Page 40 of Tease
What is wrong with me? I’m embarrassed by how affected I am just from merelyseeingJared. It’s beenyears…
I relax back against Mattie’s chest and pat my chest twice. “Yes, the beer went down the wrong pipe. If you’ll excuse me, I’m just going to go to the bathroom.”
His hands tighten around my waist, and soft lips trail kisses over to my shoulder, his mouth stopping at my ear. “Do you want me to come with you?” Mattie’s hand edges up my dress.
“I’ll go with her; you enjoy the fight. We’ll be right back.” Brittney grabs my hand into hers and pulls me off of Mattie’s lap. She walks us in the direction of the closest restroom. I plaster a fake smile on my face and quicken my steps until we reach the bathroom.
Once we’re through the door, Brittney stops me suddenly and places a hand on each of my shoulders. “Before you even start, I sure as shit did NOT know that he’d be here, Kailey. I’d never do that to you.”
“I just wasn’t expecting it, you know?” My hand goes to the heart pendant between my breasts, pulling it out. I find the calming rhythm, moving it back and forth on the chain. “It’s fine.”
“I mean, what kind of coincidence is that? He shows up out of nowhere.” Brittney goes to the sink to wash her hands.
Leaning my head against the door, I try to keep my unsteady legs upright, my blank stare is on the floor. “I’m being childish, right? It’s fine; he probably doesn’t even remember me, much less care that I just happened to be in this arena tonight.”
“Uhm, honestly… I don’t know.” She hands me a wet paper towel, and I lightly pat my face. “The way we left our hometown, Kailey… never looking back… Steffan and Greg don’t bring him up when we do hear from them. But I’m sure they’re all still friends.”
I try to focus on my breathing, in and out, and I check my eye makeup in the mirror. That coughing fit made my eyes water, causing my black eyeliner to run. After cleaning my face up, I place the cold, wet paper towel against the back of my neck. I feel hot and nauseous.
Brittney’s concerned face comes into view. “Do you want to leave? I’m sure Skyler would understand.”
I shake my head fiercely. “What? No. We arenotleaving. I just needed a moment.”
“We can walk around out here instead of going back in there. Hell, maybe let’s just head to where the after-party is going to be.”
Oh shit, he’s probably going to be at the party. I vaguely remember the announcer explaining thatthatfighter is thenewest member of the Chicago team.You’ll be fine, Kailey!I slide the heart pendant back in between my breasts and head for the exit of the restroom.
“You know what, you’re right. Let’s just go to the party. Skyler will definitely want to celebrate his win with you, and I’ll have Mattie there to keep me company until he ravages me on that king bed upstairs.” I give Britt a faint grin, one I can only hope she truly believes, and we head out. Making our way up the long aisle, we’re led out to the lobby, when the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and a ringing sound fills my ears. I stop midstride, my eyes skimming over the people near me, and look around; no one stands out to me.
Brittney and I take our time walking around the arena before heading up to where the after-party is, taking in all the views this place has to offer. I’m willing to bet this will be my last time attending a cage fight. Wait staff is scattered throughout the room. A DJ is set up in the back corner, in front of a neon dance floor. Small ice statues are atop tables, strobe lights are going, and food is being set out on long rectangle tables. Those tables are covered in white tablecloths and surrounded with high-back chairs.
“You did tell your date that you’d be meeting him here instead, right?” Brittney makes a beeline for the bartender.
“After he sent multiple texts asking how I was doing, yes. He seemed good with my response.”
A small group of people start to make their way through the solid blacked out double doors—their voices loud, talking about how amazing the fights were tonight. I’m secretly wondering if Jared won or lost. But that question will not be leaving my mouth. Instead, I should be focusing on looking for Mattie. Brittney has a tequila shot in each hand. I eye her skeptically. “Are you sure I need any more of these?”
“Are you kidding? If I thought you’d do a double shot at once, I would’ve gotten that instead.”
“Mmhmm.” Just as we’re biting into our limes, my handsome date walks in, hands in his pockets.
“There’s my beautiful date.” He pulls me up and flush against him, lifting my feet off of the ground, and twirls us around once.
Yep, more shots was a bad idea; stomach acid starts to roll up my throat, and I swallow it down quickly.
“Had to have you miss me, so you could devour me in need later,” I whisper seductively into his ear, before I bite his earlobe softly.
“Where’s your man? I want to congratulate him on his win.” Mattie looks toward Brittney, then his eyes scan around the room.
“I’m hoping he’ll be here soon.” Brittney’s fingers tap the table at rapid speed next to her empty shot glass, and her stare never leaves the double doors. Her genuine smile is contagious. She really is happy with Skyler.
We hear him before we see him. Skyler’s voice booms over the crowd as he strolls into the party. People scatter out of his path and pat him on the back, telling him what a good job he did. He looks freshly showered and is wearing a dark blue suit, with a black dress shirt tucked in. Brittney doesn’t say a word before she runs toward him. Skyler catches her in midair, and she wraps her legs around his hips, the slits of her dress giving everyone a free show of her panties. She devours his face in a deep kiss. His hand grabs the back of her neck, and he whispers something into her ear. Slowly, he places her heels back onto the tile, and they walk toward our table, hand in hand. Brittney is beaming with happiness.
“Good job. Glad I bet on a winner,” Mattie says while shaking Skyler’s hand.
“Glad I could make you a winner, too.” he says with a toothy grin.
“So, what did you think, KC? Interested in being my girlfriend’s plus-one to all the fights?” He kisses the top of her hair. Brittney’s eyes tell me she’s sorry, but she doesn’t speak up on my behalf. I’m not going to embarrass her with my personal issues.
