Chapter 8
EIGHT
PRETTY SURE I SAW AN 8-PACK
B riar
“I’ve gotta run, Mom,” I say, getting out of my car. “I just pulled into the parking lot. Thanks for calling. I’ll let you know how today goes.”
Ending the call on my cell, I walk towards a familiar office building 15 minutes outside of Reed Point. It’s my first day back at my old job and I’ll spend most of it onboarding. The plan is to meet with my boss to sign paperwork then meet with HR before having lunch with my new team.
I’m excited to be back to work, but it doesn’t stop a heavy sigh escaping my throat when I walk through the doors of Rossi Cheese. It’s hard to stay focused when there’s a reel of Holden Banks images playing on repeat in my brain.
This past week with Holden had been an interesting one to say the least.
We went on our first fake date and it only made me eager for another one. He’s so easy to hang out with. His friends are cool and uncomplicated. I found myself staring at him, wondering how this was the same man who seemed so flustered around me when I first moved in. I’m also having a very hard time forgetting what he looks like without a shirt.
When I found him shirtless in his bedroom, it was hard to turn and walk away. My fingertips were aching to trace every hard muscle of his body. The man looks more like an underwear model than a web designer who works in an office. Holden Banks can put any athlete or celebrity to shame. Defined pecs and a flat stomach with a light dusting of dark hair leading to the waistband of his shorts. I tried my best not to stare, but I am pretty sure I saw an 8-pack.
Then when I actually did get to touch him, to massage his stiff muscles, it took every ounce of strength in me not to climb him like a tree. He’s hard and sculpted. Long, lean muscles perfected from hours in the gym.
And then there’s the kiss.
The kiss.
I still can’t believe I asked him to kiss me.
I dust a finger over my mouth remembering what it felt like to be kissed by Holden. I already know I will never forget it. I swear time stood still. It was easily the best kiss of my life.
It was worlds apart from what it was like between Justin and me. There were never sparks when he touched me, not like there are with Holden. I never broke into a full body chill when we kissed. I used to think he was the one, but one soft, closed-mouth kiss with Holden has changed all of that.
Justin may not have been the one for me, but I have to remind myself that Holden isn’t either.
I’ve known guys like Holden. Guys who have a list of girls a mile long, who go through them like they’re candy. Getting mixed up with him would be a terrible idea, and yet, I can’t seem to help myself from imagining it. Even worse than that? I fantasize about it at night while he’s laying right next to me. I know better than to go for a guy like him. And I won’t sleep around. When you sleep with someone you give up your power. And I’m not interested in doing that ever again.
It’s taken me time and a lot of soul searching to realize I didn’t deserve what Justin did to me.
He broke me.
He destroyed my self-worth, but it’s starting to feel like I could leave that time in my life behind. I’m feeling stronger. I’m happier. I like being me.
Having great, genuine friends in Reed Point helps. In addition to the few college friends I’ve stayed in touch with, Daisy and Tucker’s close-knit group have all welcomed me with open arms. As much as I love Vancouver, Reed Point feels like home now. And now that I’m back here, I feel like it’s going to be my year. I channel that energy as I take the elevator to my boss’s office.
I’m pushing the button for the fifth floor when my phone buzzes with a message.
Holden: It’s family dinner at my mom’s next week. Probably a good time to start faking our relationship around the family.
I quickly type out a response before the elevator doors open.
Briar: This will be fun. I can’t wait to see how they take it when they find out you’re already living with your new girlfriend. That won’t be awkward. *crazy face emoji*
Holden: My mom left my dad for another woman and the three of them go for dim sum together every Friday night. Nothing is awkward to them.
Briar: Shut up. Do they really?
Holden: Yes, Bee, they do.
Briar: They are the coolest. Okay, I’m in. Can’t wait to meet them, muffin :)
Holden: Call me that again and you won’t like what happens.
Briar: Ooh, I love it when you’re mean.
I chuckle at my screen before shoving my phone into my bag just as the elevator doors open. The text exchange shouldn’t put an extra pep in my step when I walk down the hall to my new office.
But who am I kidding?
That is exactly what Holden Banks does to me.
I’ve curled my hair into loose waves that hang just past my shoulders. I went for a smoky eye, a little blush and a light pink lip gloss. It’s more makeup than I usually wear but I’ve always liked to get dressed up. I check myself out in the mirror to make sure nothing is missing. The fuchsia pink dress I’m wearing hugs my curves and ends mid-thigh. The strappy black heels that fasten around my ankle give me three extra inches. I kind of like the idea of being a little taller next to Holden’s 6’1” frame .
I’m excited for tonight’s dinner at Catch 21. I feel happier than I have in a long time, and I want to celebrate that.
The sound of a loud sneeze and then another draws my attention as I stand in front of the full-length mirror in Holden’s spare bedroom. Grabbing my clutch, I walk down the few stairs to the living room where I find Holden sitting on the couch with his phone in his hand, dressed and ready to go.
He stands when he sees me. My eyes roam over him from head to toe. I’m used to seeing Holden in shorts and a T-shirt or a pair of joggers while he’s lounging around the house. Don’t get me wrong, he looks sexy as hell in casual clothing, but nothing compares to him looking like this . He’s wearing a black button-down dress shirt that highlights his toned physique, paired with dark-gray slacks that fit him to a T. A bolt of lust hits me square in the chest.
It’s when my gaze finally lands on his face that I start to worry. His eyes are red and watery again, like they have been most of the week.
“Gorgeous, Bee,” he says, his voice low and gritty, like sandpaper. Heat seeps into my cheeks.
“You look handsome, Holden. You clean up,” I say, taking a few steps closer, settling my palm on his forehead “But are you feeling, okay? I heard you sneeze, and your eyes are watering.”
A grin tugs at his lips. “I didn’t realize you’re a doctor.”
“I can’t be concerned about my boyfriend?”
“I am not your boyfriend.”
“Not with an attitude like that, you’re not,” I coo, taking a step back.
“It’s nothing. I’m fine.” He waves it off then holds up his phone. “I ordered us an Uber. The app says the car will be here in five minutes. If it’s not enough time for you, I’ll ask the driver to wait.”
My eyes widen a fraction. It’s a small thing, him being so patient, but it matters to me. Justin would have thrown a fit if I wasn’t ready on time. I would have had to listen to him yell at me for the entire drive to the restaurant, dying of embarrassment the entire time.
“I’m good, Holden. Thank you.”
It takes me a second to unglue my eyes from him, to shake off the effect of seeing him all dressed up. When I finally do, he ushers me out the door and into the waiting car. My pulse races the entire ride to the restaurant from having him so close to me. Rugged, handsome, playboy Holden who I can’t seem to stop fantasizing about. It’s a relief when we arrive at the restaurant. We find our friends out on the patio, the first round of drinks just being delivered by the server.
Grayson and Sierra spot us first and come over to pull us into the group, where Jake, Everly, Daisy, and Tucker are waiting.
“Holdey, my man.” Tuck stands up and crushes Holden in a bro-hug. It’s impossible not to smile at their friendship. You can tell they’ve known each other for a very long time. These days, they are both successful—not to mention incredibly handsome—men, but when the two of them are together, it’s not hard to imagine what they must have been like as teenagers, running around Reed Point causing trouble together.
“I miss you, man. Didn’t see you at Jake’s on Wednesday. Where have you been this week?”
I know the answer to that question because he’s been with me every night after coming home from work. But was he supposed to be at Jake’s? And if so, why didn’t he go ?
“Yeah, it’s been a busy week. I’ll make it next time.”
Weird. But I don’t have time to unpack Holden’s comment when Everly greets me with a tight hug.
We spend the next several minutes hugging our friends and ordering drinks, and as I move around the table I can feel Holden looking at me. A couple of times our eyes meet, and he shoots me that signature smirk. When it’s time to take our seats, I feel his hand on the small of my back as he guides me to the table.
“Let me,” he smiles, pulling out my chair. As I slide into the seat, I feel the weight of everyone’s attention on us. I didn’t realize until now that everyone else here is married. Holden and I are the only single ones in the friend group, but to any outsider we would probably look a lot like a couple too. I glance at Daisy beside me and find her staring at me with eyes as wide as saucers.
“What’s going on over there?” Sierra asks, and I silently thank her for the distraction. She points to the corner of the patio, where a photographer is perched with his camera aimed at a couple eating dinner.
“Is that Miles Bennett?” Everly asks. “Oh my god, it is… he’s with Rylee.”
The entire world knows who Miles Bennet is. He’s one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars and Reed Point’s claim to fame. He was born and raised here along with his two brothers and younger sister, Jules, who also happens to be best friends with Sierra. Their family owns the Seaside Hotel chain, a very upscale brand of boutique hotels on the east coast. Miles met his wife Rylee—"America’s sweetheart,” according to the tabloids—on set when she was working as a PA. They got married a few years ago and have a few kids now. Miles usually isn’t bothered by too many paparazzi when he’s here in Reed Point, but he’s been doing a lot of press for a big action movie he has coming out, so I guess the press is paying more attention than usual.
“Sierra, you know him. Can you introduce us all?” Everly asks, looking completely starstruck.
“I’ll let them eat first and then I’ll go say hi. Okay, what’s everyone getting for dinner?”
The table quiets as everyone looks through the extensive menu, and I use the lull in conversation to appreciate the stunning view. The restaurant itself is gorgeous, with a white marble bar, pale pink suede booths and ornate jellyfish-inspired glass chandeliers. But it’s the covered patio less than 50 feet from the ocean on the edge of the busiest beach in the city that makes Catch 21 so special.
The air is warm, the patio is packed with people enjoying a perfect summer night, and when the sun goes down, the space will glow under pretty strands of string lights.
The waitress hurries off with our orders just as the band begins to play a string of cover songs and most of us, now on our second round of drinks, start to sing along. The chat around the table is easy and fun, and by the time we’ve finished our dinners we’re all a little buzzed.
“So, Briar. It’s good to see you back,” Jake says, one arm draped across Everly’s shoulders. “I hope my bro Holden has rolled out the welcome mat.”
“Obviously,” Holden pipes up. “Ask Tucker. I’m a great roommate.”
“You were buddy,” Tuck agrees before taking a sip of his gin and tonic. “Questionable taste in TV and O.C.D. that’s a little out of control, but other than that you were a dream.”
I watch as Holden shakes his head fighting a grin on his face.
“I can confirm. Great roommate. No notes.” I nod in his direction. “I’m not sure what I would have done without him. Well, I do know… I would have been homeless.”
“Have you talked to your landlord about your place?” Grayson asks from across the table.
I nod my head. “I spoke to him briefly today. He’s been dealing with the insurance company all week and he finally got that part settled. He said he has guys going in on Monday to start the job.”
“I guess it’s progress,” Grayson says.
“It is. And until then, I have a great place to stay.”
“Did you ever buy furniture for my old room or are you making Briar sleep on the floor?” Tucker jokes, leaning forward to look down the table at Holden.
“It arrived today. I need to put it all together this weekend.”
“You’ve been stuck with the couch, Briar?” Jake asks innocently enough. Daisy, on the other hand, is shooting me a look that says, inquiring minds wanna know.
“Holden gave me his bed,” I answer for him, patting his bicep.
“No big deal, just some minor spinal damage,” he teases, rubbing the side of his neck. When Holden’s gaze shifts to me, I flick him an amused look. His lips quirk up in response. It’s kind of cute.
Tucker laughs. “I’ve slept on that couch. I feel your pain.”
“You should get Briar to massage it out for you. Her hands are like magic.” Daisy flashes a knowing smirk as she leans one elbow on the table, resting her chin in her palm.
I take a long sip of the tequila sunrise Holden ordered for me. My skin heats as I wonder if Holden is going to tell the table that I’ve already done that. Something in me hopes he doesn’t. The massage wasn’t sexual in any way, but the physical contact did feel like it may have been the start of something. I mean, that night did end in a kiss.
“I’ll remember that,” he responds coolly as I exhale from behind my glass. I want to throw my arms around him right here and now for being so discreet—for not kissing and telling, literally.
As our waitress shows up to clear away our empty plates, Holden catches my eye. I feel like I can’t breathe when he winks, then holds my gaze in a lingering, heated stare. The longer our eyes stay glued to one another’s, the more everything and everyone else in the room fades away.
This man… he’s confident, but still charming and sweet. I wish I wasn’t so ridiculously attracted to him, but there’s no denying that I am.
The conversation shifts to Tucker and his reno just as Holden’s hand falls to my thigh under the table. He does it so nonchalantly, like it’s no big deal, when in fact, every nerve in my body feels like it’s about to short-circuit. He runs his warm hand back and forth as the conversation continues around us.
The feel of his skin against mine draws my gaze to him, but he doesn’t look in my direction or give the slightest acknowledgement that his hand on my thigh is driving me wild. He laughs at something Tucker said, but I have completely lost track of the story. All I can think about is how I wouldn’t mind if Holden moved his hand closer to the hem of my dress. Then even further.
Have I craved this, to be touched by Holden? The answer is yes. But I’m also confused. Holden touching me like this is completely unexpected. I don’t know where his head is at. He frowns at me one minute and is kissing me in the hallway the next. I have whiplash from the mixed signals.
Skin flaming, I turn my attention to the waitress and the round of shots she’s handing out, courtesy of Grayson. It’s only when Holden reaches for the shot glass that he removes his hand from my thigh, and I miss it instantly.
“Here’s to a night we’ll never remember with the friends we’ll never forget.” Grayson raises his glass in the air.
I throw back the tequila, the liquor a welcome burn as it slides down my throat. After everything that has happened tonight—Holden’s lingering gazes, his hand on my leg—I’m feeling unnerved. My brain only gets hazier when he leans into my side and whispers, “Looks like I’m about to find out what happens to my girlfriend when she drinks tequila.”
I study him. The alcohol has loosened my inhibitions. “So, I’m your girlfriend now?” I ask him.
“Isn’t that what we agreed to?”
I watch his expression darken, the freckle under his left eye pulling my attention away for just a second before my gaze drifts to his mouth.
I’m feeling a buzz from the alcohol, which is why I take things one step further. “I wanna hear you call me your girlfriend again.”
He starts to say something, but the sound of Tucker’s chair sliding back over the concrete patio interrupts the moment.
Tucker pulls Daisy on to the dance floor and the rest of our friends follow soon after. It doesn’t take long for the small dance floor to be full of swirling bodies. I watch my friends move to the sounds of 90’s songs with a smile on my face and happiness in my heart, feeling grateful to have this group of people in my life.
I feel Holden stretch his arm across the back of my chair. If I knew what was good for me, I wouldn’t melt back into him. I wouldn’t inch even closer. But that’s exactly what I do.
It feels good .
It feels right.
I feel safe.
And while the tequila may have something to do with the warm feeling that is spreading through my body, I know it’s a lot more than that.
“Do you wish you were dancing?” Holden murmurs in a low, lazy tone.
I turn my head to the side, looking at him under the fringe of my lashes. “I’m pretty happy right here where I am.”
His eyes widen, and I see the flash of heat in them. Butterflies come to life in my stomach. When is that going to stop happening? I keep thinking that the more time I spend with him, the sooner these fluttery feelings will dissipate, but if anything, the opposite is happening. They seem to only be intensifying.
“Like something you see?” he asks, eyebrows raised.
I roll my eyes. “I was just appreciating the view… of the restaurant .”
He laughs, and something about it is incredibly sexy. I’m trying not to overthink things but the way he’s looking at me with that smirk and those twinkling green eyes has me off balance.
“Nice try. You were staring at me, Bee. And I think you were liking what you see.”
My eyes narrow. “Was not.”
Holden leans into me, so close that the woodsy scent of his cologne just about makes me forget my own name. “Tell your boyfriend what you were thinking about when you were checking him out.”
It’s my turn to push his buttons. So that’s exactly what I do when I decide to tell him exactly what I was thinking. “The way you are with your friends is so damn hot. ”
“What else?”
The arm he has wrapped around me tightens as I swivel in my seat so that I’m facing him. His eyes sear into mine, heavy with heat and appreciation. His other hand rises to my face, sweeping my hair behind my ear. The feeling of his fingertips sends a shiver of desire through me. When his gaze dips to my mouth, I feel a spark of electricity between my thighs.
“I was thinking I like it when you touch me.”
“Funny… I like touching you.”
“Have you thought about doing more?”
“Bee, the things I’ve thought about doing to you should be illegal.”
I bite my lip at the same time my eyes go wide. So, he does want me just as much as I want him.
“I don’t understand what’s going on between the two of us.” As soon as the words leave my lips, I feel a mixture of relief and trepidation. Holden has been so hard to read. “Tell me what you’re really thinking, Holden.”
“I’m thinking that pink is my new favorite color.”
“So that means you like my dress?”
“Hmm.”
A grin takes over my entire face. “Holden?”
“Yeah.”
“We’ve slept in the same bed every night this week and you haven’t tried anything, not once. I figured you weren’t attracted to me.”
Eyes still on me, he doesn’t hesitate. “I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and...” he pauses. I watch his Adam’s apple as he swallows.
“And what, Holden?”
“And I’m not sure that anyone has ever turned me on the way that you do. ”
My cheeks flame. It feels good to finally hear him admit his attraction to me. But where do we go from here?
“Bee, I am so attracted to you, but—”
“I’m not looking to start anything serious either,” I interrupt.
I know it could be complicated with Holden, but for one night, I’d like to feel wanted. I’d like to give in to the need that I’ve felt coursing through my veins for this man ever since I moved in with him.
One night.
A few hours of no-strings-attached sex.
We can have a little fun, get it out of our systems, and then go back to the way things were. I’m pretty sure Holden would want the same thing.
“Briar.” He lets out a frustrated groan. “You aren’t making this easy for me. Just so you know, if you want—"
Behind us, a throat clears. The tension between us suddenly snaps and we pull away to see Grayson is back at the table.
“Hey. Sierra is talking to Miles and Rylee. They’re getting ready to go so she wanted to catch them before they left.”
Gray lowers himself into his chair and picks up his half-empty glass. I inch my body away from Holden’s just slightly, taking the opportunity to take a deep breath as he chats with Grayson. A few minutes later, the rest of the group returns to the table, bringing Miles and Rylee to join us for a photo.
We all move to one side of the table and Everly passes her phone to the waitress so she can snap a picture. I’m back nestled into Holden’s side for the photo, trying to hide the goosebumps that have erupted over my skin. The kiss Holden and I shared this week did nothing to temper the lust running rampant in my body. If anything, it only makes me want him more. And after tonight, all I can think about is how good his lips felt against mine and how badly I want to feel that again.
My nipples pebble under my dress.
Relax, Briar. This is not the time and place to be this turned on.
The music thumps from the crowded dance floor as our group settles back in around the table. Holden is soon deep in conversation with Tucker and Jake, so I take the opportunity to escape to the bathroom to clear my head.
Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I take a deep breath. Whatever this is between Holden and I, it’s starting to feel dangerous. What are we doing? I didn’t move back to Reed Point to start a relationship. Especially not with my roommate.
I have to get out of here.
I dig out my cell phone to send a text to Daisy to tell her I’m suddenly not feeling well and am taking an Uber home. Then I slip out into the restaurant, bee-lining it for the door.
I make it as far as the hostess stand before a big hand circles my waist. He pulls me towards him, desire pooling in his green eyes. “I was worried about you, Bee. Everything okay?”
No, everything is not okay .
Holden has made it clear he’s not looking for a relationship right now, and neither am I. I’ve learned the hard way that loving someone is a weakness. You open up your heart only to have it crushed, then you convince yourself that they didn’t really mean to hurt you and pick up the pieces after they’ve left. I’ve made excuses for a man before—over and over—and I swore to myself I wouldn’t do it again. I’m working on myself. But the temptation to spend one steamy night with Holden is overwhelming, and it only intensifies when he inches a little closer, his hand on my waist drawing me to him.
I need to tilt my chin to look him in the eyes.
Not smart.
When my eyes meet his, every doubt in my mind and every sound from the restaurant fades until it’s just the two of us.
“I’m fine,” I tell him.
“Aren’t you having fun?”
“I’m having a great time.” Especially with him. “I just needed a minute to think.”
“Were you going to leave without saying goodbye to our friends?”
“Our friends are still partying.”
Holden turns me in his arms, so my back is against his chest. His breath tickles the side of my cheek, and every inch of my skin comes alive, including the space between my thighs. “So let them,” he says, his voice shallow and gravely. “I’d like to take my girlfriend home.”