Page 34 of Waiting Forever
My eyes flash open. “What do you see?”
“I knew Kensi would be a problem.”
“She’s not a problem,” I defend, working to control my spiking anger. “She won’t talk to me about what happened. Neither will Dad. And Ineedto know.”
“Hold on. Let me close my door. The people in this office love to gossip.”
A mix of excitement and anxiety course through me. I bounce my leg, counting the seconds. How long does it take to close an office door? “Are you going to tell me?”
“First, tell me you don’t have feelings for her.”
“What are you talking about?” My voice is too high.
She lets out a meaningful sigh. “I’ve always wondered if you two would grow closer one day.”
“Mom. Nothing is going on between us. We’re friends.”
“And that’s all you can ever be.”
“Why are you saying this?”
She hesitates. “I saw you at her birthday party.”
I stiffen. How much did she see?
“Kensi is confused right now,” she adds. “She needs support. Friends. She doesn’t need male attention, especially from you.”
My response is automatic. “Mom, I’m not—”
“I’m your mother, Nathan. I love you, and I say this from the heart. Keep your dick in your pants when it comes to Kensi.”
It’s not the first time she’s got on me for my one-and-done nature. The fact that she’s referring to me using Kensi pisses me off. “I would never do that to her.”
“Good. Because her dad already wants to kill three college boys for disrespecting her. I don’t want you added to the list.”
Holy shit. “Why does he want to kill them?”
“Because he’s protective of her. Your dad would be the same way if we had a daughter. And frankly, that’s an argument your father doesn’t need to have with his best friend.”
“I’m not asking about that, Mom. I’m questioning what these guys did to make Uncle Bryce want to kill them.”
“AndI’mtrying to make something clear toyou. Your dad was supposed to have this conversation with you when he told you Kensi was moving there, but he’s not as direct as he should be, which means it’s on me to tell you Kensi is off-limits.”
“Like I don’t know that.” I turn the air vent at my suddenly hot face. “Uncle Bryce has no problem commenting that his daughter will never date, let alone marry, a player like me. It’s not like I’m interested, anyway.”
“No? The kiss at the birthday party said otherwise, and I’m not just blaming you. You two are young and you’ve known each other forever. It can confuse things and make it easy to get caught up or think there is more there. I assure you Kensi’s head isn’t in the right place. She doesn’t need you or your lust screwing up her mind more.”
My arms shake. “Mom! I would never do that to her, and need I remind you, I have a girlfriend?”
“Yes, yes. I know. Tell me, how serious is it?”
“It’s been seven months.” That’s a record for me.
“Mm-hm. And it’snotlove, or you would have said so.” Her tone softens. “Your head isn’t in the best place right now, either. You’re still mourning the loss of your friends. You have a new job, which I know you want to do well at, and I have no doubt you will. As for your other needs, keep them to your girlfriend.”
“Kensi is not a need. She’s...”More.
“She’s not for you to play with.”
