“Sure.”
“Is there something going on with you and Ethan?” I’m caught off guard.
“No, why do you ask?” I answer, keeping my voice as neutral as possible.
“The other night at the bar when I came looking for Ethan because stripper girl was looking for him… It looked like I interrupted something. And y’all were acting weird the other night when we were over here planning New Year’s. Y’all kept stealing glances at each other.”
“It’s nothing like that… We’re friends… It’s just been weird lately. That’s all.” I’m freaking out a little. Am I that obvious? And why would Ethan be looking at me?
“Just don’t let him be a dick to you… I have heard of him doing it to other girls, and you don’t deserve that.” He places his arm around my shoulder, pulling me into his side for a quick hug.
“He has no reason to be a dick to me. We’re just friends. I have a boyfriend, remember?” I say, hoping he doesn’t push further.
“Why didn’t you invite the boyfriend?”
“I was going to, but he’s working on the 30th and the 1st. He would have to drive up here on the 31st and drive right back the next day. He was actually a little upset I wasn’t going to be with him.”
I downplay his reaction because the phone conversation we had a couple of days ago was not fun. Caleb was worried and pissed I was going to the beach and spending New Year’s without him with guys he doesn’t know."
“And who will you be kissing at midnight?” Caleb spits out.
“No one! And who will you be kissing?”
“Would it bother you if I had a midnight kiss?” he sneers.
“What do you think? Of course, it would. Why are being like this?”
“Why? Because my girlfriend is choosing to spend New Year’s Eve without me.”
“I’m sorry. It just came up, and my parents don’t want me to leave town just yet.” I sigh with the white lie I throw out to calm the conversation. I’m torn between wanting to spend a New Year’s with my boyfriend and the comfort of my friends.
“Well then…Iwill be your date for the night. I won’t have anyone there either.” He smiles extending his hand. “The solo friends.”
I take his hand, “Perfect. Thank you.” I’m grateful for his friendship, and it eases my concern at being a “third wheel” if everyone starts coupling off.
13
Ethan’s Roveris parked next door when we arrive at Preston’s cabin. Paige yells at everyone to help take in all the groceries and drinks we brought with us. Ethan shows up out of nowhere offering to help. Every time I see him, my emotions run high, and I don’t feel like myself. I tear my eyes away from him and take a calming breath.
The Hayes’s houses are a couple of the nicest and largest on the strip. They are waterfront properties on stilts with a small boardwalk down to the beach. Ethan goes back to his cabin after helping us unload, and the guys leave to buy ice for the coolers.
“Aren’t y’all curious what Ethan’s cabin is like? We’ve never been over there.” Paige raises a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at us.
“Now that you mention it…” Briana chimes in.
“I think we should go check it out.” Paige gives Briana a wicked smile, then glances briefly in my direction.
“Y’all go. I’m staying here,” I state calmly as I plop down on a couch and reach for the remote.
“I don’t think so…” Paige says to me shaking her head and grabbing for my hand. “We should all go. Aren’t you the least bit curious what his house is like?”
“Not really,” I lie, my heart feeling too large for my chest. I want to see it, but I want to see him more. Avoiding him is my goal. “Go ahead.” I widen my eyes, not wanting to have to explain.
“I’ll stay with you,” Lena says, about to sit on the couch with me.
I smile at her. “You don’t have to. This is your first time, go on.” I take a deep breath and continue, “Let me get my bearings, then I will be fine. Just give me a few.”
Lena gives me a quick hug and quickly leaves to catch up with Briana and Paige, who have already walked out the sliding glass door. I am flipping through the channels when I hear the door slide open again.