The Best Mistake

by O'Gorman, Cookie

  No matter what happened after…

  It would be worth it to have him just once.

  Honor was acting strange.

  After we won the second game against Covington, she hardly spoke to me, and then she’d opted to ride back to campus with June instead of taking the bus with the team. She had claimed it was to edit and work on her articles. She wanted to make sure they were print-ready before she sent them to her boss, but I still felt like something odd was going on.

  It felt like she was avoiding me.

  Though maybe I was just being paranoid. After all, it had only been a few days.

  Wednesday was weights and conditioning for the team, so a bunch of the guys were in the gym. Usually, I led by example, one of the first to get in and get my reps done. But today I was dragging. Chase finished with his workout, and I was still at the half-way point.

  He came up to me as I was doing my final set of bench presses.

  “How’s it going?” he said.

  “Good,” I replied, pushing out a breath as I lifted.

  Chase raised a brow. “Any word from Honor?”

  “No.”

  “And how are we feeling about that?”

  “Fine.” I laughed a bit breathlessly. Had it always been this hard to get through my circuit?

  Chase made a hmm noise, but thankfully, he stopped with all the questions. After doing the last reps, I sat up, grabbed a drink while wiping the sweat from my forehead. Parker Graves came in a second later followed by Baylor, T.J. and Shawn.

  “Y’all know how I was seeing that sorority girl, Claudia,” Shawn said.

  “Claudia,” T.J. repeated. “She the one with the nice rack?”

  Parker shook his head. “No man, that’s Claudette. Claudia is the one with the fine apple booty.”

  “Ahh.”

  “Yeah, that’s her.” Shawn sighed. “Anyway, seemed like she was into me. We went to dinner. She let me kiss her. I even called her the next day like she asked me to. We went out again a few days after that. Been seeing or talking to her every day since. For weeks, it was all good, and then, radio silence.”

  My ears perked up at this.

  “You hook up with her?” Baylor asked.

  A shrug. “She may have given me a handy.”

  “Ewww,” T.J. said, plugging his ears like a little kid. “TMI, my friend.”

  “Sorry.”

  “S’okay…but seriously, my last girl Vivi wouldn’t do nothing like that. She said she was waiting for marriage.”

  The guys all groaned. Gossip wasn’t something I was typically into, but I found myself paying way more attention to their conversation than I usually would.

  Shawn still looked confused. “Well, Claudia’s not waiting for marriage. We talked about it. Like I said, we’ve been talking or texting every day for a month.”

  “Sounds like maybe you scared her off,” Parker said.

  Shawn frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, girls don’t like it if you’re too attentive.”

  “It’s true,” Baylor said, sitting down at the leg press machine. “In my experience, that’s how most girls are. They say call me tomorrow. But what they’re really doing is testing you, seeing if you’re going to be chill or suffocating.”

  Chase was shaking his head, obviously listening, too, but Shawn seemed to be thinking hard.

  “So, you’re saying I should just ignore her?” he asked.

  Baylor shrugged. “Yeah, let her come to you. Give it a couple more days, and if she texts, wait at least five minutes before responding. If not, move on to the next.”

  “Damn, Bay, that’s cold,” T.J. mumbled.

  As they started their workout, I moved onto my next exercises. I thought about how I’d texted Honor every day since the weekend. On Monday, I’d asked if she wanted to hang out, but she was studying for an accounting test. Tuesday, she’d been writing a paper for another class. I’d definitely been the one to initiate almost all of our interactions so far. Was that the wrong move?

  Chase narrowed his eyes. “I can’t believe you’d listen to Baylor when it comes to advice about women.”

  I shook my head. “What? I didn’t say anything.”

  “Yeah,” he said, “but I can see what you’re thinking.”

  Awesome, my brother was a mind reader now.

  “If you want to talk to Honor, why don’t you just call her?”

  “Maybe, I don’t want to talk to her,” I said, though the words felt all wrong.

  Pretending not to see Chase’s look of disapproval, I made up my mind to let Honor take the lead. It was a hard thing to balance. I didn’t want to scare her off. But I also didn’t want to just let her go. That was why she needed to be the one to set this next part of our relationship in motion.

  I pounded out my next series of triceps, lats and was just about to start my treadmill run when there was a knock at the door followed by someone clearing their throat.

  My skin prickled, knowing it was her even before I turned.

  Like something out of a dream, Honor was standing there dressed in jeans and a long-sleeve tee with her hair in a messy bun. There were at least nine guys from the team working out in here. We were all sweating bullets by now. And dang if she didn’t look like a much needed breath of fresh air.

  She looked over all of us, and I was sure my eyes were already doing that smiling thing she talked about, when she spoke not to me…but to Baylor.

  Baylor of all people.

  “Hi guys,” she said, eyes glancing to me before she refocused on him. “Baylor, can I see you outside for a second?”

  Rising smoothly from the bench, Baylor shot me a look, too. “Sure,” he said. “It can’t take too much time, though. I’m in the middle of my workout.”

  “Oh, it won’t.”

  My eyes weren’t smiling anymore. Here I was having decided to let Honor come to me—and instead, she shows up looking for my brother? This had to be a joke.

  As Baylor went to join her in the hall, T.J. came up and gave my shoulder a pat.

  “That’s messed up,” he said. When my eyes cut to him, he backed away slowly. “Hey, just trying to show support.”

  I knew it was true, but his sympathy wasn’t appreciated. He was right about one thing, though. This was messed up. I grabbed some free weights—which just happened to be by the door—and got to work. If I happened to hear their conversation…well, that’s what they got for leaving the door open.

  I caught the tail end of what Honor was saying.

  “…fans came up with most of them. Like I said, it’s for your profile in The Howler.”

  Ah, so this was about Baylor’s interview. I should’ve known. If I’d been thinking straight, I would’ve, but I was just so shocked when she wasn’t here to see me.

  “I typed it all up, so it would be easier. And less awkward,” she added with a laugh. Her back was to me, but I could see Baylor’s eyes as they skimmed down a sheet of paper in his hands. “I know you’re busy now. Just turn it in when you’re done. If you have any questions, let me know.”

  “Yeah,” Baylor said. “I have a question. What do we do if the answer isn’t on here?”

  Honor tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, number five says something about boxers or briefs, but some days I go commando.”

  I rolled my eyes. Baylor was such an idiot sometimes.

  “And the one before asks who I’m interested in,” he said. “Is that about an actual person or my sexual preference? Because at one point, I thought I might be bi.” Baylor nodded. “Yeah, there was this guy who I thought was pretty, but he actually ended up being a girl with really short hair. But I didn’t know that when I talked to her, so…I’d say straight, but with an appreciation of all the sexes.”

  “Um well,” Honor said. “In that case, I guess you just say…um that? If you’re sure you okay with me printing it?”

  Baylor looked up at her. “Oh, I’m fine wi
th people knowing. I’m sure Emmy and Archer already told you. I have no shame.”

  “Must be nice,” Honor said.

  “Most days it is,” he said. “So, how are things going between you and my brother?”

  I couldn’t see her face, but it sounded like she was smiling when she said, “Good, I think.”

  “Not tired of him yet?”

  “No way,” she said which made my chest puff up.

  “You sure?” Baylor said, grinning down at her. “Because a second ago, you barely looked at him before your eyes went to me.”

  Honor sputtered. “I-I wasn’t—”

  “It’s okay. I’m used to being ogled.”

  Her laugh came out in a burst. “Wow, you are so full of yourself.”

  “Can one really be full of oneself if it’s true?” he asked as it was really some deep philosophical question.

  “Yes, one can,” Honor said. “And it isn’t true because I wasn’t ogling you.”

  Baylor shrugged. “It’s okay if you were. I like it when pretty girls look at me.”

  Did he just…? My blood began to boil, but then Baylor shot me a look over Honor’s shoulder. He’d known I was there all along, and I knew what was coming even before he said it.

  “You know, if you’re looking to have fun, maybe you should try me instead of Archer.”

  My eyes closed because now I knew exactly what he was doing—but Honor didn’t. Despite the urge to knock him upside the head, I waited for her response.

  After a moment, she said, “What? Is this a joke?”

  “I’m just saying,” Baylor went on, “a lot of girls want to bag an O’Brien. I’m definitely the easiest—not to mention the most good-looking. Plus, considering how you and Archer met, it would make sense. Party girls are more my scene than his.”

  Honor was motionless as Baylor took a step forward then leaned toward her.

  “I’d be more than happy to show you a good time, Honor.”

  I barely suppressed my need to react, but before I could, Honor pushed him away.

  “Ugh,” she said, “that is so gross. I can’t even… Does Archer know you do this, hit on the girls he’s seeing? Because that is just wrong.”

  “So, you’re not interested?” Baylor asked.

  “No! For goodness sakes, I’m with your brother.”

  My heart filled at her words, and I noticed Baylor start to grin, but my girl wasn’t done with him yet.

  “And FYI, I’m not trying to ‘bag an O’Brien.’ I’m with Archer because I actually like him. A lot.” Honor put her hands on her hips, jabbing a finger into Baylor’s chest. “Which is more than I can say for you. He’s twice the man you are. Maybe if you didn’t have such a big head, you’d see that.”

  “Oh, no arguments here,” Baylor said, laughing.

  Honor poked him again. “How can you and Chase look so alike, huh? It’s like there’s two of you, but only one is a decent.”

  “Nah,” he said. “There’s only one of me.”

  “Well, thank goodness for that,” she said. I was about to step in when she lowered her voice. “And I don’t know how you found out, but just because I went to that party looking to hook up with you and called out your name instead of Archer’s, it doesn’t mean anything. I didn’t even know what you looked like.”

  I winced as Baylor bit back a smile. “Good to know,” he said then met my eyes over her shoulder. “Congrats, she passed.”

  “Yeah, I heard,” I said, walking out to join them.

  Honor spun around and our gazes met. “Passed?” she said, sounding confused. “What’s he talking about?”

  “Nothing.” My eyes drank her in from head to toe, the words she’d said just moments ago echoing in my ears. “Baylor has a bad habit of testing the women around us. He thinks he’s so hot no one can resist him.”

  “That’s because most of them can’t,” Baylor put in. He looked to Honor then, “but you did. Nicely done.”

  Honor let out a nervous laugh at that. “Wow, so, this was all some sort of messed up test?”

  He gave her a nod. “One that you passed with flying colors.”

  “Oh,” she said, wincing as her face got red. “I thought you were really hitting on me. Sorry Baylor, about yelling at you.”

  “It’s okay.” He threw her a wink. “I think I kind of liked it.”

  “I liked it, too,” I said under my breath, putting a hand on her waist.

  “Okay,” she squeaked. “Well, I really should let you guys get back to your workout. Just return the interview questions back to me as soon as you can.”

  “Will do,” Baylor said.

  She hesitated a moment but then stood on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek. “Talk to you later, Archer.”

  “Looking forward to it,” I murmured.

  Baylor and I both looked after her as she left, walking quickly with her head down. It looked like she might’ve been texting on her phone.

  “I think you have a keeper,” Baylor commented once she was out of earshot.

  “I think you’re right,” I said. “And thanks. For that.”

  “No problem. What are brothers for?” he said, clasping my hand and clapping me on the back. “But if you think I’m going to be mature about this, you’re sadly mistaken. My name? She called out my name while you two were hooking up? That’s classic.” He started laughing and didn’t stop as he walked back into the weight room.

  I knew he’d probably tell everyone, but I couldn’t even be mad about it.

  After everything Honor had just told him, how she’d put Baylor in his place, how could I be?

  I was still looking down the hall at the place where she had been when I felt my phone buzz. Pulling it out of my pocket I saw a new text.

  Honor: I meant to ask. Do you want to come over tonight for a movie?

  I didn’t wait anywhere near five minutes to send her my response.

  Honor was sitting inches away as we watched some sappy rom-com. If I were to move my arm, our shoulders would be pressed together. But, I reminded myself, I’d decided to let her make the first move.

  Even if it killed me.

  Being so close yet not touching was sweet torture. Ever since I knocked on her door, and she answered wearing a loose t-shirt and yoga pants, I’d been nothing but grateful. She’d let me in with a smile and led me back to her room. No one else was home. Apparently, Rose was at work, and the other girls had gone shopping, something about a night out they were planning. So, it was just me and Honor. Sitting next to each other on her bed, watching as the two characters on the screen tried to get it together. They were about to have their first kiss when I heard Honor sigh—and she finally rested her head on my shoulder.

  Dear Lord, I thought, I don’t know what I did to deserve this, and I know I don’t say it enough. But thank you.

  “For what?” Honor asked.

  “Hmm,” I said, wrapping my arm behind her and pulling her closer like I’d been dying to do this whole time.

  “You just said thank you.” She laughed. “I was wondering what I did to deserve it.”

  Had I spoken that thought aloud? Ah well. “Oh, I was just thinking. I’m glad you asked me over. It was a welcome surprise.”

  She sat up, putting some distance between us, and met my eyes. “I’m glad you came. I wasn’t sure you’d be able to with your busy baseball schedule and everything.”

  “It’s our bye week,” I said. “Other than practice, the team has off.”

  “Oh, that’s right. Also, sorry again for telling Baylor about…you know. I just assumed, since he’s your brother, you’d talked about it.”

  “Never.” I pushed a strand of hair that’d escaped behind her ear, watching her eyelashes flutter. “Whatever we do stays between us.”

  “You mean that?” Honor asked.

  I nodded.

  “Does it bother you when he does things like that? Baylor, I mean.”

  “Yeah.” I sighed. “It does, but I know his
heart’s in the right place. That was just his way of looking out for me.” Grinning, I added, “Plus, watching you tell him off was hilarious. I wouldn’t trade that moment for anything.”

  She rolled her eyes. “It wasn’t that funny.”

  “Hilarious,” I repeated.

  “Glad you enjoyed it. For a minute there, I thought he was serious.”

  “You know, it wouldn’t have mattered if he was.”

  “I do know. You already volunteered as tribute after all,” she said.

  “That I did.”

  She looked down at her hands, twisting them together like she was nervous. Her voice though was strong when she said, “And if I wanted to try some things, romantically…are you still interested in the position?”

  My heart began to pound. Waiting until our eyes connected, I nodded.

  Her gaze dropped once more to her hands. “Are you sure? Because it’s totally okay if you’ve changed your mind.”

  “I haven’t changed my mind,” I said, reaching out and tilting her chin up. “Just tell me what you want.”

  “Can I—”

  “Yes.” My answer was immediate.

  Honor gave me a look. “But you didn’t even let me finish. I could’ve asked for anything.”

  “Exactly. And I would give it to you.”

  She shivered, looked like she took a deep fortifying breath, then finally said in a whisper, “Can I…touch you?”

  As if I would ever deny her.

  Archer closed his eyes.

  I didn’t know where I’d gotten the courage or the audacity to ask him that question. My thoughts had turned into a puddle as they so often did in his presence, Charlie’s tips on seduction nowhere to be found. It was just me this time. Asking for what I wanted and hoping he wouldn’t laugh or run away.

  When his eyes opened again, they were an intense gray storm. But he didn’t look amused or like he was about to run.

  “You can touch me wherever, whenever, and for however long you want,” he said, his deep voice rolling over me like a wave.