.
Mom and Dad announce they’re going to bed and ask that I lock up everything when Preston leaves. I agree to their request before walking out into the backyard. I flop down in a pool chair and he takes the one to my right. He uncaps the bottle, takes a swig, and hands it over. I do the same.
“So, what’s this about?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know. I just didn’t want to stay there. I needed an excuse to leave, and well, you’ve always been my excuse,” he laughs out.
“What was Calvin doing?” I take another sip and pass the bottle.
“Taking a shower and going to bed.”
“Why didn’t you ask him to come with? We all could’ve gone out or something.”
“Because lately the two of you are always together and I’ve been feeling left out. I miss my friend, so forgive me for being greedy and wanting you to myself for one night.”
I laugh and roll my eyes. “Okay, sorry. And Calvin and I aren’t always together,” I lie. “We just reconnected and have been becoming better friends lately. We’re