LISA

..

..

What the fuck had I been thinking?

I slammed my bag onto the bed and growled in frustration. I had gone to see Jennie and invite her to the party tonight. Because I didn't want to party—I wanted to see her. But when I saw her face, I couldn't do it. JK had told me she had a date with Tae tonight. I couldn't make her choose one of us. I was terrified it wouldn't be me.

And damn, she'd been so beautiful. Her long dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, smiling at me like she was thrilled to see me. Those blue eyes of hers were happy. She was like that for me, a form of sunshine that I needed. She made me fucking happy.

Then the other girl had flirted with me and Jennie hadn't seemed to care. She hadn't been jealous—hell, she'd even smiled about it. And why had I wanted to make her jealous? I didn't like jealous-ass girls. So Jennie wasn't upset that her friend was flirting. She actually looked like she was trying not to laugh.

That had pissed me off. Damn stupid fucker that I am, I'd asked Winter out to get a reaction from Jennie. It had worked. I'd gotten one. One that was going to eat me alive all damn day and night.

Fuck me. I was a bastard. If Uncle D was watching now, he'd be disgusted and calling me a dumbass.

I had to talk to Jennie … but what was I supposed to say? I'm sorry? I did that to make you jealous? I couldn't say that shit, and I couldn't break this date. I knew Jennie well enough to know that she wouldn't forgive me for hurting her friend. That selflessness of hers was one of the reasons she was special.

Unable to help myself, I texted her.

What are you doing?

Then I waited. If she ignored me, I was going to find her. Wasn't sure what I'd say, but I'd fucking grovel if I had to.

Studying.

Of course she was. She'd missed a week's worth of classes for me. And now she was catching up. Like I needed to.

God, I hated myself.

"You ready for tonight?" JK's voice filled the room and I felt even more guilty. His family had been so damn good to me and I'd gone and hurt the girl they all adored.

"Yep," I said, forcing a smile.

He saw the coffee cup in my hand and grinned. "Already seen Jennie, then. I know she was happy to have you back. Girl has worried herself sick over you."

He said it like that was funny. But no one had ever worried themselves sick over me. Uncle D worried about me, but no beautiful female with eyes like the sky had ever given a shit if I was hurting. They wanted to fuck me, but that was where it ended.

"Yeah, I did."

"I thought about inviting her and Taehyung tonight, but I wasn't sure how that would go with you. I know y'all have gotten close. She's around you more than Taehyung lately—and honestly, that scared the shit out of me at first. But, watching you with her, I trust you. Jennie's hard not to want to move mountains for."

"I invited her friend at the coffee shop," I blurted out.

JK stilled a moment, then looked at me, confused. "Oh" was all he said.

He didn't need to say more. That simple word was enough.

"I figured it would reassure her I was okay, you know?"

JK only nodded.

He was concerned. I could see it even though he was trying to hide it.

"You said she was studying?" he asked.

"Yeah. I just texted her."

He headed for the door. "I'll see you later," he called out before he was gone.

Shit.

Damn it all to hell.

He was going to check on her, because he was worried she was upset. Damn, I hated myself.

..

I didn't see JK again until that night. And when I did, he seemed distant. Which answered my question. Jennie was not okay and it was my fault.

Winter was nervous most of the evening until I got her to play pool, then she danced with a few of the guys when they asked and I assured her it was fine. But not once did I leave the crowd with her. I made sure JK saw that I wasn't getting her alone. That was the last thing on my mind. I was worried about Jennie, and as soon as I could call it a night with Winter, I was going to find her.

I just had to make sure Winter had a good time, because if she didn't, I knew Jennie would be upset about that, too. When one in the morning rolled around and Winter was drunk and still dancing, I figured I better get her back to her place safely.

I dodged another girl by walking off before she could speak. I'd already been propositioned to do, watch, and experience things that were typically too hot to turn down. Fucking-blow-your-load hot, but not now. Jennie had changed everything.

..

..

..