DaoistrS5CfO

There’s two sides to every love story. The how you fell in love, and the how you fell apart.

This is ours.

The cardinal rule of friendship is you don’t mess with your friend’s sister.
That goes double when she’s his little sister.

It was just supposed to be fun.

She wasn’t supposed to end up being the love of my life.
And I definitely wasn’t supposed to break her heart.

Ainsley is a wedding dress designer. That should’ve been a warning that she’s a hopeless romantic. That should’ve clued me in that she believes love conquers all.

But there are some things that love can’t fix. I’m one of them.

She thinks love is the answer.

But love is the reason I let her go.....

Just Loved

I think we can have a little fun together. I don't think Brody needs to know about that," I say.


The door flies open. No knock, no doorbell, nothing. I guess Skye's used to this being Brody's place—where she came and went as she pleased. Ainsley and I both take a few paces back from each other, and Skye's eyes dart to me. I'm not about to look away. That's as good as admitting guilt. I keep my eyes fixed on her, and Skye holds my gaze while kissing Ainsley on the cheek.


Skye turns to me and asks, "What are you doing here so early?"


"The kitchen sink was clogged," I say quickly. "I was just on my way out."


"Let me go grab my sketches," Ainsley says, wringing her hands together.


Jesus, she looks so guilty. We're going to have to work on her acting skills. She disappears into her bedroom, and I grab Sadie's leash to make a quick escape.


"You better stop this right now," Skye whispers harshly.


"I don't know what you're talking about," I say, putting on my best innocent act.


Bullshit, anyone can see you are attracted to her." Her judgmental eyes slide down to the bulge in my shorts. "You are putting me in a difficult spot with Brody."


"Again, I don't know what you're talking about."


"Fine, you want to play dumb and innocent, go right ahead. But you are jeopardizing your friendship with me, Brody, her, and your business." Skye shakes her head. "You know her, how she is. A hopeless romantic. She wants the fairytale she has in her mind of her parents. Hell, what she thinks of Brody and me. The white knight, everlasting love. She designs wedding dresses, for goodness sake! And you know that she deserves it, so you better think long and hard about what you're doing here."


"Skye, I don't know what you think, but the sink . . ."


She points her finger in my face. "I suggest you back the hell off before you break her heart. I won't cover for you with Brody."


Ainsley returns carrying her sketchpad. "Everything alright?"


"Fine," I say firmly then walk out the door with Sadie.


Who the hell does Skye think she is? What Ainsley and I do in our private lives is none of her damn business. I pound on the elevator keys, knowing I'm lying to myself again. The lies we tell ourselves are the ones that become our truths.


Hardcore truth—whatever I do with Ainsley will affect Brody and Skye.


I take Sadie off her leash and open the door to my condo. "Hey, dude, where you been?" Brody asks from my kitchen island.


Note to self: change locks on both my condo and Ainsley's condo, so these people can't just let themselves in. "I took Sadie for a walk and then went down to Ainsley's place. Kitchen sink was clogged."


Continuation 1