“Ah, so he’s super protective of you, I take it. Like a big brother.” He nods.
He is absolutely nothing like a brother to me.
“I have a younger sister, and I wouldn’t let any guy near her,” he continues.
“Ugh. You’re one of those.”
He laughs. “It’s just because we love our sisters so much.”
I sigh. All love was lost between Camden and me a long time ago.
CHAPTER NINE
SOCK IT TO HIM
CAMDEN
Well, I fucked that up royally.
I’ve always thought of myself as a calm, collected, clearheaded man. Unlike my brother Tully, who plays professional hockey, I’ve never gotten into a fist fight with anyone.
Actually, not true.
I did throw a punch at Mitch Williams when he and Juju made out in high school.
I haven’t thought about Mitch in years.
Fuck, what is my deal with Juju dating?
And I don’t want to think about the implications of it happening now.
Mitch was an asswad. He knew Juju was off-limits, and he went for her anyway.
When my sister texted earlier, asking about Bentley because Juju was going out with him, I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t react very well.
I saw red.
I wanted to hit a wall.
I nearly called Juju to ask her what the hell she was thinking.
I did none of those things, and yet, I still blew it.
Who is this unreasonable, fly-off-the-handle guy?
I don’t recognize myself. Don’t know this version of me. Don’t want to.
Bentley is a nice guy, maybe even great. I certainly haven’t seen anything that I didn’t like. Until tonight. He looked at Juju like he wanted to put her on a plate and devour her. On their first date! What a fucking animal.
I feel bad about overreacting to all of it. And that near-kiss in the hallway—God help me. I nearly crossed a line I swore I’d never cross.Again.
Why does she have this effect on me?
“When will it end?” I mutter to myself as I lace my boots the next morning.
When will I stop acting like a lunatic around her?
When will I stop wishing things were different between us?