I want to punch him in the face, but that's exactly what he's expecting me to do. He wants me to prove that I like Kylie despite the fact that I have always told him we're just friends.
"I'm not interested in my best friend's virginity, asshole," I lie with the biggest poker face I can make, trying not to look him in the eyes.
And she's not a virgin anymore, I remind myself and feel how the blood rushes through my veins out of anger.
Kylie told me about her birthday date two days ago: there was dinner under the stars on a safari trip, and then they spent the whole night in a tent.
She didn't confess she lost her virginity, but I know she did. What woman would be able to reject someone who prepares surprises like that?
"Sure you don't," Zac chuckles, obviously not believing a single word.
I want to punch him again, but not because he's an asshole, but because my best friend lost her virginity with someone else, and there was nothing I could do about it.
Chapter Three
Tyler
I took a shower and brushed my teeth with the speed of a lion, preparing myself for a meeting with Kylie. I have never been this scared and excited at the same time. Even when I have my swim competitions, I am never this nervous.
She should be home at half past seven because I know exactly when her plane lands and the time it takes to reach our home from the airport. I'm waiting for her on the porch, walking back and forth, like a lion trapped in a cage.
I bought her flowers, pink peonies to be exact. I hope they're still her favorite. I also have a surprise for her: I ordered her favorite cake: dark chocolate covered with M&Ms on the top.
Yes, I'm that desperate to see her, and I know how pathetic it is to be waiting for a girl who already has a boyfriend.
Kylie told me once that her mom might go back to Africa in a year. I said that it's good that she turned eighteen and it's her last year at school so she won’t have to go with her. But then she said that she might because she likes it there so much. I wanted to smash my phone when I heard that, but I told her I'll support her every decision.
That day I got drunk and had a fight with one of my teammates, and despite the fact that I broke his nose and he only left some bruises on me, he was disqualified, and I stayed on the team. I know it's not only because the coach thinks I'm gonna get to the Olympics someday. It's also because my father is one of the school's investors, while Jake's father is just an actor, even if he has an Emmy. That's how the real world works. You can have whatever the fuck you want if you're powerful enough.
And I can have whatever I want, except for the only thing I'm desperate for: my best friend.
I'm not only willing to have sex with Kylie Thompson. I also want to smell her, kiss her, touch her. I want to make her mine. I want the whole world to know that Kylie has been claimed by me and belongs to me.
But I can't. Because the only thing I want more than having Kylie in my bed is for her to be happy. And if she's happy with some other guy she met in Africa, then I'll be supportive and let her be with him.
Fuck. I can't believe I’m thinking this way. I can't give up that easily.
I have to fight for my Kylie.
When the Uber arrives, and I realize that it's Kylie and her mother inside, my heart skips a beat. I'm finally gonna see her.
I'm hiding behind a bush so she can't see me. I wanted it to be a surprise for her, and that's why I lied and said we'd see each other tomorrow.
But I couldn't wait that long when I knew she's gonna be home today.
The door opens, and some other girl gets out of the car.
Fuck, that's not them.
This girl has dirty blond wavy hair so long it almost reaches her waist, while Kylie is a light brunette with straight hair down to her shoulders. Also, this girl is curvier, with round hips and full breasts.
I feel my dick jump inside my pants, and I can't believe it. Why is he reacting so strongly to a stranger? He never does that!
Where the hell is Kylie?
But no matter what I'm thinking, I can't take my eyes off this stranger. She's wearing tiny denim shorts, a bit small for her hips, and a tight white top that emphasizes her full breasts. Kylie would never wear something like that because she's ashamed of her body. She told me that more times than I can count.
Also, this girl is tanned, while Kylie's skin is pale, despite living in California.