Page 25 of Fighting the Forbidden

I slowly turn my head his way. “You’re not a boy.”

“That’s right.” Remy’s voice turns stern. Almost cold. “But you’re still a kid.”

Griff glares at my brother. I want to open my mouth and protest. I’m not a kid. I’ll be eighteen in a few months. But I don’t think it’s numbers my brother’s worried about. And what sounds more childish than whining that you’re not a baby anymore?

My nervous gaze bounces between the two of them.

They have a long ride ahead of them tonight. Remy seems awfully suspicious. I don’t want to be the reason for tension between them. My brother might be an overprotective pain in my ass, but he’s not stupid. Maybe I should throw him off the scent. How, though?

“Who else is going to be at this party?” Remy asks.

“I already told you.” I glance at my nails again. I need another layer of color before I seal them with a top coat.

The doorbell rings, saving me from this crappy conversation. I shake my wet nails at my brother and tilt my head toward the door. Blowing out an irritated breath, he leaves and answers it.

A few seconds later, Hayden sweeps into the living room wearing an aggressively pink dress and a grin stretched across her pretty face.

“Stop!” I shriek, throwing my arms up in front of my face. “I’m blinded by all the pink!”

“Shut up!” Hayden giggles and executes a spin, her golden curls fanning in a circle around her and settling over her shoulders. “I’m forever enjoying my Elle Woods phase.”

“Elle Woods or Barbie?” Remy laughs, coming up behind her and giving the outfit a quick once-over.

She slants a cool look his way. “Both are awesome.”

Griff shakes with silent laughter. “What’s up, Hayden?”

“Hi, Griff,” she sings. “What a surprise to see you here.”

Oh, no, no, no. Hayden knows how I feel about Griff. I don’t need her trying to embarrass me. She thinks she’s “helping,” but after some of Remy’s comments to Griff today, the last thing I need is Hayden’s less-than-subtle hints that Griff and I belong together being thrown around like grenades.

“He’s always here,” Remy says.

Hayden slides her gaze between Griff and me. Mischief brightens her eyes. “What are you wearing, Molly? Wade’s older brother is home from college. He’ll be there tonight.”

My entire body cringes at the emphasis she puts on “older.” Please stop, Hayden.

“You should wear that cute purple dress to show off your fantastic legs.” She casts a quick glance at Griff, her lips twisting up ever so slightly. I brace myself for whatever else might fly out of her mouth. “Wade told me Wesley specifically asked if you were coming tonight like a dozen times.”

“Doesn’t that douche canoe have any friends his own age?” Remy grumbles.

Griff’s gone so quiet, I’m afraid to look at him.

Say something, Griff. Stick up for me—for us.

Last night he confessed he has feelings for me. I understand that he wants to wait until after my birthday, but he could still say something. Why should we have to keep pretending just to make Remy happy, anyway?

Ignoring Remy’s question, Hayden beams at me as if she’s proud of her work here.

“I already tried the purple dress.” I flick my hand up and show her my nails, and she nods with eager approval. “It’s too cold to wear it tonight.”

“It doesn’t matter.” She shrugs. “You look good in everything.”

“Thanks.” I jut my chin toward the bottles of nail polish. “Grab those? I’ll finish this upstairs.”

She collects the bottles with a soft clinking of glass on glass and heads upstairs. I follow without looking back at Griff or my brother.

Inside my room, Hayden hands me the nail polish bottles, then closes the door and leans her back against it.

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