Page 74 of Restricted List

I still want him.

Cole’s right—I didn’t get him out of my system either.

God, I wish our circumstances were different.

“Teasing aside,” Lane says, “I like this. I like the idea of you two together.”

“We can’t be together, Lane. You know my dad.”

He rolls his eyes. “Your dad can get over it. You’re practically twenty-six, Rory. He can’t control what you do.”

“He can’t control what I do, you’re right. But he can take it out on Cole. I don’t want that.”

“Cole’s not going to get benched. It would be bad for the team.”

“I don’t know if I can risk that.”

Lane’s face is sympathetic. “Well, if you ever decide to go for it, your friends will be in your corner. We’ve all got your back.”

“Thanks, Lane.”

I text Lucia and Ella as soon as I leave Lane’s. I’m hoping they can give me a bit of advice on how to handle all of this.

When I walk into Ella and Josh’s apartment, I find both of them on their living room sofa, with Lucia taking the chair to the side.

“Hey, babe!” Ella yells, beckoning me over.

“Hey,” I say, voice wavering as I take the remaining chair in the living room. Josh is trying to suppress a smile, and I can feel my cheeks flush.

“What’s up, Ror?” he says, stifling a laugh.

“You already fucking know, Josh,” I groan. “I just talked to Lane.”

“Yeah, I had a feeling.”

“Did I miss something?” Lucia asks. “You two are being very vague.”

“It’s obviously something about Cole since Harlow isn’t here,” Ella says.

I sigh. “Yes, this is about Cole.” Josh starts to laugh again, and I snap in his direction. “Quiet, Garro.”

“I’m just sitting here!” I level him with a disbelieving look. “Okay fine. I’ll be quiet.”

“What the hell happened?” Ella asks. “We seem to keep having emergency meetings.”

“That’s because shit keeps happening.”

“Did he kiss you?!” Lucia asks excitedly. “I bet he finally did. But you know Harlow won’t care about that, so why isn’t she here?”

“Because I need more time to figure out how to tell her I fucked her brother, that’s why!”

Lucia and Ella squeal in delight as Josh rears his head back and laughs. “You two are fucking perfect for each other. Neither of you have any chill.”

“You had sex with Cole?” Ella looks at me, absolutely giddy.

“Yes,” I sigh. “We didn’t plan on it happening, but it did. And oh my God, guys, he’s so good in bed.”

Josh stands now. “Well, it’s good to hear that my friend knows what he’s doing, but I think it’s time to get out of here. I don’t need the details that are about to come out.” He silently exits the room while we lose ourselves in conversation.

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