Page 74 of Blush Crush

He can’t help the small tug at his lips when I bring her up. But the smile is short-lived. “I’ll talk to them to make sure things stay civil.”

“Thanks.” I nod.

He’s about to head back inside but hesitates for a beat, sparing me a glance over his shoulder. “I know you’re not a bad guy, but you’re not a good guy for her, so I’m sure you can understand our concern. No one is good enough for Ariana, and I wouldn’t choose you for her if my opinion mattered.”

I knew I’d be a hard sell, but fuck, I didn’t expect to get shit on this hard.

“I get it, man. I’m not going to hurt her. If this doesn’t work out, she’ll be the one to end it, not me.”

At least that part isn’t a lie.

That’s the deal—Ariana ends things when our arrangement is over. Hopefully by that point I’ll be rid of this constant want for her. Maybe then I’ll finally be strong enough to stay the fuck away.

He heads back inside, leaving me out in the cold, staring at the frozen lake, trying not to dwell on once again never being good enough.

Once the bags are unloaded and in our room, I find Ariana in the living room sitting in an oversized chair as she chats with Elyse and Dominic. Everyone else is dispersed throughout the house, some in the kitchen, others getting settled in their rooms.

She aims a small smile at me as I approach, and instead of taking any of the many open spots, I gently move her to stand. She looks at me, confused, but I’m too quick for her to fully react before I claim her seat and pull her back down onto my lap.

She freezes, clearly caught off guard.

“Cole,” she whispers, panicked.

“Mm?” I reach past her and snag her drink. I know it’s hers because of the pink lip gloss impression left on the rim. I take a sip of it, right where her lips were. And I don’t even mind that it’s Ledger wine.

“What are you doing?”

“Sitting down.” I settle back in the chair, which incidentally pulls her further into me. “All the good seats were taken.”

Elyse is watching us curiously, wearing a grin. She says something quietly to Dominic that I don’t catch, but he nods with a chuckle.

Ariana wiggles, and I feel her trying to redistribute her weight—moving forward, sitting straighter, lifting slightly like she’s trying to take some of herself off me.

“Stop,” I say, low enough that it’s just for her.

“I’m too heavy?—”

“You’re not.” My arm tightens around her waist before she can finish the thought, pulling her back flush against me. “Stop trying to get away from me when you’re right where I want you.”

She doesn’t say anything for a long moment. I can feel the tension in her—the internal fight she’s having before allowing herself to fully settle against me like the good girl I know she is. And when she finally does, it feels incredible.

She fits just right. I don’t know what the fuck she was talking about because the weight of her soft curves molds to me perfectly.

She goes back to her conversation with Elyse, and I half-listen, content to stay exactly where I am. Across the room Shaneis watching, eyes pinched, practically snarling. I hold his gaze for a second before looking away. I don’t care that he’s Ariana’s brother. I haven’t done anything wrong, and if he says or does something to stress Ariana out and ruin this evening for her, I’ll make sure it’s the last time.

I might not be good enough for her, but I protect what’s mine.

And from where I’m sitting, with Ariana warm against my chest and the fire going, she feels a hell of a lot like mine.

CHAPTER 23

Ariana

DON’T STOP

Cole won’t stop touching me.

I get that we’re pretending to be a couple right now and couples touch, but it’s getting excessive. First it was having me sit on his lap, where I was acutely aware of his package resting under my ass.