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“I know seeing Kit really threw you, but you did what you set out to do,” Hollywood said tentatively. “You apologized sincerely to Dakota for the harm you did. Tonight wasn’t a failure.”

“For better or worse, it’s over now,” Aiden added.

“Yeah.” I pushed back from the table and stood. “Thanks for trying to help me, guys. At least I don’t have to worry about breaking the news to Kit anymore. He knows. And Dakota…she got my apology. It’s all I can do. It won’t ever be enough, but…” I trailed off and shrugged. “I guess you’re right. It’s over.”

“Are you leaving too?” Tex asked.

I nodded. “Yeah. I think I will.”

“Want to come to our place?” Hollywood offered. “Ruby is staying over with her cousins tonight.”

I shook my head. “Nah. You guys should enjoy your night alone. You don’t get that many of them.”

“Are you sure? We’ve got a spare bed, and you can put in some headphones and block out the sex noise.”

I laughed, surprising everyone, including me. “Thanks for the tempting offer, but no. I’m fine.”

At their wary gazes, I crossed my heart. “I’m not going to do anything but raid my parents’ liquor cabinet and go to sleep. I promise you don’t need to worry.”

“Text me in the morning,” Hollywood said. “So I know you really are okay.”

“I will.”

He stood and gave me a quick hug. I closed my eyes, sinking into the comfort of it. At least if I couldn’t fix anything with Dakota—or Kit—I could have this friendship. These brothers.

It was more than I deserved after what I’d done.

CHAPTER 8

KIT

I drove, trying to burn out the anger that lit me up before I returned home to Dakota. She didn’t deserve to be caught in the storm building inside me.

But it kept growing and growing—and the next thing I knew, I’d parked in front of the Whittaker place. The house was glowing with lights, its brick facade and slate gray roof making it look like a castle. A large driveway circled a fountain surrounded by rose bushes, the metaphorical moat separating it from the street. Such pretentious people.

On one side, the drive exited to a garage. The other led behind the house. I couldn’t see where it went.

I tried to convince myself to leave. What was I going to do—confront Joey’s entire family? But maybe I should. He’d disrupted our night. Why shouldn’t I disrupt theirs? Why shouldn’t I tell them all exactly what I thought of Joey Whittaker barging back into our lives without warning?

I squeezed the steering wheel, pulse thundering. The image of Joey beneath me, eyes hot and mouth wet, hit hard. Oh, god. I’d really done that. Really fucked around with the guy who hurt Dakota.

I flung my door open, needing air.

A yellow Hummer passed by.

I stood there, staring, as it turned into the driveway, followed the circle off to the right side, and disappeared from sight. I was moving before my brain caught up with my intention.

Joey was right there, right in front of me, and I needed answers. Needed satisfaction. Needed to see the asshole pay for his careless actions.

I walked down the driveway, following the path the Hummer had taken. God. That should have been my first sign not to get into that back seat with him. No decent person wanted to drive that monstrosity.

The engine clicked, still cooling, as I walked past the car. Ahead of me, Joey stood at the door of a little pool house. To our right, outdoor lighting glinted off turquoise water.

Joey slid open a glass door.

I sped up, wanting to catch him before he closed the door between us. “Hey! Joey!”

He jumped and whirled, hand over his heart.