“Cotton Candy,” he whispers, low enough that only I can hear. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
I try to choke down the words. God, I try so hard, but they come spilling out of my mouth just like the paint on the canvas. Ugly and raw. “You didn’t kiss me like that.”
As soon as I say them, I want to take them back.
“Like what?” Ben asks carefully.
I shrug, unable to keep my fucking words in my head where they belong. “Like it mattered to you.”
Ben steps closer, and my heart jumps into my throat when he gently cups my chin, tilting my head back until I’m forced to look into his eyes. They dart around my face, taking me in at rapid speed. “I can,” he whispers. “I can right now.”
Blinding gold explodes behind my eyelids.
Yes, please.“Fuck no,” I say, swallowing down the truth. “I don’t want you to kiss me like that. It was just an observation. That’s all.”
“Then why rush away? Why the painting?” he asks, studying me far too closely for my comfort.
I’ve gotta get this train back on the tracks. I smirk, letting myself become someone else. Someone who doesn’t yearn or hope or wish. Someone who also doesn’t get hurt. That’s who I need to be. “I just thought it would be hot.” I shrug. “And it was. Very… inspiring.”
“Inspiring.” He says the word like he’s trying it on for size, but it sounds just as gross coming from him as it felt coming from me.
“Very.” I swallow hard. “You and Lan should make out more often. Maybe I’ll end up painting a whole series of artwork.”
I nearly cringe at the words. Fuck, that was awful. Disgusting, even.
I can practicallyfeelLandon’s discomfort from where he’s still standing in the doorway. Ben takes a step back, letting his hand fall from my face. “Got it.”
The gold is gone.
All that’s left is gray.
I expected them to leave, but they didn’t. Ben washed his hands, I put away my painting, and Landon asked if he could make lunch.
For the life of me, I can’t figure out why they wouldn’t want to leave, but they’re still here. Sitting on my couch—this time with me in the middle. It’s strange. I don’t know what to do with it.
We’ve mostly made small talk, which has got to be the most awful thing in the world, and now we’re all just staring blankly at the TV in silence.
Ben leans forward, grabbing the remote and pausing the show. I couldn’t even tell you what was going on. I wasn’t paying attention.
“Okay,” he says, looking between Landon and me. “This energy is weird, and I’m not a fan.”
“I’m also not a fan,” I blurt out.
Landon chuckles. “No. Can’t say I am, either.”
Ben smirks, heat flashing in his eyes as he looks at Landon. I tamp down the jealousy. That shit’s not healthy. Obviously, if our morning was any indication.
“Okay, so let’s talk about the elephant in the room,” Ben says.
Fuck. I’d rather not—
“West and Darcy.”
“What?” I ask, relief and confusion washing over me.
Landon laughs, and honestly, the sound is music to my damn ears. “Yeah, what?”
Ben smirks, raising an eyebrow. “That kiss was hot, right? Like, I’m not the only one who thought so?”
