Page 34 of Off Limits

“Okay?”

“Prettier than me.”

From the corner of my eye, I can see him look at me. “Shay. She isnotprettier than you.” I stare at Rachel for a minute. Her long straight brown hair shining, her blue eyes that seem like they see everything are bright and shimmery.

“Look at me.” His voice is tight.

Reluctantly, I do. “You are the most beautiful woman in this room. By a long shot.”

I take a quick glance around. The party has mostly girls. I see several that I think are better looking. But Lochlyn is only looking at me. I let out a low breath, wishing I could sink into him.

I’m sure he’s thinking the same thing as he shifts closer to me, our legs touching. He reaches around the back of the couch so that when I lean back, his fingers graze my shoulder. It looks natural, like two friends sitting together on the couch. Not two people who are thinking of all the ways they want to touch each other. Or at least, that’s what I’m thinking about.

“I’m pretty sure I know the answer, but do you want a drink?” His fingers press into my shoulder as he asks.

“No, no, I’m good.”

“Doesn’t really seem like a party for you.”

“Never really is with Chelsea.”

“I wish you’d stand up to her. Just once.” There’s a bite to his tone. I know some of it is because he wants to tell her about us. Whatever consequences I’m worried about, he thinks aren’t important compared to us being happy together. But I also know it’s because he thinks I let her walk all over me.

“I don’t mind. She’s happy. If she wants to think she threw this party for me, let her. I don’t care right now. I’m happy just sitting on this couch with you.”

He gives my shoulder a squeeze, lingering for a few seconds.

Lochlyn and I stay on the couch talking as the party wears on and slowly starts to wind down. A few other people stop by to chat with me, many giving glances at Lochlyn that make me think they only came over to be near him. When they realize he’s not going to give them any of his attention, they usually walk away. Even Eve gives it a shot, probably thinking she may have better luck than Rachel. It’s almost comical. Almost.

When only a few people are left, we start cleaning up, throwing away bottles, red cups, food. I watch his body tense as he glances over my shoulder and turn around to see what he’s looking at. Chelsea is draped all over Brendan.

“He’s a nice guy, Loch.”

“I don’t like that he’s sleeping with my sister.” His fist clenches around the bag he’s holding.

“Well, I guess that’s something you two would agree on, then.”

He looks back at me, scowling. “It’s not the same.”

“How?”

“You’re her friend, and I’m her brother,” he points at me, then rests his sprawled fingers against his chest. “We’re not some stranger the other met somewhere.”

“You knew she was going to be with somebody. She always is.” Chelsea is rarely not with some guy in some way. Not always a relationship, but there’s always some guy hanging around.

“Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” The words come through gritted teeth as he looks at the ground.

“Like it or not, he really is a nice guy. He treats her well.”

“At least there’s that.”

Chelsea’s ponytail bounces as she skips over, still bubbly and excited. “Oh, you guys didn’t have to clean up. I would have done that.”

“When, tomorrow?” Lochlyn spits out. I shoot him a look, my eyes narrowed and mouth in a hard line.

“It’s fine, Loch, it can sit for a night.” Chelsea sounds frustrated. Sometimes it’s hard to tell.

“Whatever, we have this under control.” He’s calmer, but irritation still pricks at his words.

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