“I’m sure I’m not the first. And how and when I lose it is not your concern.”
“You seem like a nice girl, Kristen.” He leaned closer to her and lowered his voice. “You don’t need to go about it this way.”
“You don’t know what I need. And you should just stop.” She seemed to choke on the last word. Her lips pursed, and she took in a ragged breath. “Stop judging me for wanting to have some fun. Judging me for drinking a little too much—and don’t lie, I know you were.”
His chest tightened, and he glanced away. She was right. Before he could reply, the rest of the guys who’d been playing cornhole made their way to the porch.
“Food’s inside, right?” Eric asked.
Blake gave a small nod.
“Thanks, man.”
Once Blake was alone with Kristen, he turned his attention back to her.
“You’re right,” he finally admitted. “I did judge you for drinking too much, and I’m sorry.”
She narrowed her eyes, seeming uncertain how to take the apology.
“Thank you. I’m sorry, too. Especially for putting you in this situation. I don’t think either of us expected to see each other again, let alone here. Making this all a little weird. I mean, not as weird as if we’d slept together, but still uncomfortable.”
He didn’t even want to try and imagine the level of guilt and self-hatred he’d have right now if they’d ended up in bed together.
“Yeah, sleeping with your friend’s sister is a big no. Like, maybe one of the top Bro Code rules. You just don’t do it.”
Her mouth thinned. “Well, we didn’t. So don’t worry about it.”
Maybe he hadn’t slept with her, but he’d definitely had his tongue down her throat and his hand on her tit at one point.
Shit.
“Yeah,” he agreed with an unsteady laugh, “dodged a bullet there, right?”
Her eyes turned flinty, and her laugh was a bit forced. “What a flattering comparison.”
“I didn’t mean it like—”
“In any case, just keep your mouth closed?” Her gaze sought his. “Promise.”
Hell.
“Yeah,” he muttered, “I promise.”
“Good. After this barbecue, hopefully, we won’t meet again anytime soon.” She turned and made her way inside.
And because he was a complete asshole, he slid his gaze down to check out her cute little ass in those leggings.
Damn.
Why in the hell had he ever agreed to go to that party last night? If he’d met Kristen today, he would’ve automatically placed her in the untouchable category in his mind.
But he’d met her last night, and he’d wanted her. Unfortunately, knowing now she was James’s sister didn’t make him want to sleep with her any less.
*
“I don’t believethis.” Kristen grabbed a soda out of the cooler and cracked it open. “I don’t freaking believe this.”
Fortunately, no one was within earshot to hear her mutter of disbelief to herself.