Chapter 2 #2
I’m looking directly at Holiday. Our eyes lock across the dance floor, and I watch anger flash in her eyes. Watch her entire body go rigid.
I pull Becca closer, my hand sliding lower on her waist.
“You’re a really good dancer,” Becca says, her breath warm against my neck.
“Thanks.” I barely hear her.
Becca leans in, saying something about the farm, about the trees, about how romantic it all is. I tilt my head down like I’m hanging on every word. Like whatever she’s saying is the most fascinating thing I’ve ever heard.
Holiday’s jaw clenches so tight I can see it from here.
I smile at Holiday and lean down to whisper in Becca’s ear. “You having a good time?”
“The best,” she says, giggling, her fingers playing with the back of my hair.
Holiday looks like she’s having the worst time, which only makes me happy.
This is perfect.
She chose to come back here and invade my space. Now she’s watching my every move like I’m the bother.
The song changes to something more upbeat. Becca keeps moving with me, clearly enjoying herself, oblivious to the silent war happening across the room.
I can see every microexpression on Holiday’s face. Her nostrils flare, and she’s biting the inside of her cheek. Theo’s talking to her, but I know she hasn’t heard a single word.
I spin Becca, pull her back in, and dip her.
The joy I feel seeing Holiday’s scowl should be illegal.
After the second song, I lean down to Becca’s ear. “I’ll be right back. Gotta hit the restroom.”
“Sure!” She touches my chest. “Hurry back.”
“Won’t be long.”
I head toward the hallway where the bathrooms are, deliberately walking close to Holiday’s table. I don’t look at her or acknowledge her existence.
But I know she’s watching. She always is. She’s never been able to help herself.
The hallway is dimmer and quieter than the main bar. Christmas lights are strung along the walls, casting everything in a warm glow. I push open the bathroom door and suck in a deep breath, feeling the weird energy in the room.
What the hell am I doing?
I stare at my reflection. My jaw is tight. My eyes are hard. I look like I’m ready for a fight.
Maybe I am.
I’m about to head back out when the door slams open behind me.
Holiday storms in, locks the door, and stands in front of me, blocking the exit.
“Real fucking mature,” she snaps.
I catch myself, smirking. “Wrong bathroom, Peaches.”
She glares at me and time stands still.
“Don’t call me that,” she says between gritted teeth.
I straighten up, knowing I’m under her skin. “You got a problem?”
“You’re trying to ruin my night.”
“You don’t know shit about me, Holiday, or what I’m trying to do. Don’t pretend like you do.” I cross my arms.
“Oh, I know you better than you think,” she says, stepping closer.
“What’s this about?” I lean back against the counter. “You jealous or something?”
“Jealous? I should warn the poor girl.”
This makes me laugh. “I’m not the red flag. You are.”
“Fuck you,” she whispers.
“Actually, fuck you,” I counter.
She shakes her head. “You started this. You kept looking at me—”
“It’s a small bar, Holiday. Don’t flatter yourself.”
Her eyes flash with anger. “You’re such an asshole.”
“I’d rather be an asshole than be pathetic.
Over a decade later, and you’re still recycling old crushes.
” I laugh in her face, taking steps forward.
She backs up, blocking the door, not letting me leave.
“You’ve always been like this. Always wanting what you can’t have.
Always looking at me when you’re with someone else. ”
Her breathing picks up. “I don’t want you.”
“No?” I let my nose brush against hers. “I remember you dating someone else and you trying to fuck me. What’s changed?”
“Shut up,” she seethes.
“Make me.”
Her hands come up to my chest, fisting in my shirt, but she’s not pushing me away. She’s holding on. And I see that look in her eyes, the one that says she wants this.
I lean in, my mouth hovering over hers. We’re so close I can feel her breath on my lips.
Her eyes flutter closed. Her mouth parts.
She’s going to let me kiss her, and I move a little closer before pulling back. Sarcastic laughter falls out of my mouth.
Her eyes snap open with confusion, followed by fury.
“Proof you’re pathetic,” I say, still smirking. “You really thought I would kiss you?”
Anger takes over her face.
“You’re a—”
“Asshole, right? Might want to get a better catchphrase. Asshole is getting boring.” I step back. “So glad I’m not desperate.”
“I’m not des—”
“Poor Theo. He’s always been second best, hasn’t he?”
She places her hands on her hips. “Get out of my way.”
“Oh, now you want to run away. Typical. Thanks for proving my point.” I reach for the door. “Go back to your date. Maybe if you focus hard enough, you can pretend it’s not me you’re thinking about.”
“Go to hell, Lucas.”
“Oh, I’m already there.” I unlock the door and walk out, leaving her standing there alone.
My heart is racing, but I’m smiling because she desperately wanted it. She would’ve let me kiss her. And she knows I know.
Everything I said to her is true.
I head back to the bar wearing a cocky smirk. Becca’s waiting for me, but I tell her I need to leave because I have work early in the morning.
She’s disappointed but gives me her number. I take it, knowing I’ll never call.
After I tell Sammy I’m leaving, I pay our tab. Holiday returns to her seat next to Theo. Her face is red. I catch her eye one more time and raise my half-full beer to her in a mock toast.
Holiday’s eyes narrow.
“Shit, she looks pissed,” Sammy says with his eyes wide.
“I’m sure she is,” I tell him with a grin. “Gotta go.”
I walk out into the cold November night and text Jake to come pick me up because I drank too much. As I go to my truck to wait for him, I think about Holiday.
She’s still the same girl who can’t figure out what she wants. Still desperate for attention. Still looking for something she’ll never find. And I hate her for it.
I hate that she came back.
Hate that she’s working on my family’s farm.
Hate how her blue eyes still sparkle for me.
I want her gone, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make her leave.
Fuck Holiday Patterson.