“Stop it! I only told you because I’m nervous.”
“Then why’d you ask him?”
“Because it looks fun.” She shrugged. “But… is it going to hurt?”
“Honest answer? Yeah, probably. But only the first couple of times and only for a minute or two until you get used to it. But then you have to do it regularly or it tightens up again.”
“Ok that just sounds gross.”
“You wanted to know.”
“You just make it sound so mechanical,” she said, blushing. “So… would I need to do anything to prepare?”
“A bath obviously, make sure you’re clean. And-”
“Of course I’d do that! I do that anyway!”
“Hey, you asked for advice and I’m giving it,” I protested, jabbing her with the end of the barrel brush I was holding. “The most important thing is to relax, and to start with fingers instead of having him dive straight in there. Trust me, that wouldn’t be comfortable. But holy fuck, Elle, once you’re used to it, it’s amazing.”
“See, that’s what I’ve heard. I feel like I’m missing out on something awesome.”
“You are! I mean obviously us guys are built a little differently up there so I don’t know exactly what it’ll feel like for you, but I’ve heard from other women that they’ve enjoyed it.”
“Shit, I so can’t believe I’ve just discussed this with you.”
“Oh come on, we’ve discussed worse.”
“About you maybe.”
“Exactly. Discovering that you’re as much of a dirty bitch as I am makes a refreshing change,” I teased, winking at her through the mirror. “Anyway, shut up and let me dry your hair before Kip sends a search party looking for you.”
Elle watched me intently through the mirror as I styled her hair, scrutinizing every turn of the brush. I noticed her fingers twist around each other, itching to reach up and take over. She was a perfectionist, and once I’d finished a proud smile crawled onto my lips, because I had given her just that – perfection.
“Well?” I urged when Elle was still silent almost a minute later. “Do you like it?”
“Hmmm.”
My heart sank.
“I’m just messing with you, I bloody love it!” she enthused, teasing the strands with her fingers. “Thank you, beautiful,” she added as she stood from the chair, wrapping her arms around me.
“You’re totally gonna get laid tonight looking like that.”
“Maybe I’m not the only one. I’ve seen the way Mason’s been looking at you.”
Elle’s words knocked the wind from my lungs, forcing out a small gasp. Why the hell would she think that?
“It’s not like that,” I objected. “We’re friends. Nothing more. If anything, I think he’s pissed off with me.”
“Trust me, he’s not pissed off with you. He fancies you.”
“Fancies me? I must’ve missed the memo that said we were back in high school.”
“I’m serious. He watches you.”
“He does not watch me.”
Does he?
“You watch him too.”
“Now I know you’re talking through your fanny flaps, because I sure as shit do not watch him,” I replied. “I’m going downstairs.”
Looking back, I was more abrupt than I should’ve been, but the conversation was making me feel uncomfortable and I needed out. Lately all things Mason had been stressing me the fuck out. He either acted pissed with me or concerned about me and I didn’t know why, and the most confusing thing about that was I didn’t understand why I even gave a shit.
When I got back downstairs the place had really picked up. Lots more people had arrived, including Sawyer and Jake who were out by the barbecue talking to Kip. I decided I’d talk to them later when I’d calmed down, even though I didn’t know why I was tense in the first place. After walking through to the kitchen, greeting people with brief high fives along the way, I plucked a bottle of water out of the fridge and drained it in one.
“Hey.” Mason’s voice came from behind me and I turned around.
“I didn’t think you were coming?”
“I’m not staying long. Just came to congratulate Kip.”
“He’s outside,” I said, nodding towards the French doors.
“You’re not drinking?” he asked quizzically, spotting the empty bottle of water in my hand. Again, I didn’t know why but it riled me.
“You make out like I’m an alco-fucking-holic.”
“Whoa,” he said, raising his palms in the air. “I was just teasing, Ry. It’s a party, that’s all. People drink at parties. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Sure, whatever. Sorry.”
“Guess I’ll just go talk to Kip and make my way home then.”
“Sure. Catch you later.”
Frowning, Mason turned and set off towards the barbecue area. Huffing, I rubbed my hands over my face. I was in a foul mood and starting to piss myself off. I forced a smile, however, when Elle entered the room, and followed her outside to see Kip’s reaction to her new look.
“Holy shit, you look incredible!” Kip beamed, wrapping an arm around Elle’s waist and pulling her in for a quick kiss. “When did this happen?” he tacked on, running his fingers through her hair.