“Blondie wasn’t offering advice.” I have to tell you Ace, usually I find women unattractive once they get pissed. I don’t know why, but something about the way they become more aggressive and haughty generally makes them unappealing to me, but dammit if that ember of aggression you sent didn’t pique my interest.

“Max, do you know Ace?” I should have been looking at Jess as she asked me the question, but I was watching you.

I nodded. She knew we were neighbors. She’s even pointed the fact out to me numerous times when I used to spend time over at their house with Keith.

“Obviously not very well.” I turned and watched her tap her cigarette before looking at you. Something silently passed between the two of you, showing me your aged friendship. “Kendall’s the spitfire. Ace is the chill one.”

“Nate hit on me.” I was looking at your lips again, watching them purse. God, you have the most beautiful lips, Ace. “Max thinks I should just sleep with him, to make things easier for myself.” There was sarcasm in your tone, but a faint trace of something else that had me shaking my head imperceptibly in an attempt to focus.

Jess hit me for it, screeching, “What in the hell’s wrong with you? Just because she’s nice doesn’t mean she’s going to take your shit! And why in the hell are you trying to set anyone up with Nathan Hudson? You hate him.” I did hate him, and I felt a little guilt for rubbing him in your face now that I remembered he’d screwed with your sister.

Before I could respond, you cut in. “Thanks for defending my honor.” You smiled coyly and then bat your eyelashes in a mocking flirt before rolling your eyes with a quiet laugh that made my own lips tip upwards. “But I should check on my spitfire sister, make sure she doesn’t need a reminder on her limits. Plus, if she finds out I’m being all Benedict Arnold, she’ll take her vengeance out on my shoes.” You turned to Jess, and the scent of coconuts carried in the breeze. “Call me, I want to see you again before you head back to New York.”

“Hell yes! You’re one of the few people I was hoping to see. I’m just shocked to see you here of all places.” Her love for you was overtly clear and it made me once again regret my earlier words.

“Yeah, I’m still paying an old debt, otherwise you wouldn’t have.” This was before I knew you would have attempted to walk across the Pacific Ocean had your sisters asked enough times. “You should quit with the cancer sticks, you’re too pretty, and you’ve got a great laugh without the guttural cough.”

“I’m working on it,” Jess replied.

You smiled in response, then turned to Jameson, your eyes were warm and sincere. “She may be a spitfire and a pain in the ass at times, but she’s worth it.” My focus fell on his arm as your hand brushed across it, wondering what your touch felt like before sensing your gaze was on me. You gave me a timid smile before walking away. My eyes followed you like half of the others that were crowded around the backyard.

“I love your pants, Ace. They make your ass look amazing!” Jess yelled to you, confirming the fact.

“Stop, you’re making me blush.”

Jess elbowed me playfully in the side. “Don’t worry, I know that’s what you were thinking.”

I quickly shook my head, “He’s the one obsessed with a Bosse.”

“I saw you checking her out, don’t lie.”

“She’s hot. I checked her out,” I admitted, “but I’m not about to sign up for drama and all of the shit that goes along with those girls.”

“So what you’re saying is that you don’t know Ace?”

“That’s what I fucking said when I realized that he’s lived beside them for the past ten years and has never spoken to them. I didn’t realize just how crazy he was until that moment.” Jameson clasped a hand to my shoulder and then walked away. I knew without asking he’d gone to check on you girls.

“How can you live beside her and never have spoken to her?” Jess’s voice was accusing.

“I’ve spoken to her!” I retorted, too aggressively due to my thoughts still being mangled. “Just not very much,” I amended when she gave me that look you’ve told me about, the one that she gives better than so many people that says ‘you’re full of shit.’

Jess laughed, shaking her head. “Seriously, Max, if Keith were still here, I sure as shit would be beating you off of her with a bat so he could sweep her up because she’s one of the best people I’ve ever met in my life. I’ve known her since we were five and I’ve never met someone nicer, sweeter, or more caring. To go with all that she’s funny as hell, smarter than you’ll believe, and she looks like that!” Her arm extended toward the door with emphasis. “What in the hell is wrong with you? Stop being an asshole before you ruin your chances. I can’t believe you told her to sleep with Nate fucking Hudson!”

I stared at her, working to suppress the borage of words that she’d managed to surface that wanted to both admit and deny my attraction to you. “Oh my God, you’re never going to make this work!” she growled.

“I don’t give a shit about her.”

“Then why are you out here listening to my advice?”

I ignored her question and changed the focus to why we’d never work. “She may be hot, but let’s face it, people that attend parties like this …” I looked around, shaking my head.

“Are you still dating your easy call girl?” You probably hate hearing this part the most, but Jess knew about Lacey.

“Why does that matter?”

“Challenge yourself, Max. We both know you’re never going to be happy with Lacey. And who are you to judge her for being here? You’re here too.”

“Dude, I thought you were coming! Ace is taking her home.” Jameson interrupted, saving me from having to tell another lie.

“That’s because Ace hates these parties,” Jess said factually. Her eyebrows raised like she was bored with me. “Didn’t you hear her, ‘paying a debt.’ She’s only attended like two parties here before. You don’t have a clue who she is.” She walked away from me as though I’d offended her.

“You’re talking to some chick about liking her before me?” Jameson’s eyes were wide with allegation. “Don’t look at me like that, you dick. I know you like Ace.”

I shook my head again and started heading toward the house. “It would never work. Let’s get out of here.”

We made it to the driveway and those damn bright yellow pants caught my attention again. Jameson attempted to hurry after you when Kendall slid slightly on the gravel, but you had her. Sometimes I think those narrow shoulders of yours carried the weight of all of your sisters and you never showed the slightest strain. I grabbed his arm to slow him down once again.

“He didn’t fight for me, Ace,” Kendall whined, leaning further against you.

Your voice was much quieter, and harder to hear with your back to us, “I think he was a little caught off guard.” You pried a Solo cup from Kendall’s hand and left it next to half a dozen other ones while still holding most of her weight.

“He doesn’t like me,” Kendall insisted.

“He likes you. You’re just turning him in circles. I don’t think he knows which way is up right now.”

“You really think he likes me?”

“I do.” Jameson’s body visibly relaxed at your words.

We stood at the head of the driveway, watching as you two weaved down the driveway.

“I also think these shoes are really difficult to walk in with you when you’re drunk.”

Kendall giggled, catching the attention of a couple of guys that were cutting through the yard. Did you hear them whistle at you guys? They wanted to catch your attention, but neither of you turned.

“Those are great shoes.” Kendall seemed oblivious to the guys, that or so used to it, it didn’t even faze her. “I love you too, Ace.”

“I love you too,” Your words were a whisper at this point as you veered once again as Kendall changed her course with a giggle.