Page 39 of Wanted You More

My friend nibbles her lip as she slides off the bed and walks over to the window. “We already made plans. Plus, we could probably watch from here.”

She’s been trying to be understanding since I opened up about what happened that summer when I was eight, which I appreciate. But she’s obsessed with town events like this because there are vendors, games, and good food leading up to the fireworks. “They’re not the same as being at the pier. And I heard the pink barbecue bus is back, which means…”

Her eyes shine. “Max is back.”

I grin. “Max is back. One night only.”

Marybelle looks sad, shoulders dropping as she studies whatever she sees outside. “He was fun.”

I roll my eyes. “Belle, seriously. Wolfe has been wanting to see the new horror movie that just dropped on Netflix, so I’ll be fine tonight. Plus, Dad is downstairs. I won’t be alone or anything.”

I watch as she plays with her hair, a telltale sign she’s thinking about leaving. When she pushes away from the window, I know her decision because of the mischievous grin on her face.

“I’ll make it up to you,” she tells me.

Waving her off, I laugh when she tackle-hugs me on the bed. “Get off me, weirdo. If you need to get changed before seeing Max, you can borrow whatever you want in the closet.”

She peels herself off of me. “Including that plaid mini you hate wearing? Because that would look so cute with the sweater I got you.”

“I hate wearing that skirt because my ass hangs out in it,” I remind her. “If you wear that, you’re going to get frostbite in very uncomfortable places.”

She smooshes my face. “Then I guess I’ll have to ask Max to keep me extra toasty warm. He always did give me the special that wasn’t on the menu.”

My nose scrunches. “Don’t make me vomit up my dessert.”

Maybelle giggles as she raids my closet for the clothes she wants. While she gets ready, I grab my phone and read through a few of the texts I’ve missed.

Noah:You doing okay?

I smile at his inquiry. He knows I hate this holiday as much as the Fourth and never go into town to see the firework display. He and his father had offered to take me once to prove that nothing would happen besides a pretty show, but I refused.

Ben:You hanging in, kid?

An unattractive snort escapes me when I see the new text come through. I wouldn’t be surprised if Elizabeth is next. Christmas was a welcome surprise that went way smoother than I thought it would. We exchanged presents, had lunch, and managed to hold a civil conversation. With Noah and me doing most of the talking since Dad and Wolfe looked a little uncomfortable throughout the day.

But they’d invited them for me.

That means something.

Me:Your dad just asked me the same thing, LOL. Are you in the same room?

Noah:No. I’m at Bailey’s place

My heart sinks a little in my chest, but I force a smile on my face when Marybelle comes out of the bathroom. “Too much?” she asks, giving me a little shimmy.

Her boobs are on full display in the V-neck sweater she gave me for Christmas, and the skirt and heeled boot combo make her short legs look a lot longer. The only makeup it looks like she’s wearing is a bright red lipstick, but I know she worked hard to get the “barely tried” style down.

“You look very fuckable,” I prompt, knowing that’s what she wants to hear. “But do me a favor and don’t do anything nasty to the clothes. I haven’t gotten a chance to wear that sweater yet.”

Her wink is devious as she cups her chest. “Don’t worry, babes. The shirt always comes off first. The guys tend to want to see the assets underneath.”

I swat her butt as she passes me to grab her phone. “Wear a jacket! You don’t want your best assets falling off.”

She sticks her tongue out at me. “Yes,Mom. Want me to text you when I get home too?”

Smiling innocently, I reply, “Duh. I’d hate for Max to be some Jeffrey Dahmer stan and turn you into next week’s ribeye special.”

Her expression twists with disgust. “I did not need that visual. Your brain scares me sometimes, girl.”

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