Page 44 of Best Friends
“Come on, don’t be like that,” I say quietly.
His face twitches with anger. “Tell me why Cecila thinks you asked Amanda out on a date.”
I grimace. “Because I did, but I’m not going to go.”
He looks like I slapped him. “You actually asked her out?”
My face warms at the accusation in his tone. “Listen, what happened was Amanda was at the race, and… and Harlan and Jeremy showed up.”
“Amanda was at the race,” he repeats woodenly. “Did you know she’d be there? Is that why you didn’t want me there?”
“It wasn’t that I didn’t want you there—” I rake a hand through my hair. “I… I didn’t know Amanda would be there. I had no idea until she walked up.”
“And in your shock you accidentally asked her out on a fucking date?” His tone is mocking.
“Don’t be an asshole, Malcolm,” I rasp. “I’m doing my best to explain the situation. It’s complicated.”
“So uncomplicate it for me.”
I exhale roughly. “Okay, Harlan was being a lecherous asshole to Amanda. She looked flustered by his attention, and to get him to back off, I said she already had plans tonight with me. I obviously didn’t think it through.”
“No, you obviously didn’t,” he rumbles. “Because when you ask someone out on a date they expect you to actually show up.”
“Malcolm,” I groan. “Stop being so aggressive. I can’t talk to you when you’re like this.”
His face tenses and he clenches his fists. “Sorry if I’m a little upset, C. I mean, I was already feeling pretty shitty when you left me behind this morning. Next thing I know I hear you’re asking other people out on dates. How am I supposed to feel after the day I’ve had? Huh? Tell me, C., how would you feel if our positions were reversed?”
“Suspicious. Angry.”
“Bingo,” he says harshly.
I take a chance and move closer to him. Holding his gaze, I silently pray he won’t push me away as I reach for him. “Malcolm,” I say softly, “please, calm down. I love you. Just you.”
As I finish speaking, I slip my arms around his waist. My head rests against his broad chest, and while he stiffens, he doesn’t push me away. His heart is pounding hard beneath my ear, his breathing jagged. He’s worked up but I feel him trying to control himself, which gives me hope.
After a few moments, his arms come around me like he can’t help himself. His body is still tense, and he’s definitely not happy, but at least he’s not shoving me off or cussing me out. I inhale his familiar alpha scent and it helps calm me. It givesme courage. When his hands move to rest on my lower back I’m relieved.
“I had a shit day,” he says quietly, his voice cracking.
“I’m really sorry.” I pull back and meet his red-rimmed gaze. He’s not a super emotional guy. He’s warm and friendly, but Malcolm doesn’t get choked up easily. My heart hurts knowing I’m the reason he’s had such a horrible day. “I feel awful you had such a rough day.”
He sighs. “Well, at least you’re here now.” He hesitates. “You told Amanda you’re not going on the date with her, right?”
“Not yet.” When he starts to pull away, I hold on tight, my fingers digging into the soft cotton of his shirt. “No, you need to trust me. I’m going to text her as soon as we’re done talking.”
“Yeah, sure you are.” His tone is flat, disbelieving.
“I am. I promise.” I touch his stubbled cheek, the coarse hair scratching against my palm. “I figured talking to you was more important.”
“Or maybe you’re just stalling.” His voice is hard, a bitter edge cutting through the words.
“Stop it,” I say, my voice sharp.
His expression is cynical, his jaw tight and unforgiving. “I’m starting to wonder if the reason you wanted to keep us a secret was so you could date other people.”
I scowl, heat rising in my chest. “I don’t believe you really think that.”
“Maybe I do.”
