Page 62 of Too Sweet
“It’s Kaya, isn’t it?” Theo sighs, pouring a round of shots. “Yourex. That’s what’s riling you up, right?” He grabs my shoulder, squeezing hard as he leans in closer. “Last time you acted so odd was when you were with her. You’re mad she didn’t make it tonight?”
“I didn’t know she was invited.”
“Adrian said he saw you two talking atRavea few weeks ago...” He pushes a defeated breath down his nose. “Listen, I love you. I’vegotyou, alright? If she’s what you want—”
“You think I’d let her crawl back to me? We’re not together, Theo. And before you ask, we’re not fucking. She was drunk off her ass, begging for another chance atRave,butthat’s not happening.”
“Thank God.” He falls back in his chair, theatrically wiping his forehead. “Honestly, I’d be here for you, but I’m glad you don’t want her.”
“He didn’t go home, did he?” I ask, my leg twitching against the floor.
“Who?”
“Cody.”
“No, he’s here,” Colt chips in, lifting a shot glass and gesturing for us to follow. We all throw our heads back, swallowing the disgusting liquid that burns down my esophagus. “You being tense today isn’t about Kaya.” He points his finger at me, eyes glassy, too much alcohol in his bloodstream. “Can’t fool me, bro. You’re into Mia.”
I knew he’d throw that at me at the first opportunity. I’ve had two drinks tonight, but my ears ring, and shame washes over me once more.
I open my mouth, but he bangs his hand on the table before I get a word out.
“Don’t lie. Don’t lie to me, Nico. I see how you watch her, how you fucking hold her and worry when she’s one bit uncomfortable.”
“Mia?” Theo pours us another shot, chuckling under his breath. “The blonde with Cody? You’re drunk, bro. No more for you. Isn’t she like in high school?”
“College,” I correct. “I’d love to entertain you, Colt, but Cody’s the one I need to talk to.”
“Oh, he knows,” Conor chuckles, launching another grape. “He’s not blind. None of us are.”
Fuck. My hands grow cold, coated with sweat, and an airless mounting sense of unease settles in my lungs.
I should’ve talked to him sooner.
“Youconvinced Mia to jump out of the plane with you, andyouglare at Cody whenever he’s not attentive enough,” Colt says, leaning back in his chair. “You fucking kissed her, Nico. Youkissedher.”
“She told you?”
Or maybe something less incriminating...
Theo gasps, hiccups, and gasps again. “You kissed Cody’s girlfriend? Bro!” His eyes widen, bigger than silver dollars. “That’s... nooo, that’s justnooo.What were you thinking?!”
“Mia’s not Cody’s,” I growl, squeezing the back of my neck. “He wants her, but she’s not his. Not yet.” I lift my gaze to Colt. “I can’t believe she told you.”
“She didn’t, but I saw how she touched her lips the whole bus ride back here earlier.”
She did? I wouldn’t know because—pissed off—I took the front seat, shoved both earphones in, and blasted Guns N’ Roses on full volume.
“Shekissedme,” I explain with a deep, defeated groan. “We just landed. I think she needed to let the adrenaline out somehow and used me. It wasnothing, Colt. A peck at best, but...” I rest my elbows on the table, massaging my temples. “...I lost it. I pulled her back because I couldn’tnotkiss her. I’ve been fighting this for weeks.”
Maybe it’s good they know. Maybe they’ll help. I need them to tell me I can get over this crush. That I can forget about Mia. That it’s not a big deal.
“Believe me, I don’t want to feel this way, but she’s on my mind the second I wake up, the last second before I fall asleep, and every fucking second in between.” I down the shot, slump my elbows back on the table, and hide my face in my hands while my brothers keep quiet. “So, yeah... I kissed her. I like her, and Ihatethat I do, but I can’t stop.”
“You like her?” Theo echoes on my right, his tone hovering between skepticism and surprise. “But... she’s small. Like, really,reallysmall, and you’re not.” He nudges me, so I’d lift my head. “You look like you could fucking eat her, Nico.”
Conor bursts out laughing. “I bet that’s all he wants to do.”
“She’s young!” Theo continues. His hands flap, missing my face by an inch. “Shy, and... did I mention small?!”
