Chapter Eighteen

Nothing like a distraction to keep you from possibly making a mistake. Lately it seems like most of what we keep doing is a mistake.

"Well, I assumed we'd be there longer. Not sure if we can take her home drunk."

"Bring her back to our house."

"Why?" The last thing I need is for my parents to see us.

"No one's home but me. They're gone to a hotel for the night. Something about a romantic evening."

"Oh. I see." I shifted uncomfortably. All of us... alone at the house. So not a good idea, but I'm out of options. "Okay, just take us home."

I ignored the uncertainty in my mind. It'll be fine. Besides, Bri's sick and she's gonna need my help.

When I looked at Oliver at the red light, I realized his eyes were on me. He looked like he wanted to devour me. I'm in trouble.

When we arrived home, Briana vomited as soon as she stepped out of the car. I held her hair back. Oliver cursed, slamming his door and turning to me.

"Do you need anything?"

I shook my head, then realized someone had to clean it up. "Actually, it'd be amazing if you could clean that up while I get her downstairs."

Oliver wrinkled his nose, then sighed and nodded. He handed me his keys. "Go get her in, I'm gonna hose it down."

I grabbed his arm, giving him a small smile. "Thanks, Oliver."

"Yeah, don't worry about it."

When Briana stopped dry-heaving, I put her arm over my shoulder and walked her into the house. She groaned, rubbing her forehead.

"My head's pounding."

"I know. How about you get in the shower? That always makes you feel better."

Briana looked up, then cursed and closed her eyes. "Got a case of the spins." She laughed, wrapping her arms around me. Drunk Bri isn't anything if not overly affectionate.

"You're such a good friend."

"Thanks, you too."

I got her downstairs and into the bathroom. I sat her on the toilet and turned on the shower, testing the water.

Briana raised her arms. "Bri, you can undress yourself. Besides, your dress unzips in the back."

"Oh shit." She giggled. "Can you unzip me?"

"Sure." I unzipped her, helping her shake off her dress. As she stood in her panties, someone knocked on the bathroom door. Shit, Oliver.

I turned to Briana, then exited the bathroom, closing the door behind me. Oliver wiped his forehead, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Is she going to be okay?"

I nodded, aware of the tension between us. "Yeah, I just have to get her into bed." I wish he didn't affect me so much. He shouldn't have come tonight. "I should get back to Briana."

I pressed my hands against his chest, pushing him away gently. "I have to get in there before she hurts herself."

I watched him, wanting him to grab me and kiss me. Another part of me knows it's a dangerous path. "Goodnight, Oliver."

I turned, disappearing into the bathroom, locking the door. Briana waved from the shower. I sighed, sitting on the toilet.

"You okay?"

I nodded. I don't want to talk about it.

"Sorry I ruined tonight."

I looked at Briana. "Oh none of that, no crying. It's fine. Shit happens. I wasn't having that much fun anyway." It was a little, but I don't need a crying drunk girl. Especially Briana.

Briana sniffled. "Whoa, let's get you out of here. Does your stomach feel okay?"

She nodded. "But I don't want to get out."

"Too bad."

I helped her finish, wrapping her in a towel. In my room, I gave her a t-shirt and shorts, helping her into bed. God, I'm not tired. All I can think about is Oliver. I moved the garbage can to her, sitting at the end of the bed.

I glanced down at my clothes. I should get into something more comfortable. I groaned, stripping down and putting on shorts and a t-shirt. I went to my door. Am I going to regret this?