Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

CHAPTER 22 JESS

Ugh, I was hiding in the kitchen for what felt like an eternity, trying to avoid the awkwardness that had taken over the pool. party. Josh and Laura were making out like there was no tomorrow, and it was seriously pissing me off.

I knew I needed to get used to it, but it still made my stomach turn. I stuffed my face with chips, trying to distract myself from the icky feeling growing inside me.

But it was hard to ignore the fact that I was Laura once- not the dating my brother part, but part of the friendship group.

I glared out the window, feeling like an outsider looking in. Why did everything have to change so fast? Why did everyone have to move on without me? I shoved more chips in my face. I needed to go out there; otherwise, Sam would come looking for 1. me.

I just couldn't face Laura and Josh's PDA-fest. I stayed in the kitchen for a few more minutes, reading the label of the dishwashing detergent.

Josh walked into the kitchen, dripping wet and towel-less. His hair was plastered to his forehead. "Hey, Jess. Plan on sharing?" he whined, eyeing the bowl of chips from me.

I didn't bother responding. What was there to say?

He snatched the bowl and headed back out, but not before

stopping in his tracks. "What's your problem anyway?" he asked, his tone suddenly serious.

like a rubber band. "Are you kidding me?" I shouted, my voice echoing off the kitchen walls. "This is my best friend we're talking about! Don't you get it? You scared

a moment before he frowned. "Jess,

I was nothing to look at! Which was all you and Luke, by the way? I know it was. Now you decide to just go for Laura? Do you see how messed up that is?" The words poured out of me like acid, but I tried to keep my voice down. I didn't want to

that's not fair. I was just trying to make

I felt tears pricking at the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Josh took a step back, his face pale. "Jess, stop.

but couldn't help it. The words just poured out of me like a dam had burst. I

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but something about his warmth and familiarity made me relax, and

It was like we'd forgotten how to show affection. But as I held him tight, something shifted inside me. Josh whispered, apologies into my hair, and I felt a small part of my anger melt away. I pulled back, wiping away tears from my face. "Fine," I said, trying to sound braver than

I feel like a fucking asshole. I know I messed up." I waved Josh off. I didn't

an eyebrow. "So what? Laura's different?" I

you're not happy about it, but...I need you to believe me, Jess. She's really

studied his face, searching for any sign of insincerity. But his eyes seemed

"Fine," I said again. "But then, just let me have some

glanced out the window. I could

"Tom wasn't a bad guy. And if he asks you