8. Am I Mr. Darcy? #3
My hands won’t keep still on the steering wheel, dancing over the leather like how Aubrey used to dance to our favorite beat.
I exhale an unsteady breath.
You’ve got to face the past eventually. Jasmine’s words echo.
I swallow, and I think the artery in my neck is going to explode, “I was thinking about the first time I said that to you,” I finally admit.
Like a weight lifted from my chest, I suddenly feel lighter, like I have so much more I want to say.
“It was after that concert—” I start to explain, but she interrupts.
“I remember.” And I don’t know if she’s being truthful or just doesn’t want me to talk about it anymore. But when I see how her face heats, I can’t help but think it’s the latter.
“You ate damn near all my fries before we made it back to your place.” I chuckle, my chest shaking. And man, does it feel good to laugh. “I was so pissed but didn’t want to say anything—”
“Because you knew you were going to get laid.” She cranes her neck to give me a look, her bangs falling over her eyes.
Now it’s my turn for my cheeks to redden.
For a heartbeat, there is an awkward silence, and then, “Damn,” I admit, looking at her. “Was I desperate or what?” I grin slowly, studying her.
Then we both tilt our heads back and laugh awkwardly.
She tucks her hair behind her ear, and I immediately wish I’d been the one to do it.
“I can’t remember what we watched…Titanic? Wasn’t it?”
I frown. “There is no way it was Titanic!” I counter.
We go back and forth arguing whether it was or wasn’t. After a few exchanges, we both agreed it was, in fact, Titanic.
As we arrive at her condo, I finally admit, “Why in the hell did we think that was a good movie to fu—” but my words are caught in my chest as I realize I pulled in next to Reid’s truck.
Wait? Did I accidentally drive back to my apartment?
My eyes dance over the modern condo before me…Nope, that’s definitely not my place.
I freeze, tightening my grip on the steering wheel. Aubrey’s mouth drops open. I look out the window, making sure it really is my best friend’s truck parked in my ex-girlfriend’s driveway.
Yup, it sure as hell is.
“Why is Reid here?” I question hoarsely.
“Oh, he’s probably with Elizabeth,” Aubrey states simply, waving a hand like it’s no big deal.
“Who in the hell is Elizabeth?” My brain searches my memory, wondering if there is a fifth Vaughn cousin I don’t know about.
Aubrey giggles, climbing out of my Jeep.
I hesitate.
Do I get out—go in? Do I stay here?
Why do I keep making this awkward?
Thankfully, she asks, “You coming?”
I quickly unfasten my seatbelt and frown when I find Aubrey cracking a smile, and I know my frantic movements are obvious enough that she’s starting to take note.
As we walk to the front door, I continue to ask because she doesn’t seem concerned, “Seriously, who is Elizabeth, and why is Reid with her?”
Aubrey rolls her eyes as we walk in.
I quickly wonder if this Elizabeth is the mysterious woman Reid was so obsessed with at the arena—the exception to the no dating decree he’s had since I’ve known him.
“Mr. Darcy!” Aubrey calls, setting the food down on the table.
I take the opportunity to look around the place, and it seems some things haven’t changed over time. It looks exactly as I remember.
The open-plan space where the living, dining, and kitchen flow together as one is just as I remember, the white oak floor a stark contrast to bright colors tinting the walls.
Definitely screams Rory Vaughn and her bright colors she’s always wearing.
The place as a whole is far too mature looking for college students, but the Vaughns aren’t just any college-aged girls—they’re different.
And trust me…they won’t let you forget it.
I hear arguing coming down the hallway as Aubrey walks in that direction. At first, I’m certain it’s just June and Rory in one of their many fights, and I smile—another thing that hasn’t changed.
Then I hear Reid’s voice.
My mouth hits the floor as I watch him walk out of—wait a fucking second, isn’t that Reese’s room?!
I see her blonde hair fluttering around her as she trails behind him.
What in the actual hell is going on?
A chill creeps over me.
Oh no. No. No. No.
Tell me he isn’t fucking stupid enough to be caught messing around with her? No way, he knows I’d kill him for it.
Reid stops cold. Throws his hands up. Is he blushing?
Not a chance. Morgan Reid doesn’t get flustered.
“Hey, Liam!” Reese greets. But I ignore her, too busy staring at my best friend, who has a lot of explaining to do.
“Who in the hell are Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy?” I ask.
Reese and Aubrey look at each other before throwing their heads back in laughter, and I feel like I am missing the butt of an inside joke. But a stone-faced Reid sags his shoulders, looking far too defeated for someone who just played one hell of an opening game.
“Wait…Am I Mr. Darcy?” Reid questions as he turns to Aubrey, looking as lost in the joke as I am.
Reese and Aubrey nod in unison.
And I hope one of them explains—and quickly.