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.

shouted, my voice echoing off the kitchen walls. "This is my best friend we're talking about! Don't you get it? You scared off a good guy and left me with that...that... monster!" My hands shook

for a moment before he frowned. "Jess,

"You're the one who ruined dating for me. No boy in school would look at me, much less date me. I felt like the world's biggest loser. Like 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

I was just trying to make

that turned out well, didn't it? You're my brother, for crying out loud! You're supposed to have my back, not screw me over!" I felt tears pricking at the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Josh took a step back, his

I was making a scene but couldn't help it. The words just poured out of me like a dam had burst. I sucked in the air, trying to calm myself down, and suddenly Josh stepped forward, pulling me

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

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.

felt... feel. I feel like a fucking asshole. I know I messed up." I waved Josh off. I

"So what? Laura's different?" I

is. And I know you're not happy about it, but...I need you to

sign of insincerity.

guard. "Fine," I said again. "But

expression turned thoughtful, and he glanced out the window. I could

finally. "Tom wasn't a bad guy. And if he asks you out...I promise