Chapter Two

His breath tickled my face as he chuckled, a sound that stirred something in my gut. I bit my lip, and he groaned.

Am I seriously turned on right now? What is wrong with me?

"I think you enjoy when I tease you," he said.

"You don't know anything about me," I snapped.

His eyes scanned my face, lingering on my lips. Oh my god, he's going to kiss me! He leaned closer, his lips so near I could almost taste him. My lips parted.

So close. So sexy. So tempting.

"I know you know what you want, Scarlett. Say the words, baby. Tell me what you need from me."

You've known him for five damn seconds! He's an ass... don't fall for it!

"Kiss me," I whispered, just loud enough for him to hear.

Oliver let out a slow, exaggerated breath. "It's so fucking tempting. Believe me."

I moaned softly as he grazed his fingers down my face and neck, then wrapped his hand lightly around my throat, squeezing gently.

"I don't think you'd be able to handle it. You're a good girl," he said, stepping away and shaking his head with a chuckle.

I took a moment to compose myself, shooting daggers at the men's bathroom door, then smoothed my shirt. Holy shit. He almost kissed me. And I wanted him to... I pressed a hand to my forehead. No more drinks for me. I need a clear head around him.

As I walked back to the table, I debated whether to excuse myself or stick it out. Just get through one dinner. That's all.

As if on cue, my stomach growled. I sat down and scanned the menu. The waitress returned, but Kirk sent her away, saying we'd wait for Oliver. After fifteen minutes, Kirk sighed and pulled out his phone.

"Oliver, we're waiting for you. Are you almost done?"

I glanced at Mom, my pulse quickening.

"What do you mean, you left? You're being ridiculous, Oliver. Get your ass back here. No, I—I'm not gonna deal with this. This isn't over."

Kirk hung up, angrily shoving his phone into his pocket. He clapped his hands together and turned to us. "I apologize. Oliver left. Probably for the best. He was being a jackass."

"I'm sorry, honey," Mom said, trying to reassure him.

"Don't worry about it. Let's just enjoy lunch," Kirk said, changing the subject.

I can't believe he pulled a disappearing act. Guess he beat me to it.

The next day, Briana and I helped Mom and Kirk move boxes into the house. I was relieved Oliver was gone, but annoyed I had to move his stuff into his room. I grumbled to Briana.

"As much as I love his absence... why the fuck is it my job to move his shit?"

Briana snickered, clutching a few pillows. "Well, if I've learned anything from my brothers, boys are lazy."

"You're telling me," I muttered.

As we neared the top of the stairs, Mom called from below. "No, Scar, his stuff goes in the basement bedroom!"

I stopped, turning around, anger filling me. She's giving him MY room! "Wait! He's getting my room?"

Mom laughed and shook her head. "No, we're turning the guest bedroom into his room."

You've got to be kidding me... his bedroom is going to be right next to mine? What did I do to deserve this? I ignored the unwanted excitement and groaned. Nodding to Briana, we headed to the basement.

"Why isn't he getting my old bedroom?" I asked Mom.

"Kirk thought it'd be a good idea to turn that into my art room. It gets the most light. The basement isn't ideal for painting scenery."

"Mom, please don't make me room next to him," I pleaded.

"Scar, don't whine. You're eighteen. You're practically an adult. It's not like you have to see him all the time. I just want you to try and get along for Kirk and my sake."

"Fine. I can do that." Who knows? Maybe it'll be easier than I think.

Reaching the basement guest bedroom, I dumped his boxes on the floor. Briana scoffed, grinning as she tossed pillows onto the bed.

"Well, I can tell how much you like him," she giggled.

"Oh yeah... so fucking much," I said sarcastically.

Unaware that Oliver was listening, I clenched my jaw when I heard his voice. "Feelings mutual, Scar."

"Don't fucking call me that."

Oliver grinned, clearly enjoying my reaction. He looked at Briana and bit his lip, stepping into the room and offering her his hand. "I don't believe we've met. Oh, no. I'm sure we haven't, because I would've remembered."

I scoffed, unimpressed. Wow... talk about cocky. He loves getting me pissed off. Attention whore.

"Uh... yeah, I'm Scarlett's best friend, Bri," Briana said, shaking his hand and blushing. Ew. Please, God, don't fall for this.

"Since you're here now, Ollie, how about you carry your own shit..."

Oliver frowned at the nickname. I stifled a grin. He crossed his arms. "Hm... I'm having too much fun watching you carry it."

I glanced at the pillows on the floor. I should fucking throw them at him.