Page 21 of Broken

“I’m sorry he said that,” Holden says.

“You don’t need to apologize for him. He’s an ass most of the time.”

“He still shouldn’t have said what he did. Landon’s a friend, but that’s just disrespectful and rude. You don’t speak to women like that.”

“Thanks, Holden. I appreciate it. Can we go get some dinner now? I’m starving.”

“Me too,” Maia agrees, and the three of us head downstairs.

After dinner, Maia and I check on Everleigh, who is still passed out. We leave her sleeping and walk across the hall to Madison and Chloe’s room. The door connecting their room to Tyler and Asher’s room is propped open, welcoming us to both sides. Music is playing, drinks and snacks are flowing, and we’re all hanging out and chilling. Across the hall in the other guy's room, Landon set up a little minibar for us to mix drinks. Since Tyler, Asher, Madison, and Chloe aren’t drinking, Holden thought it would be more respectful to keep the alcohol over there.

I like that he cares about being respectful toward everyone and their choices, and most of all, I admire the way he stands up to Landon. When he walks out the door, I follow him across the hall since I need another drink, and I want to say thanks for earlier.

“Whatcha mixing?” I ask as I slide up next to him.

He looks surprised to see me, but that doesn’t stop his face from lighting up. “Hey you.” His words drag out and slur, and I can tell he’s already hammered, which makes me laugh. “I was about to come looking for you.”

“Oh, you were?”

“Yes. I wanted to make you a drink.”

“Perfect timing. That’s what I came over here for. And also to say thanks.”

“Thanks? For what?” He sways from side to side as he grabs a couple of liquor bottles and begins to mix up two drinks. “I haven’t even given you your drink yet.”

“For earlier. When Landon was being a dick.”

“No need to thank me, Len. He goes way too far sometimes.” Holden hands me my drink. “Actually, what am I saying? A lot more than sometimes.”

I laugh and hold my cup up for a cheers. He taps his cup with mine, and we drink. The fruity mix with a hint of rum and vodka tingles on my tongue. “Mmm, this is delicious.”

Holden tips his head toward me in agreement. “I prefer beer myself, but when you feel like getting fucked up quick or just want something sweet, this does the trick.”

“So are you telling me this drink is going to fuck me up?”

“Let’s just say it’s comparable to a Long Island Iced Tea. Delicious and overflowing with so much alcohol, it sneaks up on you.”

“Why don’t we test out your little theory, then?” Before he can agree, I chug the rest of my drink, my throat on fire after. Holden watches me with amusement and shakes his head.

“How much have you drunk already?” he asks.

“Why? Are you worried about me?” I bat my eyelashes up at him.

For a second, he freezes, his eyes locked on mine, but then he looks away and back, the moment gone. If it even was a moment.

“Well, I did warn you about alcohol poisoning earlier. And there’s three different types of hard liquor in the drink you just chugged.”

The alcohol buzzes through me, and I’m warm and fuzzy. I’m also bold. A lot more bold. “You’re so damn cute when you’re all factual and shit.”

Holden’s cheeks flush, and he lets out a nervous laugh. “Did you just call me cute?”

“Maybe.” I grin. I’m definitely feeling nice now.

“Well, maybe you’re the cute one.” He flirts back as he places his drink on the makeshift minibar.

“Uh, no. That’s you,” I tease and poke him on the shoulder.

Holden acts wounded but pokes me back. “No, you.”

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