I closed my eyes while they argued in the front seat. I wasnt going to let anything ruin this weekend and all their fighting ever did was put me in a bad mood. Right now, I just wanted to relax with Aspen.

Before I knew it, Pris pulled Aspen upright and Jaden was shaking me awake.

Were here, sleeping beauty.

Aw, thanks. I know Im hot. I rubbed my sleepy eyes.

Not you. Youre the Beast. I was talking to Aspen. Jaden ripped the bag of chips from my lap and ran for the house. Idiot. Wasnt like I was going to chase him for some Cheetos.

Slowly, I climbed out of the car and stretched. The girls were grabbing their bags out of the trunk so I went over. Here, let me help. I only had a small duffle bag on my back and my guitar in one hand, so I pulled Aspens suitcase out with the other. Jaden came running back to help Pris. He wasnt as big of a jerk as he wanted people to think he was.

We followed the girls up the wooden stairs to the big, white two-story house. It was all old looking, but the girls were giggling over it and talking about how pretty it was, so I figured this was one of those things we didnt get about them. It wasnt that the house was torn up, but it definitely wasnt squeal-inducing which is what they were doing right now.

Once she had the door open, we piled our way inside. Nice, I said, scoping out the living room. The back wall was all windows, with a pretty quiet beach on the other side. I set the bags down on the hardwood floor.

My parents have stayed here before, Pris said as she fell into the over-stuffed green chair. There was only the chair and a couch for furniture. Decent sized TV a whole bunch of knick-knacks that I never really understood why people put out. It wasnt my style, but would definitely be a cool place to hang out at for the next few days.

I still cant believe they rented this place for you. My mom is cool, but not that cool. I said.

Pris looked at the ground, her shoulders slumping. It was an un-Pris-like thing to do. Thats because shes not trying to get rid of you.

I crinkled my eyebrows, but before I could ask her what she meant, Aspen grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the stairs. Lets go pick our rooms!

No way. Were in on this one. Im not getting stuck with the c.r.a.ppy room. I jogged after them. Not one to be left behind, Jaden was right behind us. There was a bunch of clomping as we all raced to the top of the stairs. There were four doors in the hall, two on opposite sides at the very end and two closer to the stairs. We all headed for the back, everyone pushing to see who could get there first.

Chill out, guys. Its Priss birthday and her beach house. She gets first choice. Aspen grabbed onto my arm and I stopped my pursuit of winning the killer room. Wow, this girl already had me wrapped around her fingers.

What was it with girls and the power they held over guys? Seriously, if this had happened a week before, I probably would have plowed my way through, given Pris the eyes and begged her until I got my way. Now, I found myself saying, Woodstock is right. Pris chooses, then me.

Hey! Aspen b.u.mped me with her hip and I wanted to grab her there and pull her closer to me. Whatever happened to ladies first? It was strange. The little zing that went through me when she looked up at me with those big green eyes. It was at that moment I wondered why girls ever needed me"The Hook-up Doctor, I mean. If they all had the power she had in those eyes, they could have anything they wanted.

When I opened my mouth to reply, Pris cut me off. Youre mistaking them for real men, Aspen.

Dude, what did I do? Jaden asked. Im just standing here being all gentlemanly.

Pris rolled her eyes and mumbled something in Spanish. Im taking first choice, Aspen next and then you boys can argue over the last two rooms.

Just like I knew they would, the girls picked the two back rooms that looked out over the ocean, Pris on the right and Aspen on the left. I pushed past Jaden to try and call dibs on the better of the two leftover rooms, but he had the same idea. Luckily, I had way more skills that he did. Sticking my foot out, I tripped him up and reached for the other door on the left. Except, it wasnt a room. Jaden whooped from across the hall.

Have fun sleeping in the bathtub, bro. He laughed and I elbowed him.

There was no way Id be sleeping in the d.a.m.n bathroom. Pris, I think were missing a bedroom here.

No, it just looks like its a three bedroom house, she replied. You know what they say about beggars.

Great. That would have been useful information before the trip. I leaned against the wall. Whyd your parents get us a three bedroom place?

They didnt. They got me and Aspen a three bedroom house. You guys are crashing the party.

s.h.i.t. Id forgotten about that. I looked over at Jaden. I really didnt want to share a room with him, but before I could say anything, he shook his head. Nope. I need to have my s.p.a.ce. Well, unless its a girl doing the sharing, but not with you. Sorry, man.

Cause youre going to get lucky this weekend. Yeah right.

At the same time Pris said, Youre not having a girl spend the night here with you!

Ignoring what she said, I turned to the girls. Cant you guys share a room and I can have the other one? It can be like a slumber party or whatever. You can put those weird masks on your faces and talk about how hot I am. They both narrowed their eyes at me. What? Im just sayin.

Have you ever tried to sleep in the same room with Pris? She snores like crazy. Ill be up all weekend. Aspen put her arm around Pris and pulled her closer. I love you, girl, but you know its true.

This weekend wasnt getting off to the start I wanted. Okay, so my choices are the bathtub, living room, or sharing a room with Cupid over here who thinks hes getting some this weekend?

Aspen sighed. I guess I kind of owe you. Ill give up my room even though I really dont want to.

Like that was going to happen. I was raised by a single mom. Like Id let a girl sleep on the couch, or put up with Priss snoring. Sometimes it sucks to be so d.a.m.n sweet. I looked at Aspen. You dont owe me, Woodstock. You can keep your stupid, oversized room with what is no doubt a really comfortable bed. Ill sleep downstairs.

Jaden laughed. Sucks to be you.

Do you always have to be a jerk? Pris defended me, but I had a feeling it had less to do with me and more to do with her obvious anger at Jaden over something.

I turned to head for the stairs, but a cold hand on my arm stopped me. Then, somehow, it magically turned warm. Almost electric. I have a King size bed in there. As long as you promise to be on your best behavior, you can share a room with me.

I froze. Every nerve ending in my body short circuited. Aspen wanted to share a room with me? Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner! I turned to face her. Pink tinted her cheeks. Man, I loved that look. Who would have thought blushing could be so s.e.xy?

I mean, she shrugged. Cause I owe you.

Deflate ego. It was an obligation thing. I told you, you dont owe me, I snapped. The last thing a guy wanted to hear is that a girl wanted to share a room with him because she owed him.

Okay, fine, not because I owe you, but just because Its not a big deal, Bastian. Im trying to be nice here. I dont have to have a reason. As her hand slid off me, I realized she hadnt let go earlier. I kind of missed her touch.

Youre sure? I tried to play it cool, crossing my arms. I mean, once were in that room together it might hit you that youre sleeping in the same room with Sebastian Hawkins. Im not sure many girl"ouch! Aspen hit me. I kid. I kid. Mimicking Borat would never get old. I think the movie came out when I was in elementary school, but to me it was a cla.s.sic. I think that bed will be much more comfortable than the bathtub. Im in. Yes!

Remember, best behavior?

I raised my finger. Scouts honor. Never mind Id never been a Boy Scout in my life. Id promise her anything right now.

Chapter Ten.

Dude, whats up with sharing a room with Aspen? You know thats going to seriously kill your chances of meeting any girls this weekend, dont you? Jaden and I sat on the wooden steps of the front porch while waiting for the girls to get ready. It was still early since wed made sure to get up at the crack of dawn this morning when we left home.

I shrugged, fixing the buckle on my leather wrist band. I doubt I would get any play in the bathtub, so I dont think Im losing out on much. For some reason, my big mouth wanted to open and tell Jaden the whole truth. That I didnt want any other girl. That Id rather chill in that room with Woodstock than have my mouth attached to any of the Alexes out there. There was sort of this line we didnt cross though. Jaden was my best guy friend and I knew hed always have my back, but we talked about hooking up, parties, piercing, video games and my lack of a vehicle. We didnt do the real stuff. I wasnt sure why. It wasnt that I thought hed give me c.r.a.p about it, but I guess I didnt want to be the one to go there first.

Jaden threw a glance over his shoulder. Aspen I can see why you wouldnt mind. Her and Pris, theyre kind of better than the other girls out there, ya know?

I stopped messing with my wristband and looked over at Jaden. His eyes were directed down at his foot while he slid it around on the step like he was rolling something. It was on the tip of my tongue to tell him he better get the idea of sharing a bed with Aspen out of his head, but something about the way his shoulders slumped made me keep my mouth shut. This wasnt Jaden territory. He didnt talk like this, so I knew something was up. Yeah, were lucky they put up with our s.h.i.t.

Huh. You can say that again.

This time, I was the one who looked behind us to make sure we were alone. I needed to tell someone, so I decided to just go for it. Who could you talk to if not your boy? I like her, Jay. Like-like her. It has me a little freaked out. I dont want to mess it up.

He didnt laugh. Didnt smirk or ask me if Id lost my mind. He actually kind of smiled at me. You should go for it. It was only a matter of time til it happened anyway. You guys will be like, the best couple ever! He said the last part in a teasing, high-pitched voice. Seriously though, you have my blessing, but if you hurt my little girl, Im pulling out the shotgun.

I laughed. Thanks for letting me date your daughter. Im sure sh.e.l.l be surprised to find out shes your love child. Jaden held out his fist and I b.u.mped it with mine. After a minute of silence, I asked, What about you? You ready to change your ways and settle down with the old ball and chain?

The Jaden Id known for years looked up at me and smirked. Nah, Im not that crazy. Too many girls out there to tie myself to one. I laughed, even though something in his voice didnt sound right. The screen door slammed as the girls came out keeping me from asking him what was wrong.

We headed out on foot since the town was about the size of my shoe. Okay, maybe Im exaggerating. From what I heard, it was a pretty popular spot for the college crowd to hang out. We went into a few shops, which I fought not to roll my eyes at. The girls liked this kind of c.r.a.p so this was me trying to be sensitive to what Aspen liked. Even though I knew she already liked me too, it couldnt hurt to score some extra points in the sensitivity department, since I knew it wasnt my strong point.

They looked at so many dolphin and ocean pictures, jewelry, the little knickknack-y things that were in the beach house and who knew what else for so long that I nearly fell asleep walking, but unlike Jaden, I didnt complain once. I was whipped already. Funny, I didnt even care. Not too much at least After what felt like years, we found an all-ages pool hall to eat lunch in.

I pulled up the chair by Aspen and tried to sit down, but Pris leapt between me and the seat and plopped down. O-kay. Obviously, she didnt want to sit by Jaden. He was ruining my game with whatever was going on between him and Pris.

After everyone decided what they wanted, I offered. Ill get Aspen and Priss food when I order mine. When three pairs of eyes devoured me, I added, Priss birthday meal and all. I didnt want to look like an idiot. Was I trying to hard? This was tougher than I thought.

That doesnt mean you need to buy mine. Aspen moved to stand up, but I put my hand on her shoulder.

I want to. Sit down, Woodstock before I tie you to the chair.

She glanced over at Pris, before turning back to me. I just want the chicken strips, fries and a c.o.ke.

Same for me, Bastian. Thanks. Pris looked at Jaden and rolled her eyes. Okay, there was definitely something weird going on there. They never got along particularly well. It was one of those strange friendships where you knew they were close, just as close as the rest of us, but they never showed it. They never agreed on anything and lately it was even worse.

What, youre not going to buy mine? Thats janky. Jaden stood up and followed me. I ordered my burger and the girls chicken before Jaden ordered his.

Here, Jaden handed me five bucks. This is for Priss.

Huh? Why didnt he just say that at the table? Okay. I took the money.

Dont tell her though. My only reply was to nod my head. There was definitely something going on here.

We stood up front until they called out our number and then brought the food back to the table.

Unfortunately, I couldnt enjoy my meal.

Dude, those guys need to stop watching our table. I nodded my head at the two standing by the corner pool table. They looked about our age. Preppy looking guys in polo shirts.

Everyone at my table turned to look and I realized my mistake. Pris and Aspen hadnt seen the guys eyeing them and now they obviously did. I mean, I knew I was the s.h.i.t, but that didnt mean I wanted to introduce Aspen to anyone who might be my compet.i.tion. Not that they would really be compet.i.tion anyway.

What? Its okay for the two of you guys to drool over girls, but not okay for guys to look at us? Pris asked in her best I-am-woman-hear-me-roar voice.

I felt my brows crinkle as I looked at her. Exactly, because now I like Aspen and realize its pretty annoying. Okay, so maybe not. I mean, I still didnt want guys scoping out my girl, but I guess it probably did get frustrating when Jay and I hit on girls around them. So we wont do it again if we get to kick a guys a.s.s if they start panting over you girls. See? Compromise. Id heard that was good for relationships.

Speak for yourself, man. Jaden took a drink of his soda. Both girls rolled their eyes, before Pris grabbed Aspens arm.

Come on, Aspen. Lets go play pool. They started to walk away. Aspen looked over her shoulder and gave me half a smile and shrugged like she was saying sorry. My feet itched to walk to them, but the last thing I wanted to look like was creepy-stalker-boy. This whole thing was so much harder than hooking up. I wasnt used to caring about guys checking out a girl. Caring if they walked over to play a game of pool about twenty feet from idiots on the prowl. I knew that look. h.e.l.l, Id had that look and I didnt want it steered toward Aspen. Either of the girls really, but Pris for a totally different reason.

And now it was pretty clear to me why Id always played The Hook-up Doctor rather than love connection. It sucked.

I watched as Pris racked the b.a.l.l.s. Thats when it happened. Aspen bent over to shoot the ball and yeah, I had a perfect view. It was like angels singing. The sky opened up and that ray of light pointed right at her. Okay, maybe not like that, because its cheesy as h.e.l.l, but still I know I realized I loved her now, but I was still a guy. I dont care how much guys denied or how much girls didnt want to think about it, were visual creatures. Its hard not to admire a girl, especially when you actually liked her. Personally, I thought it was pretty d.a.m.n cool. To enjoy talking to a girl, wanting to hold her hand and also silently thanking G.o.d when she bent over and you got a glimpse of her curves.

No matter how whipped I was, Id obviously still be a guy. That gave me some relief.

Youre drooling. Jaden nudged the elbow I was leaning on, making it fall off the table.

Shut up. Lame reply, but it was all I had. I shot forward in my chair. Preppy loser boys were walking over to the girls. I pushed to my feet, but Jaden pulled me back to the chair again. What the h.e.l.l, dude?

Jaden laughed. Easy there, big guy. You havent even told her you like her. You dont even know if she likes you, Bastian.

She does. I was fully aware that I sounded like I was five years-old. So sue me.

And hows that? Because youre Sebastian Hawkins? He laughed again.

Since I couldnt tell him I was The Hook-up Doctor and Aspen contacted me to hook her up withwell, me, I ignored him.

I looked at him, all leaned back in his chair like he didnt have a care in the world. That was supposed to be me. When did I become the guy all stressed out because he wanted a girl and didnt know what to do? My entire way of living had been totally knocked off-track and screwed-up, but also made more sense than it ever had, at the same time. Dont be an a.s.shole.

Im not. Im just sayin. You go over there all me-Tarzan-my-woman before she even knows youre into her and youre going to look like an a.s.s. You need to chill. Theyre just talking.

My best friend was really p.i.s.sing me off. When the h.e.l.l did he start making sense? I was supposed to be the teacher, not the student. f.u.c.k you.

Jaden pulled out his cell phone and looked at it. Well give them like ten minutes, go over and say we gotta go or something. Then, you need to get down on one knee, or whatever it is youre planning on doing, before you seriously ruin our weekend.

I raked both my hands through my hair. Arg. Eight minutes and not a second longer. And then just because wed kind of changed the dynamic of our friendship today and because Jaden had somehow become smarter than me when it came to girls, I said, Thanks.

We fist b.u.mped again, because it was much manlier than getting sappy twice in one day. For eight whole minutes, we were nothing but silent. I watched the douche-bags talk to the girls. Pris was laughing a lot, leaning closer to them the way I might instruct her to do if she were a client and they were her potential hook-up. Woodstock smiled a few times, obviously not as interested in them as Pris was, but she still looked to be enjoying herself.

Jerks.

Jaden kicked my foot to signal eight minutes was up. As soon as I got to my feet, my boy was by my side. I tried not to rush too much to reach them. You guys ready to go? I asked, being sure to stand next to Aspen. So, I was jealous and pretty much marking my territory. If I wasnt so annoyed, Id probably be laughing at myself, right now.

Sure, Aspen replied while at the same time Pris said, No.

Come on, Priscilla. Jaden mumbled, using her whole name. It was almost enough to distract me. We never called Pris by her real name.

Pris changed her weight from one foot to the other. Were planning a party with Jason and Ron. We figured it would be fun to have some people over.

It was so strange because, just a week ago, this would have been what I wanted. Parties meant girls and Id have been all for that. Now, I couldnt stop thinking about how drunken guys would try and hit on Aspen all night. I just wanted to chill with her, so I could find that perfect moment to tell her that I liked her the way she liked me. I thought wed hang out the four of us tonight, Pris. You know, celebrate your birthday with your best friends.

Jaden leaned against the pool table. Im all for the party.

I knew, no matter what I said, this party was happening. Out of instinct I put my arm around Aspen, but then something came out of my mouth that was very deliberate. Our room is off limits to anyone but us. I plan on enjoying it. Now, thered be no question in these guys minds that this girl was off-limits. Of course, my statement also made it sound like there was something kinky going on, which I didnt really mean. I meant enjoy the room because I would, but if they drew their own conclusion...

Aspen pushed me.