"Why do I have to come along?" Oliver muttered as we made our way through the slushy parking lot to Side Street Café.

"Because, you're my boyfriend, so we can do things together now," I said simply.

"Sounds like a hassle."

"Hey, you asked for it." I turned my head up to grin at Oliver. He returned my gaze with an amused one. After a moment he slowly brought his head closer to mine. My breathing caught and I froze, knowing what was coming. Oliver's breath seemed to always smell like mint. I wondered briefly if he did that on purpose, but all thoughts were cut off when he placed his lips against mine. Unlike a few days before, I didn't stand there like a statue. This time I brought my arms around him, pushing myself up onto my tiptoes in order to kiss him back.

After a moment he pushed me away, once again looking amused. I cocked my head at him, wondering why he pulled away. He laughed through his nose. "You're a really bad kisser, Harley."

It took a minute for his words to sink in. When they did, I stared at him in shock, opening my mouth to defend myself, but nothing came out. He laughed at my expression, turning his head down, and trying to cover it as a cough.

"Sorry," I apologized finally, trying not to sound too embarrassed or bitter. "I haven't kissed anyone since a spin-the-bottle party in eighth grade."

Oliver shook his head, still smirking. "Don't apologize. We'll just have to practice."

"But—"

Oliver cut me off by bringing his head back to mine, kissing me again. This time I focused really hard on trying to match his lips to mine. I had to learn to kiss better fast. I turned my head slightly, causing our noses to smash together. Oliver snorted while I scowled, trying to pull away. He held my head fast.

"Don't move," he ordered. "I'll show you."

I stood stock still, pursing my lips. Once again, Oliver laughed. "What?" I snapped.

"Don't purse your lips. You look stupid."

"What do I do then?" I demanded, feeling a little irritated. "I thought I was doing fine before."

Oliver rolled his eyes. "Okay, we'll do it that way until you get the hang of it."

This time when his lips touched mine, a voice behind me spoke up. "Whoa, too much PDA."

My eyes flew open and I immediately backed away from Oliver. Oliver turned toward the café, hiding his face from me. I quickly twisted on my heel, coming face-to-face with Arden.

"Am I, er, interrupting something?" he asked, looking a little embarrassed.

I stared at him, my heart beating in my chest. "Arden."

He grinned sheepishly. "Hey, Harley."

It took me about five seconds to cross the distance between us and nearly tackle Arden down in a hug. I wrapped my arms around him as tightly as I could, squeezing him with all my strength. He gasped in surprise, staggering back a step, but I just held him harder.

"Arden, I'm so sorry for lying to you," I apologized, pressing my cheek to his chest. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry. Trust me, I felt horrible for lying to you. I really wanted to tell you, but I was scared I'd lose my job."

"Harley—"

"I can understand if you won't forgive me, but I still want you to. Please. You can't imagine how sorry I am. I broke our promise and—"

"Harley," Arden said firmly, pushing me away from him. "Be quiet for a minute."

I stared at him, feeling somewhat hurt. He heaved a heavy sigh, running a hand through his shaggy, umber hair. After a few moments of silence, he finally spoke. "You shouldn't be the one apologizing," he told me, his gaze dropping to the floor. "You have nothing to apologize for. You had to lie to me about your age. I know that now. It's not your fault."

"But I should have just told you!"

Arden shook his head. "No, you shouldn't have. You couldn't let anyone know."

I frowned. "But—"

"Let me finish. I feel like a total... jerk for what I did."

"Don't you think jerk is an understatement?" Oliver demanded, coming up to us now.

"Oliver," I warned.

Arden laughed a little, nodding his head. "It's a huge understatement, but I know Harley doesn't like it when I swear."

I looked back at Arden, a little dumbfounded. He remembered that? A small smile made its way onto my face as Arden made eye contact with me. He immediately dropped his gaze, making me frown.

"So, I'm here to apologize to you, Harley. I'm sorry for making you lose your job and I'm sorry for saying everything I said to you in the tavern that time. I really didn't mean it. I was hurt, and angry."

"It's fine," I told him. "Don't worry about it."

"I'm also sorry you lost your job."

"Well, I shouldn't have had it in the first place."

Arden scowled. "I should've realized you kept it secret for a reason. I know this sounds dumb, but I thought maybe the principal was in on it. Of course, as soon as I opened my fat mouth I realized he didn't. I'm really sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen. I messed up."

"Arden, it's fine, stop apologizing," I said, shaking my head. "It's okay."

"You should hate me," he said quietly.

A lump suddenly gathered in my throat, and I had to swallow it a few times in order to go away. "I don't hate you, Arden. You're my best friend. I don't care about what happened. I should thank you because I was in more of a mess then I could handle. So, you helped me in a way. So thank you."

"Don't thank me," he muttered, turning his head away in embarrassment.

"And I accept all your apologies if you accept mine."

"I do," he said.

And with that I stepped back to him, wrapping my arms around his body again. "I missed you."

He hugged me back, squeezing me tightly. "I missed you too, Harley."

Oliver snorted from behind us. "Okay, lovebirds. Time's up. It's cold. Let's go inside."

"Lovebirds?" Arden echoed.

I pulled away from him, glaring at Oliver. "Oliver."

Oliver smirked at me. "Yeah. Didn't you realize that, Arden? Harley loves you."

"She does?"

"No, Oliver! I mean, yes, I love you, Arden, but in a friend way—"

"Or a romantic way," Oliver insisted.

Arden looked confused. "But you guys were definitely making out when I walked in here."

Oliver looked smug. "That's because she chose me."

"I didn't choose anyone!"

"Really?" Arden responded, furrowing his eyebrows. "You chose him already, Harley?"

I looked at Arden, my face dropping. "Arden—"

"Well, that doesn't mean I can't try to steal you away," Arden commented in a thoughtful tone.

Oliver narrowed his eyes at him. "Good luck with that, Ardy."

Arden laughed, and before I realized what was happening, he had his arms around me again, planting a quick kiss on my lips. I froze, staring up at him in shock while he grinned down at me. A warm blush spread across my face as I struggled out of his arms.

"I won't need luck, Oli," Arden stated confidently.

"You..." Oliver growled, taking a step closer to Arden.

I quickly put myself between them, putting my hands on Oliver's chest. "Wait, wait. Don't do anything, Oliver."

"But he kissed you!"

I nodded my head in agreement. "Yeah, but it was the type of kiss Elliot gives me."

"You thought that was a family kiss?" Arden responded in a surprised voice. "I can redo it—"

"No!" Oliver and I responded at the same time.

Arden looked taken aback for a moment, but then he smirked. "Just you wait, Harley. You'll love me."

Oliver put a possessive hand on my shoulder. "It's too late, Arden."

Arden didn't look phased. His smirk just grew bigger. "We'll see."

Oliver scowled at him, tightening his grasp on my shoulder. I made a face, feeling helpless. Whatever I had gotten myself into was not going to be fun.