Chapter 212: Getting Under His Skin

Holly’s POV

The girl stepped into the kitchen light, chestnut hair falling straight down her back, the kind of body that makes men forget their own names. Runway pretty. I hated her on sight.

“Babe?” I said it out loud this time with barely restrained rage, tasting the word like poison.

David’s eyes flicked to me, pure venom.

“So you have a girlfriend now?” I asked, voice sugar-sweet, shoulders squared like I was ready for war.

He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I don’t remember you being my boss, Holly. Or anyone I report my personal life to. Get the fuck out of my house before I throw you out. You’re an eyesore.”

“I’m not an eyesore. And you’re the boss…not me,” I said, still trying to wrap my head around what is going on.

“Are you sure about that? Last time I checked… I was the one on my knees,” he blurted out through clenched teeth.

I stepped closer, a small smile plastered on my lips. “Is that why you’re mad? Because I made you kneel in public and now you’re scared people will find out what a good little—”

“David… What is this brat talking about?” the girl snapped, arms folded tight.

David turned on her so fast she flinched. “I don’t owe you an explanation either, Lauren.”

“Oops,” I giggled, loud enough for both of them to hear.

“Quick question, boss. I thought the company was on fire tonight. How do you suddenly have time to pick up some random plaything?”

Lauren’s face went red. “Excuse me? Who the hell do you think you are, you cheap little—”

My hand moved before my brain caught up. The slap cracked across her cheek so hard her head snapped to the side.

That was for sticking to my man like you belong by his side.

“Are you insane? What has come over you?!” David roared, stepping between us.

People were already drifting in from the backyard, heads poking through the open glass doors, phones half-raised. Whispers. Laughter. Someone gasped.

“I’m asking you a damn question!” He yelled again, moving in like he wanted to attack me.

I hate being the center of attention when I’m not in control of the stage. So I did the one thing that made sense. I returned the energy.

“Stop yelling at me!” I yelled back.

“Why the hell would you hit my guest you psycho? Get out. Right now,” David said angrily.

“She’s my guest and she’s not leaving,” Justin said, suddenly in the doorway, voice calm but firm as he made a cinematic entrance that would have been funny if not that none of this was funny.

I darted behind him like a kid hiding behind a parent.

David’s glare could’ve cut steel. “How dare you bring her here without telling me.”

Justin didn’t even blink as he stuffed his two hands into his pockets and stood straighter. “Same way you brought some random chick and let everyone think she’s your girlfriend so they’ll get off your back about fucking almost every girl in town.”

Oops.

I almost laughed out loud when I heard the girl is just an actor. Thank God. Fake. All fake.

David’s eyes slid to me, something dark and jealous flaring. “You two dating now? Is that what this is about?”

I smiled slow. “What if we are?”

I grabbed Justin’s arm. “Let’s get out of here, Justin.”

I dragged him outside where the grills were already smoking, coolers open, salads everywhere, music thumping.

Some of the people that were eavesdropping earlier gave me a once over look that seemed more judgmental than welcoming.

But I brushed it off.

Someone started a speech about how this block party started five years ago after a big storm, how they’re keeping it alive for the kids one day, blah blah. Then he grinned.

“And tonight we’re thanking our two very single bachelor brothers for hosting. Round of applause for David and Justin…may they stop being allergic to commitment soon!”

Everyone clapped, laughed, raised beers.

A man took the makeshift podium and announced a dance competition with a reward. The dancing started almost immediately as people paired up.

I leaned into Justin. “Lucky for you, I’m an amazing dancer. We’re winning whatever prize they’ve got.”

Across the yard, I saw David spin Lauren like she weighed nothing. My blood boiled.

When Justin and I took the floor, I gave David every dirty move Candy owns…hips rolling slowly, ass out, hands sliding down Justin’s chest, grinding just enough to make it look filthy.

I felt David’s stare burning holes in me. He shifted his weight, tugged at his collar, unbuttoned another button on his shirt like he was suddenly too hot.

Perfect.

The song ended and everyone cheered. An older guy slapped Justin on the back. “Looks like the little brother’s getting a girlfriend before the big one!”

David threw back his whiskey and slammed the glass down hard enough I heard it from ten feet away.

They announced us the winners. I jumped into Justin’s arms, legs around his waist for half a second longer than friendly, laughing loud, making sure David saw every bit of it.

Then someone shouted, “Partner swap! Blindfold time!”

David rolled his eyes. “That’s childish. I’m out.”

Justin shrugged. “I’m good being partners with Holly. No need to swap.”

But the second Justin made that statement, David suddenly changed his mind. “Fine. Let’s do it. Let’s swap.”

I bit my lip so I wouldn’t smile too big. It’s working. I’m getting under his skin.

Blindfolds went on. Guys stumbled around like idiots, hands out.

David walked straight past the first three girls like he could smell me. Stopped dead in front of me. Grabbed my arm hard.

I yanked his blindfold off when we were asked to and he just stared at me.

For one split second his eyes flashed…relief, raw and real. But he suddenly masked it with indifference but I caught it.

It didn't matter how he picked me. But he did, and now, he’s mine for the rest of the night.

Justin looked pissed. Lauren looked ready to storm out.

Tough.

Movie time. Lights dimmed, projector fired up…some cheesy rom-com everyone apparently loves. Blankets and picnic mats everywhere as we settled in pairs of two.

David and I got ours near the back.

I made sure to lie half off the mat, practically in the grass, shivering on purpose.

Nothing.

Five minutes. Ten.

Then his low voice, right by my ear… “I don’t bite, Holly. Come into the mat.”

My whole body lit up. I scooted over fast, pressing right against his side, soaking in his heat, breathing him in…cedar and whiskey and that stupid cologne that makes me weak.

For thirty whole minutes it was perfect. Quiet. Dark. Just us.

Then he opened his mouth.