Page 175 of Restricted List

They all file in, bringing what appears to be breakfast and coffee.

Once they all take positions around the room, I break the silence. “For future reference, please give us a warning when you’re going to come by.”

“I did.” Harlow crosses her arms. “I texted you and told you we were going to bring breakfast and see how you were both holding up.”

I pinch my brow. “I didn’t wake up until you guys were at the door, so I completely missed that.”

“I’m sure you guys didn’t get much sleep last night,” Ella says. “I wouldn’t have been able to sleep after that.”

“Considering they had to get dressed when we got here,” Lane smirks, “I don’t think that’s the only reason they were up so late.”

“Yeah, we’re not getting into that,” I say, steering the conversation away from our sex life. “Where’s Sage, though, man?”

“Hotel has childcare. I have someone watching her in my room right now so I could be here for you two.”

“Thanks, guys,” Rory smiles softly. “We’re doing better than we were last night.”

I grab the coffees they brought, taking the black one for myself and handing the chai latte off to Rory.

“Have you guys heard from Skip at all since last night?” Ari asks.

Rory sighs. “No. He hasn’t reached out to either of us. I’m hoping he just needs time.”

“I still can’t believe he blew up the way he did,” Josh says. “Even more surprised that Knox was the most outspoken of us when it came to defending you.”

“He was?” Lucia questions, a curious look on her face. “Knox never even talks tous.”

Knox sighs and rolls his eyes. “Cole is my girlfriend’s brother. I’m not going to just let him get berated, especially when it’s over something as ridiculous as him falling in love with someone Skipthinkshe isn’t good enough for.”

Harlow leans up and kisses his cheek. “It was very sweet, Knox.”

“I’m willing to bet Knox got rewarded last night,” Josh laughs.

Knox shrugs while Harlow blushes like she always does.

So that’s confirmation.

Ew.

“Anyway,” Rory says, “we appreciate everyone having our backs.”

“We’ve got your back while Cole’s got your front,” Ari snickers.

“Come on, man. Don’t talk like that to my wi-… girlfriend.”

All the air has been sucked from the room.

Our friends all stare at us, eyes wide and mouths agape.

You could hear a fucking pin drop right now.

Rory is the first to cut the silence, looking right at me and placing her hand on my thigh. “Well, you lasted two whole minutes. That’s longer than I expected.”

“Something I’m sure he’s used to hearing,” Lane smirks, trying not to laugh.

I level him with a look.

“I’ve never had to say that,” Rory says deviously. “Cole has somegreatstamina.”

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