Page 23 of Purity

“We’re trying,” Mari says, glaring at me. “Not everyone wants to give her alone time.”

Theo snorts. “I can’t believe you’re allowing this. I always thought she was…your girlfriend, basically. Or that she’d be your girlfriend as soon as you’re ready to get married.”

I avert my gaze. “I’m never getting married. I don’t even believe in monogamy.”

“Okay, Cole,” Mari says. “We don’t need to hear your whole fuck-boy manifesto.” She looks at Theo and then Zac. “Livvy’s not planning on waiting until marriage anymore. She wants to lose her virginity this summer.”

“Jesus,” I whisper shout. “We don’t need to tell the whole world.”

Mari waves a hand at me, not even glancing my way. “Livvy’s not keeping it a secret. She actually wants to make out with someone tonight. If Travis doesn’t make a move, maybe one of you could—”

“We’re not doing that,” I say. “We agreed not to push her.”

Mari glares at me. “She’s already had her first kiss.”

“With me.” My voice feels like it’s coming from outside of my body. “She had her first kiss with me, because she trusts me.”

The kitchen grows quiet. Good God, what came over me?

“Holy shit,” Zac says. “When did this happen?”

I look away, unable to meet his eyes. Fuck, he’s never going to let this go. Now that he knows I kissed her, he’s going to harass me endlessly.

When I’m finally able to look at Mari, her grin makes heat break out over my skin. She knows what that was. She knows I was making sure they all know who she really belongs to.

She doesn’t, though. Why can’t I stop these impulses when I know they’re irrational?

“Livvy,” Mari calls out to the living room. “Hurry up and scarf your bacon so we can head to the bar.” She looks at Travis. “Do you want to be her gentleman escort?”

“I’m driving her,” I say.

“No, Daddy Cole.” Mari says. “It’s time to let the little one leave the nest.”

I roll my eyes. “Mari, the whole Daddy Cole thing is really starting to creep me out.”

“Only when I say it.” Her eyelids grow lazy “You love it when she calls you Daddy.”

When the guys chuckle quietly, I look away. Holy fuck, how am I going to get through the night?

EIGHT

Livvy

As soon as we park on State Street, Travis turns to me. “So what’s up with you and Cole?”

I force a smile as my gut sinks. I hate having to explain why Cole’s overprotectiveness doesn’t mean he wants me.

“Nothing,” I say. “We’re just very close, and he’s always been protective of me.”

Travis’s eyes widen. “He’s, like, insane. What was with the bacon and him telling you that you have to eat it all? Is he your nutritionist?”

My smile grows. “I know. Honestly though, he’s like that with everyone.”

“No.” Travis shakes his head. “I mean, I haven’t hung out with him a ton since he left for college, but every time I have, he’s had a girl with him, and he was never like that with any of them.”

“Well, you probably haven’t seen him with his brother or sister. He can be really bossy with them too, but he doesn’t mean to be. He has a really kind and caring heart.”

Travis smiles. “You’re sweet. So does that mean you’re kind of like a sister to him?”

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