Page 115 of The Bro-code

COLE

I’ve been in a strange mood all day, since I woke up next to Bay after that hot, vivid dream.

Every attempt to get my best friend out of my thoughts has been futile.

I almost kissed her last night.

If Topher hadn’t interrupted our dance with his stupid party game, I would have crossed the line.

I would have broken every promise I made myself since Bay and I became close. That I wouldn’t fuck this up.

There have been a few moments over the years when the air between us had gotten charged with something more than our usual easy togetherness.

An intense look, a casual touch that lingered for longer than necessary, a conversation that turned unexpectedly flirty.

I’ve thought about kissing her once or twice before, but I knew it would be a huge mistake.

Bay was dating Topher back then and she would have rejected me without the shadow of a doubt. She’s loyal to a fault and she would have never cheated on her boyfriend. That’s one of the many reasons why I love her.

Maybe the fact that she disappeared for the entire summer after their breakup wasn’t for the worst.

I don’t know if I would have been able to keep from crossing the line when it was too soon.

What if it’s still too soon and I was about to make the biggest mistake of my life if I kissed her last night?

No.

There was that vibe between us that gives me hope that she doesn’t see me just as her playboy best friend.

I regret not kissing her at the rush fair, but I didn’t want to do it on some kind of dare, because Topher told me to, as if he was throwing me a bone.

When I kiss her, I want her to know that I mean it. That if she wants me, I’m all in.

“Hey,” I bump into Jagger and Ryker at the bottom of the stairs. “Do you know what Topher is up to?”

I shrug at Jagger’s question. “Beats me what’s so urgent.”

He sighs, clearly annoyed. “I’m sure we’ll find out soon.”

What if I’m too late? With Bay, I mean.

What if her new friendship with Jagger turns into something more and I missed my chance?

Nah, Jagger isn’t into relationships. He said he’s just her rebound.

If Bay wanted more, would my best friend end their arrangement?

On one hand, that would be ideal for me. I don’t want them to turn into more than fuck buddies, but if Jagger hurt her, I would fucking kill him.

When everyone is gathered at the long table and on the couches around it in the den, I’m almost grateful to be pulled out of the vicious cycle of my own thoughts.

“Yo Pres,” Tucker hollers above the other brothers’ chatter. “What’s so urgent? I was about to go hang out with two girls on the dance team when you texted.”

His eyebrows wiggle suggestively, leaving no doubt on what he means with “hang out.”

Topher’s eyes move around the room, making sure he has everyone’s attention before he speaks.

The guy must be a fucking asshole, but he knows how to command attention. I’m pretty sure that skill is going to come in handy one day in the courtroom.

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