Chapter 22
Lila
I raised a hand to my lips and traced them with the tips of my fingers.
My skin still tingled where his stubble had grazed against my skin, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at the quiet street as if the world itself had tilted a little.
Wow. That had really just happened. I just had sex with East. The best sex ever.
The night air was cool, crisp against my flushed cheeks, carrying the faint scent of woodsmoke from someone’s fireplace.
Grabbing my phone, I opened a text to my bestie as I peered through the curtains toward her house down the block and across the street. The glow from Sage’s living room lights spilled warmly across her porch.
You up?
Sage
Of course. Where are you?
I’m coming over.
Making sure East’s truck had fully disappeared around the corner, I clutched my sweater tighter and dashed across the street, my sneakers slapping against the pavement in the quiet of the neighborhood.
The familiar creak of Sage’s front steps greeted me as I scrambled up them and slipped inside without knocking, a little breathless.
Sage was waiting for me, settled on her couch in sweatpants and one of her oversized plant-themed tees, her hair spilling in every direction. A sly smirk curved her lips as her eyes flicked over me.
“Whatcha’ been up to?” she asked, her tone sing-song. Then she held up a hand as if stopping traffic. “First off, we need some boundaries. If you’re doing the dirty with my brother, I don’t want specifics. No dick descriptions.”
“Oh my God, Sage.” My face went up in flames. I sputtered the words out, pressing a hand to my chest like I needed to prove my innocence.
“Well, I hope you got some. And, before you say anything, I saw his truck go by.” She patted the spot beside her, already reaching for the throw blanket balled up at the end of the couch. “Now come sit and tell me all about it.”
I sank down next to her, the cushions giving way, and let her pull the blanket over both of our laps.
Sage wriggled until she was tucked in, then spat out a strand of hair that had gotten stuck to her lip.
She tucked it behind her ear with an exasperated little huff that made me laugh despite my nerves.
“He drove me home,” I started softly, tugging the blanket closer around my shoulders. “It was really sweet. Then things got a little hotter.” I winked.
“Driving you home is pretty sweet of him, especially because I can’t think of a single time he’s ever driven a girl anywhere. And?”
“He’s never driven anyone home?” My heart thumped double time.
I delved into the story of the short drive home, how his hand had brushed against mine as he fastened my seatbelt, the gentleness of the gesture completely at odds with his usual grumpy self.
We’d laughed so hard at how he’d been at the first book club meeting a few weeks ago, but Sage had told me he’d had fun.
I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen him coming back today.
I still wasn’t sure if he had fun if it wasn’t for Maggie. “Oh, we definitely made out,” I hedged.
Sage let out a low whistle. “The seatbelt action is kind of hot. If a guy did that for me, I’d totally go for it.” She wagged her brows, then leaned in like she didn’t want to miss a single detail. “And then?”
My cheeks warmed again as I told her about what happened at the house, without giving her too many details. “Your brother .... Phew, I can’t even describe it.” My voice dipped lower without meaning to. “He asked me to dinner.”
“Wow,” Sage breathed, her eyes widening. “Yeah, don’t describe,” she laughed. “I don’t want to hear about my brother’s bedtime deeds, but good for you guys. So, dinner? That’s a big deal for East,” she clarified.
I played with the edge of the blanket between my fingers. “I’m just… worried.”
“About what, sweetie?” Her tone softened. She angled toward me. “East is a good man. He’s got some hang-ups, but under all that, he has a heart of gold.”
I let my gaze drop to the pattern of the throw, tracing a loose thread with my fingertip. “We’re friends first. I don’t want any of that to change.”
Her face lit up with a warm, reassuring smile, and she pulled me into her side for a hug. “Look, babe. I love you. Nothing that happens with you and East will change that, okay? I promise.” She squeezed me tight before leaning back. “I’m not going anywhere. We’re besties.”
Relief loosened something inside me, and I sank deeper into the couch beside her, the night settling around us like a protective cocoon. For the first time since East’s lips had touched mine, I let myself breathe.
Maybe they didn’t see it as a big deal. Their family was tight (and big).
Me? I had nobody now that Grams was gone, and even before that, I never had any siblings or extended family.
Friends were precious. Especially friends like Sage.
Losing any friends over a man … not an option.
Even if he was great in bed, and had … potential.
Sage wiggled her eyebrows again. “So, dinner with East, huh? Bet you he either takes you somewhere nice. Steakhouse vibes. Big portions, leather booths, the works. Or he’ll take you somewhere for takeout.” She laughed. “I’m not sure that man knows how to take a girl out on a date.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “You really think he’s a steakhouse guy? I’d vote for pizza. I’m never the girl who wants to go to a steakhouse.”
“We’ll see. East always surprises me. Underneath, he’s plotting. East doesn’t do anything halfway, especially not when it comes to people who matter.” She poked me in the side. “And you matter.”
Her words hit me harder than I expected.
My stomach fluttered, a mix of excitement and nerves.
That little worry gnawed at me—maybe I hadn’t mattered enough to my father for him to stay.
Maybe I hadn’t mattered enough for Derek to treat me the way he should.
Perhaps this whole thing with East was just a quick hookup.
“What if I say the wrong thing? Or it feels weird?”
“Then you shrug it off and order dessert,” she said firmly. “Chocolate fixes everything. Well, chocolate and wine, but I’m guessing he’ll spring for pie or cheesecake.”
I groaned, burying my face in the blanket. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’ve got a crush on my brother.” She grinned at me, sharp and playful, but her eyes were soft. “Don’t deny it, I can see it written all over your face. Or horny.” She held up a hand. “Gross.”
I pulled the blanket higher, pretending to hide. She tugged it down with a laugh.
“Fine,” I admitted, my voice muffled but honest. “I might have a little crush and be a tiny bit horny. God, I almost begged him to stay tonight.” I covered my face with my hands in embarrassment. “He had to go home to be there for Maggie. I would have been a terrible person to ask.”
Sage clapped her hands together and leaned back triumphantly. “Called it. Oh, this is going to be fun. I get front-row seats to watch my best friend fall head over heels for my grumpy brother.”
I tried to glare at her, but the corners of my mouth betrayed me, curving into a smile.