Page 41 of Rise In Arms

He did not just admit that he was fucking that woman, right in front of us!

I feel like such a complete idiot. Why did I ever think we could have something together? He warned me, told me that things can’t happen between us, made it all about protecting me, telling me I could do better than him. And all this time I never considered he had a girlfriend—of course he would, he’s hot as hell, sweet at times too, with a body a girl can only dream about touching, and I haven’t even seen him undressed yet. Women would be throwing themselves at him all the time, just like this Honey, who I’ll admit is gorgeous, in a model kind of way—skinny with long legs, tanned skin, and stunningly beautiful.

No wonder he didn’t want me. Was he just letting me down easily because he knew what he could come home to? Why did I think I had a chance with him? I know he threw her out just now, told her to fuck off, but was he simply saying that for his sister’s sake. No guy would want their sister witnessing him and his woman basically fucking with clothes on right in front of them. I’m sure once we’re out of his hair he’ll go back to his life, including sleeping with Honey again.

Why am I so damn jealous, though? He’s not mine. He’s free to do what he wants.

Anger and hurt wash over me as I watch him try to explain things to his sister, who is in turn yelling at him for even sleeping with a “whore” like Honey.

Not wanting to get involved, I walk back into the bathroom to grab my things. When I come back into the bedroom I place them back in my bag, which is sitting on Kane’s bed. I sense his eyes on me as I move around, and all the while he’s talking to Hazel. I’m pissed—I feel ashamed that I threw myself at him, made it so clear I wanted him. Why would he want me anyway? A knocked-up woman who’s got more drama in her life than Days of our Lives.

“I’ll meet you two outside,” I hear Kane say eventually, but I don’t respond. Instead I go to the bathroom once more, and tie my hair up in front of the mirror, then sit on the edge of the bath and put my Converse back on. Once I hear the door shut, I figure it’s safe to walk out. I don’t want to face him right now, I need time to process what has just happened.

Walking out of the bathroom, I catch Hazel standing there waiting for me with an apologetic expression on her face. “You okay, hon?”

“Sure, why wouldn’t I be?” I reply as I brush away imaginary strands of hair from my face.

Frowning, she steps closer to me. “Listen, Charity. My brother can be an asshole—”

“No kidding,” I reply, smirking.

“—and he’s always attracted women. All my life I’ve seen them throw themselves at him. So what I’m trying to say is, don’t worry about what you just saw before. I’m sure she doesn’t mean anything to him. Like, really sure.”

I chew at the inside of my lip and look down at the floor. “There’s no need to explain, Hazel. He doesn’t owe me anything, and neither do you for that matter,” I add, and look up at my best friend. She has a small smile on her face.

“I know you two have something going on, Charity, I’m not blind, you know. I see the way you look at him, and the way he acted back at the diner, when he saw you on Bear’s bike, was all the proof I need of how he feels about you.”

I raise one eyebrow at Hazel. “Why would he ever want me, when he’s got women like that Honey girl around?”

Hazel rolls her eyes at me and looks me up and down. “You must be blind or something. Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately? You’re beautiful, you have to know that?” She then reaches out and turns me around by my shoulders, leading me into the bathroom to stand in front of the mirror. “You’re gorgeous, Charity—and Kane knows it. I’ve never seen him act how he is over any girl before. He likes you, and I think you like him too.”

I smile, a weak one, and look at her through the reflection of mirror. “You’re right, Hazel, I do,” I admit, getting a little teary.

She smiles back at me. “So what’s the problem?”

I sigh, feeling it all the way down to my toes. “Because, silly, I can never be the kind of woman he needs. Look at my competition out there”—I point to the door leading to the bedroom—“he obviously has a type.”

Hazel laughs out loud, and I turn to face her. “What’s so funny?”

“Did you see her face? When she thought my brother was my boyfriend? Sheesh, she looked like she was ready to scratch my eyes out.”

I laugh along when I remember the look on Honey’s face, and how Hazel put her in her spot.

Hazel turns to head out of the bathroom, and I sober. Serious now, I say, “Hazel?”

“Yeah, hon?” she responds, turning back to face me.

“I really like him. Really, really like him.”

She smirks. “I know you do, Charity.”

“What should I do?”

Hazel steps closer. “Look, if I was going to want any girl for my brother, you would be my choice. You both deserve to be happy,” she adds with a small smile.

I lean in and hug her. “Thank you.”

She returns my embrace me then leans back, looking me straight in the eye. “Not all men are like Blake. My brother’s a good guy, just… take things slow, okay? Let him set the pace. But… sometimes they do need a bit of a nudge, so don’t wait too long.”

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