“I saw some text messages on his phone. I wasn’t snooping; it was sitting right there on the counter. And when I confronted him, he admitted everything.”
“Fuck that.” Cannon rose to his feet, heading toward the door.
“Where are you going?” Allie whined.
He pulled his shoes on and grabbed his car keys from the counter. “I’m going over there to beat his ass.”
Allie jumped up and grabbed her brother’s arm. “Stop and think for two seconds. As much as I’d love for you to deliver that beat-down, it’s not worth you getting in trouble or messing up your hands. You’re going to be a world-renowned surgeon one day. And that makes me much happier than you kicking his ass ever would.”
Cannon’s eyes narrowed on hers and he released a deep breath, his nostrils flaring.
I’d never seen him so angry. Sure, I’d seen his protective side a million times growing up, but not with this much ferocity. It was kind of fucking hot.
After a few tense moments, Allie succeeded in talking him out of his plan, and Cannon sat down beside me once again. The fun, flirty mood we’d shared earlier was gone, driven out by the angry tension that filled the room.
Over the next hour, Cannon and I took turns building Allie up, telling her she was better off without James, and bolstering her self-confidence. I wasn’t certain it was working, but at least Allie was no longer crying, and she was nodding along with what we were saying.
I was careful not to admit that I’d never liked James. Part of me knew—with utmost disgust, but still—that it was possible he’d come crawling back, say all the right things, and they’d patch things up. If that happened, revealing my dislike for him would forever drive a wedge between Allie and me.
Cannon had no such qualms, repeatedly telling Allie that she could do better and that James was nothing more than a piece of trash. I silently cheered him on.
Soon we were drinking wine, munching on popcorn, and watching the latest horror movie that we’d rented. While Allie was still emotionally devastated, she had recovered enough to put on a brave face. She’d already texted James and told him to make sure that he and his things were gone by morning. I was immensely proud of her.
“Love you, Al,” I said, giving her hand a squeeze.
Sometime later, I woke to a large hand nudging my shoulder. My eyes fluttered open, and I found Cannon standing over me. Through my sleepy haze, I noticed the TV was off, all the snacks and drinks had been cleaned up, and Allie lay asleep on the couch with a blanket tucked around her.
“Come on,” he whispered, offering me his hand.
I accepted, letting him pull me to my feet. “I think I nodded off during that last movie.”
“You and Allie both.” Placing one arm around my waist, he smiled. “I’ve got you.”
He helped me to my bedroom but stopped at the threshold, as though he didn’t want to invade my space. A knot of worry formed inside me. Earlier he’d been so eager—we both had. But now things felt murky.
“So, what happens next?” I asked.
“Allie’s tough. I’m sure she’ll be fine.”
“I wasn’t talking about Allie and James. I meant us.”
“Oh, right. You mean . . .” His eyebrows jumped up flirtatiously.
“Yes.”
“That was probably the worst case of blue balls I’ve ever had, but I get it. My sister needed you. You’re a good friend.”
Oh yeah, some great friend. I was practically riding her little brother a few hours ago.
I nodded, though, and released a heavy sigh. “Maybe a rain check?”
“If that’s what you want,” he murmured, leaning down to press a soft kiss against my cheek. “But I’m working nights the next few days. You may not see much of me.”
“Okay. Good night,” I whispered, heading into my bedroom.
I had no idea how our half-finished encounter would change the atmosphere around the house, or when this rain check might be cashed in. But what happened next was totally unexpected.
Chapter Thirteen
Paige
Cannon hadn’t been lying when he’d said I wouldn’t see much of him this week. It was Thursday and our paths had crossed only twice while he was coming and going. He worked all night at the hospital, then slept all day. We occasionally left each other Post-it notes around the house, silly little things like the strict orders I gave him to stay away from my Chinese leftovers, or the note he’d left letting me know we were out of almond milk but he’d pick up more.
While I was busy not seeing Cannon, it gave me time to stew over my decision to sleep with him. My stomach had been tied in knots all week over what to do. Clearly, our failed attempt at sex was a sign from the universe. Sleeping with Allie’s little brother had been a terrible idea, after all. Horniness had clouded my judgment. I just needed to get laid, and I had a plan for how to take care of that. One that wouldn’t ruin my longest-standing friendship, or turn things weird with my new and decidedly male roommate.