Chapter Twenty-Nine:

Doug came back to the house after Zacky was through with his appointment. He didn’t stay with me for long, though. He said he had some work he needed to take care of that couldn’t wait. I made awkward, small talk with Doug’s lackeys. They’re surprisingly gentle and easy-going. They kept to themselves for the most part and we didn’t have any problems.

“Hey Ace,” Brian told me as he walked through the front door. Doug’s guys nodded at him.

“Are you alone?” I asked him, surprised. He nodded.

“I convinced the guys to let me have some time alone with you.” He revealed. I nodded as he sat down next to me. “How are you feeling?” He asked me. I shrugged.

“I’m getting excited. Oliver will be heading our way tomorrow night.”

“Oh, yeah? It’ll be nice to meet him.” He smiled. I nodded.

“It’s been such a crazy time. It’ll be nice to have another friendly face added to the mix.”

“Is he coming out alone?” Brian asked me. I shook my head.

“He’s coming out with a friend of ours. Driving from New York to California is a long drive. It’s too much for one person to do alone. I don’t think they’re stopping to sleep.”

“I hear you.”

“I think you guys will hit it off.” I told him.

“Is that right?”

“Yep.”

---

I sighed contently as Brian placed gentle kisses on my neck. I curled up closer to him as we watched the movie. It had taken a while, but I was finally able to get comfortable on my side. With my cracked ribs and bruising pretty much everywhere, that was an amazing feat in itself.

“This is nice.” I whispered.

“Even with Matt trying to burn a hole in my back with his eyes?” Brian countered. I snorted with laughter and winced when I felt the aftermath of his hilarity.

“He’ll get over it… eventually.” I told him, offhandedly.

“Yeah, not likely. Have you seen yourself? You’re the hottest girl that we’ve ever gone to school with.” He argued.

“Have you seen me? I’m a walking bruise! That’s doubtful – sweet, but doubtful.”

“I bet I can get at least four people in this room that agree with me.”

“Brian, you’re not serious.” I tried to sound confident and failed miserably. He gave me a look that said, ‘Oh, try me and see if I’m bluffing… Trust me. I’m not.’ He smirked at me and climbed over me and off of the couch.

“Okay, so, Ace is convinced that she’s not hot. Show of hands that think that she’s attractive? Doug this includes you, too. Remember bro code!” He threatened the guys. I rolled my eyes and propped myself up on my elbow. Jimmy grinned and Matt smirked. Zacky shrugged his shoulders almost apologetically in my direction. Johnny shot his hand up in the air. Doug chuckled and nodded with the boys, holding his hand up with the rest of them.

“You’re impossible!” I told him.

“Impossible, but right!” He jeered. I groaned and dropped myself to the floor for dramatic effect. I picked up the pillow I was using and shoved it over my face. “So, you’re hot. Is that really the worst thing?” He asked me. I sighed and peeked out from underneath the pillow.

“I guess not.” I gave in.

“Good.”

Notes

I know it's short, but I'm exhausted. I'm already working on the next chapter, which will be longer! I swear! :) hope everyone had a bangin' weekend.

Much love,
Katie