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.

snapped 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 off a good

for a moment before he

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 messed up that is?" The words poured out of me like acid, but I tried

widened in shock. "Jess, that's not fair. I was

You're my brother, for crying out loud! You're supposed to have my back, not screw me over!" I felt tears pricking

dam had burst. I sucked in the air, trying to calm myself down,

1288 Wouchers

familiarity made me

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

with a sheepish expression. "You have no idea how guilty I felt... feel. I feel like a fucking asshole.

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

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

searching for any sign of

to relax my guard. "Fine," I said again. "But then, just let me

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

guy. And if he asks you out...I