All of my feelings for Oakley that I’ve been trying to bury for the last decade come bursting back to the forefront. It feels like a tidal wave hits me, and all I can hear is a rushing in my ears. My palms grow sweaty as my heart rate kicks up, making me a bit lightheaded.
Every muscle in my body tenses at the thought of smelling her sweet orange blossom perfume. Or maybe it’s just her. I’d love to find out.
I shake my head, trying to pull myself back together and listen to my sister.
“It’s going to be so good to have her back home, don’t you think?”
“Yeah,” I agree. If byso good, Clara meanssweet torture, then definitely.
“I just hate to think about her being in that big house with her parents.” I grunt, knowing exactly what she means. If it were up to me, I’d move her into my place right this goddamn second. “I wish I lived closer so I could check on her,” Clara says. “But I guess you’ll just have to do it for me.”
She wants me to keep a close eye on Oakley?Is she messing with me? Does she know about my obsession with her best friend?
Truthfully, I’ve never done that good of a job at hiding my feelings for Oakley. I mean, all of my brothers know how I feel about her, and they aren’t half as observant as Clara is.
She has to know that I’m in love with Oakley, right?
I wish I could ask her or could tell her that I want Oakley more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life, but every time I try to open my mouth to confess, I freeze.
The Ford family has always been tight-knit. Not many siblings can say they work with each other every day and don’t get sick of each other. Do my brothers annoy the ever living shit out of me sometimes? Of course. But I give as good as I get, and at the end of the day, I would do anything for my family. I know they would do the same for me.
Even though Clara moved to LA, we still talk on the phone, text, and FaceTime nearly every day. It would break my fucking heart if she thought I betrayed her.
I run my hands through my dark brown hair, sighing as I lean back against the front door. Clara is still talking, telling me about planning to take a trip back home to see everyone soon, but the only thing on my mind is being with Oakley tomorrow.
I saw her last night when I went to the bar in town with my brothers, but that’s not the same as being alone with her.
In my car.
While we drive to a wedding.
And take a romantic ferry boat ride.
Jesus, how am I ever going to resist her for that long?
I’ve always had someone else around to keep me in line, to remind me about my promise to Clara. There won’t be anyone to do that tomorrow, though.
Part of me knows that if I go to the wedding with Oakley tomorrow, I’m going to tell her how I feel about her and ask her out. How could I not? Every moment she’s not mine is excruciating.
So maybe I should tell Clara now. Or, probably, the better move is to make up some excuse not to take Oakley and just go by myself.
Except, I don’t want to.
Plus, what if Oakley was excited for a little getaway to a remote island? I don’t want to disappoint her.
“So, she’ll be by your house tomorrow around two,” Clara reminds me. I clear my throat, getting my head back in the game.
“I’ll be ready,” I promise her.
“Good. Have fun.”
Oh, I will.
THREE
Oakley
I’m sonervous that I haven’t been able to eat all day. I’m sure my mom would be thrilled if she took the time to notice me.