Page 28 of Crushed By Love

“You’ll fit,” Ethan says. I didn’t even realize he was listening.

But he’s right, I probably can fit if I’m willing to give up my personal bubble. I remember that lonely island thing and step through the tangle of bodies to squeeze in between the brothers. I try to make myself as small as possible but it doesn’t work, I’m still wedged between them, their bodies pressing uncomfortably against me on either side.

“Arden, this is everybody. Everybody, this is Arden.”

About half the group chimes in with hellos and the other half continues to ignore me, which is fine because the last thing I want to do is make small talk. Some of them are probably friends with Bree and hate me.

Someone passes out cans of beer from a cooler and I go for a water instead. Cooper begins chatting up the girl on his right and Ethan is still flirting with the girl on his left and I’m sitting here like a third wheel. Or is it fifth wheel?

“You okay there?” the guy sitting in front of me turns around, looking me up and down like I’m a salty snack and he’s hungry. Normally I find this behavior annoying, but tonight it feels validating. I put a lot of effort into my appearance and it feels good that he’s noticed, whoever he is. He smiles and deep boyish dimples appear on his cheeks. It multiplies his hotness factor by ten.

“Yeah,” I croak, instantly flustered. I hold up the water bottle. “It’s hot out here.”

Did I really just say that?

“Do you want a beer instead?”

I shake my head. “I’m only eighteen so no public intoxication for me.”

“Smart girl. I’m Perry Hargrove. I’m glad to finally meet you,” he says with a flirty smile, and I smile right back. It’s nice to flirt. It’s been so long since anyone paid attention to me like this and even longer since I let myself play.

“Hi Perry, I’m Arden,” I say coyly.

“Oh, I know who you are. Everybody knows about the Kings’ new girl.”

“Why is that?” Interest spikes and now I truly am interested to know why “everyone” would know who I am, because I certainly don’t know anybody else here besides the Kings and I feel like a nobody.

He nods towards Ethan, voice going whisper-low. “He made damn sure we all knew who you are and that you’re off limits.”

I eye Ethan’s back with skepticism then look back at Perry, my voice dropping to a whisper. “Why would he even care who I spend time with?”

It’s not like we’re dating. We’re not even friends, I’m not his little sister, and he’s been clear that he doesn’t like me. But maybe that’s why. He doesn’t like me, and he doesn’t want me mixing with his world. Infecting it.

“He’s looking out for you, that’s all.”

Do I really believe that?

“Don’t worry.” Perry pats me on the knee and adjusts himself to be fully turned around to talk to me. We’re knee to knee now, and I can’t help but notice how attractive he is. Smooth tawny skin, black short curly hair, thick eyelashes fanning deep soulful eyes, and full kissable lips framed by those amazing dimples. This is the kind of guy that girls flock to, and despite several stunning girls in this group of at least forty people, Perry has his attention completely on me. “Anyway, I’m not worried about Ethan,” he goes on. “He’s my friend, but he’s not my dating coach.”

“And what about me being off-limits?” I tease.

“That’s up to you.” His eyes linger on my mouth. “You can date whoever you want.”

“Date?” The nerves are back. I barely know the guy and he’s already talking about dates? Would I date him? Should I date him? Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself, it’s not like he’s asked me out, nor do I know anything about him.

“Yes, I would like to take you out on a date if that’s okay.”

And there it is.

Of course, that’s the moment that both King brothers twist toward us. Cooper’s grin is wide and he pats me on the knee. “Perry is a good guy, Arden. You wouldn’t have to worry about a date with him.”

I don’t know why, but something about his eagerness to set me up with his friend makes my heart twist. Just a little bit. I shouldn’t care that Cooper wants to pawn me off on other men instead of wanting me for himself or his brother. It’s a stupid thing to think—barely a blip and I ignore it.

I study Perry, trying to make up my mind.

But Ethan? Ethan reacts just how I thought he would.

“No fucking way.” His tone is harsh. Final.

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