Page 23 of Fighting the Forbidden

Griff’s gaze shifts between Remy and me. He opens his mouth, then closes it. Oh no, is he going to rat me out for getting a ride from Wade last night?

But finally, Griff just shrugs. “Leave her alone.” He lifts his chin at me. “You need a ride to Hayden’s? I can drop you off on my way home.” He pinches his T-shirt and pulls it away from his chest, reminding me of how warm and solid he’d felt when I was pressed up against him last night. “I gotta run by my place and change.”

As much as I want to be alone with him, it’s too early to go to Hayden’s. “It’s okay. The party’s not until later. Hayden’s picking me up.”

“Seriously, it’s supposed to be cold tonight,” Remy says in his big-brother-dad tone. “At least wear a sweater with that. Maybe some pants.”

I sigh and glance down, staring at my bare feet and the chipped red polish on my toes. Will I have time to fix them before Hayden gets here? “I’m going to save it for something more than sitting around, testing out hair styles for prom.”

“Do not get into a car with anyone who’s been drinking,” Remy reminds me, as if I haven’t heard that a thousand times.

“I won’t. I told you, we’re trying out prom hair looks.” I cross my arms over my chest. “Sounds like you’re going to be far away if I need a ride, though.”

Remy blinks. Ha! Did I finally leave my know-it-all big brother speechless? “Call Ella or Eraser if you need a ride.”

“I will.”

Remy disappears into the kitchen. Griff watches the door for a second, then stands and slowly walks toward me.

My skin prickles as his gaze travels over my skin. He lifts his hand and runs his knuckles over my shoulder and down my arm, leaving goose bumps. My breathing speeds up.

“You look really pretty.”

“Thanks,” I whisper.

“Text me and let me know you’re okay later? I’m not planning to stay late, so if you need something, you can call me.”

Is that a sign? A hint that we can hang out without my brother around? “I can leave early too, if…”

“No.” He clears his throat and jerks his hand away from me. “You should hang with your friends tonight. Figure out prom hair or whatever.”

Why does he sound like he’s yanking the words out of his throat?

“Yeah, Molly.” My brother’s razor-sharp tone borders on sarcasm and irritation. At me or Griff? I can’t tell.

No, no. no. I thought Remy had returned to the kitchen. My mind races over the last few bits of my conversation with Griff. What did Remy hear? Was it bad?

He slowly walks up behind Griff. “You should spend time with friends your own age.”

Griff steps aside and turns toward my brother.

No. This isn’t what I want.

The two of them staring each other down like bulls about to lock horns—all because of me.

CHAPTER SIX

Molly

I’m sitting on the couch polishing my nails when Griff returns to our house an hour later.

“Hey,” he greets me as he walks in the door. His gaze darts to the staircase. “Your brother ready to go?”

I flick my gaze to the ceiling. “He’s probably doing a dozen wardrobe changes.”

Griff snorts, then zeroes in on my hands. “What are you doing?”

I raise my arm in the air, wiggling my fingers to show off the layers of purple, red, orange, and yellow polish I’ve carefully sponged onto my nails. “Gradient manicure.”

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