Page 154 of Felonies are Forever

Still, I can’t help thinking, we’re here.

Alone.

Together.

I swallow hard and all the rational reasons I shouldn’t do what I’m about to do evaporate.

This may be my only shot.

I’m not going to miss.

FOUR

Four

Holly

I can’t believeI thought I looked good in this outfit.

Tugging at the hem of the skirt as Cole walks behind me into the house doesn’t make me feel any less naked, and I hurry inside, laying my coat over one of the chairs at my dad’s kitchen table.

“Thanks for the ride.” I cross my arms over my chest shivering then release them when my boobs practically pop out of the top of my sweater.

“Sure.”

My stomach flutters as he walks into the great room, leaning down to put some logs in the fireplace.

“Umm,” I start. “You don’t have to do that. I’m sure you have better things to do with the rest of your evening. I’ll be fine, really.”

He keeps doing what he’s doing, while I fidget with the neckline of my sweater, pulling it up. Then back down.

Then up again.

I watch as he stacks the logs. His firm body easily maneuvering around, then crouching down as he stuffs newspaper under the grate and lights the paper. A few minutes later, the logs crackling and he stands, clearing his throat and giving me a solid, unapologetic stare.

“What?” I ask when his look goes on a few beats longer than is comfortable.

“You grew up.” He looks uncomfortable as he walks past me to the couch and sits down.

“Yeah. I guess. Everyone does.”

“You’re dressed different. You dress like that while you were in Philly?” There’s a catch in his voice, and I’m not sure if it’s concern or judgment, but my defenses raise.

“No—” I start, then catch myself and draw a quick breath. “I mean, not really. I just wanted to dress up tonight. For…” I think twice before I finish. “…the party.”

“Really?” He eyes me up and down, and it feels like my nerves are on fire. “For the party.”

My nervousness turns to shame and I turn my gaze to the floor. “I know it doesn’t look good on me. I tried, not everyone can be an Amanda.” I spit out the last words, remembering how she was all over Cole when I walked in. “Guess that’s more your thing.”

I immediately regret the last words as they ring with jealousy. His hard gaze makes me feel more and more awkward, and I start to talk just to hide my discomfort.

“Not that I blame you. She’s every guy’s fant—”

“That’s not more my thing.” His voice is hard. “I was hoping you wore what you wore for me.”

“What?” It takes me a minute to process his statement. My breath comes faster and my heart is about to leap from my chest.

“You heard me. But, you know what I’d rather see?”

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