Page 97 of Don't Let Me Fall (Don't Let Me 1)

Colt’s brows reach for his hairline. Theo adds, “Like I said. Only as friends, Ash. I know I’m a catch and all, but I don’t date my friends’ exes. It’d be weird.”

I laugh, my attention shooting to Colt for a split second as I rock back on my heels. “And asking them to hang out isn’t weird?”

“I mean, Mia’s dating Colt, and since you’re Mia’s best friend, and I’m Colt’s best friend, and Logan’s been too busy hooking up with anything that walks to hang out with––”

“Theo,” Colt barks, glaring at him.

Theo grimaces. “I didn’t mean––”

“I know what you meant,” I mutter.

Seriously, though. Kill me now.

“Sorry,” Theo apologizes, visibly cringing as he adds, “Anyway, Ash. You could do a shit-ton better than Logan. We’ll find you someone.”

“We?” Colt interjects, clearly unamused.

Theo’s head bobs up and down. “Yeah. Come on, Colt. You know I’m an excellent wingman. Let’s hook this little lady up with someone.” He tosses his arm around my shoulder and tugs me into his chest like we’re a couple of buddies. “Maybe go to a bar, scout out the options and shit. How ‘bout tonight? Broken Vows and Fender Hayes are in town. They’re supposed to play at SeaBird for a little reunion gig. And you can bring Mia. It’ll be fun.”

“Mia’s actually related to Fender Hayes,” I mutter, “But…”

“No shit?” Theo returns. “Come on. Now we have to go. Maybe she can introduce us to the band.” He nudges Colt with his elbow while Colt scrubs his hand over his face, his tongue in his cheek as he looks at me, still pinned against Theo’s chest.

“I don’t, uh…” He pauses, looking panicked. “Ash? What do you want?”

“Me?” I peek up at Theo, who’s basically got me in a headlock at this point, and force a smile. “I think I don’t have much of a choice.”

“Hell, yeah.” Theo lets me go and slaps his hand against Colt’s shoulder. “Let’s do it tonight after your study session.”

Then he walks upstairs without a care in the world, oblivious to the wrench he just shoved between Colt and me. Which sucks. Because after Sunday brunch with his family, things almost felt real between us. With no barriers. No secrets. Nothing but a perfect, genuine relationship…no one else knows about.

Hello, reality, you heartless bitch.

Chewing on my lower lip, I open my mouth, snap it closed, and head to the kitchen, unsure of what to do or say while still absorbing the shitstorm thrown at me.

This is bad. This is very bad.

“Ash,” Colt murmurs behind me. He looks pissed.

I turn on my heel and throw my hands into the air. “What the hell was that?”

“I could ask you the same question.”

“So we were both blindsided back there?”

He scrubs his hand over his face. “Apparently.”

I drop my backpack onto the ground, collapse onto a chair, and pinch the bridge of my nose. “And if I don’t want to be set up?”

“Theo’s a stubborn ass. Once he gets an idea in his head––”

“He keeps pushing it until everyone around him gives in,” I finish for Colt. “Yeah. I know. Just witnessed it. Thanks for standing up for me, though.”

“What else did you want me to do? You’re the one who wants to keep this private, Ash.” He wags his finger between us.

“You’re the one dating my best friend––”

“Fake dating,” he growls.

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