My Brother's Best Friend

Chapter 26

Cameron

I'm a goddamn idiot.

I'm so fucking stupid.

The heat is itching in my body, anger coursing through my veins. I hate the way his hands look on her. I despise how she seems to be enjoying every second of this.

Did she forget me that easily?

I know I left her hanging, and I know I haven't talked to her since, and yes, that's my fault, but honestly, she decided to go with Mark? Of all fucking people? I told her to stay clear of him, but, then again, whatever we had going on completely disintegrated after my dumb ass just stood there and didn't say a damn thing to her when she confessed her feelings, so technically she can do whatever she pleases.

So why can't I say something to her now? The longer we go without speaking the more awkward it becomes. All I can do is stand here like an idiot and watch as Mark places his hands on her body. The body I once touched.

The body I know like the back of my hand.

I narrow my eyes as his hands' inch lower, and then they go so low that I lose all self-control. I push off of the wall and go in front of the camera, looking at Mary to try and come up with a reason as to why I just interrupted their photo.

All I can stupidly think of to ask is for her to take Kelsey and my picture. Mary gives me a questionable glance, looking back at Maddie before she settles her gaze on me again. Kelsey gladly obliges, and I loosely wrap my arms around her waist. I can almost guarantee I look lifeless in this photo. Can Mary tell I have a broken heart?

The skin of Kelsey's torso that's exposed from the cut of the dress feels foreign against my fingers. It doesn't feel like Maddie's. My Maddie.

Fuck, I'm going to go insane.

Mary rushes everyone out to get to the limo, and I know we're around everyone, I know her mom is watching, but I can't help it when I pull her back against my chest. All of our friends are ahead of us thankfully, and for a second I'm able to breathe at the smoothness of her skin. For a second I'm brought back to reality.

What I want to do is move these beautiful blonde ringlets to the side and gently kiss her neck. I want to tell her how much she means to me. How much I can't lose her.

But everyone will see if I make this long. I don't have the time, and even if I did I don't think I'd be able to say it. Even if I'm feeling this way about her, what good would it be to tell her? We can't act on these feelings. It won't work, so what the fuck am I supposed to do?

"Be careful tonight, Mads," I whisper, and as soon as I let go the loss of contact is agonizing. I don't know what Mark has up his sleeve, I don't know what Maddie will do tonight, but I'm praying she's smart. She knows what I said about him. She knows I don't like him. I'm just hoping she trusts my judgment and doesn't do something stupid.

I don't think I'll be able to bear it if she does.

***

It's not even two hours in and I'm itching to go home.

Kelsey hasn't stopped being by my side the entire night. I know she's my date, but honestly? I can't even get room to fucking breathe it seems like. Not to mention Sadie has been giving me the death glare since we stepped foot in the gym. She got stuck going with a kid I'd never met before. Apparently, he's from a different school, but she is clearly still pissed that she couldn't go with me.