Page 61 of Tease
“You don’t count; you’re a different breed.”
“Eh, just when that was the main drink in the fridge of your house growing up, you drink it.” His eyes gloss over before he changes the subject. “So, you and King, huh, Kailey?”
I can feel the heat of Jared’s stare, waiting for my response. “Uhm, no, not really.” I notice his posture relaxes at my admission. I forgot; I did tell him Mattie was my boyfriend whenI was trying to fight whateverthiscould be with us. I think I might be on my way to giving up that fight.
“He seems to think you are though…”
“Well, he shouldn’t. I’m not into the whole boyfriend-girlfriend thing. Come on, Beau. How long have we known each other now?”
“You're right. Just wanted to clear the air before he tries to say shit about us all hanging out.” His hand motions to everyone sitting at our table.
I scoff. “Mattie doesn’t care what I do, Beau. Don’t worry.” Our drinks arrive at the table and Skyler lets the waiter know we need some more time to look over the menu. I don’t want food anymore; I just want this alcohol to make me forget that the man I’ve carried with me every day is sitting right across from me.
I drink half of my bottle of beer before addressing Beau. “Well, enough about me, Beau. Who are you with these days?” Something flashes in his eyes, like he’s got a secret. “Nobody. No time. You know how it is. Training and staying focused on keeping my head on straight.”
“Uh-huh, and you’re still looking out for Ajani, right?” There it is—that hopefulness that flashes across Beau’s handsome face anytime her name is brought up.
“Yeah.” He busies himself with picking up a menu, hiding his face from our stares.
Brittney and Skyler are in a conversation between themselves. Jared nudges my foot under the table. “How’s the fam?”
His foot is still touching mine, sending an electrical pulse up my leg. “Oh, they’re good. Yeah, all good.”
“Good.” Jared nods and looks over his menu one last time before setting it down.
Ugh, my stomach is tangled up in knots. I continue mindlessly flipping through the pages of the menu, knowing I won’t be able to eat with him watching me,touchingme.
The guys load up on carbs for their orders, while Britt and I settle on turkey clubs with a side of French fries. I let the waiter know I’d like another bottled beer.
“Wow, KC. Are you trying to one-up us guys tonight?” Skyler cocks an eyebrow at me.
“Mmm, you know what? Maybe I am.”
“Oh, shit.” Beau claps his hands together. “Is this a challenge, KC?”
I put both of my hands up, laughing and shaking my head. “I was kidding, sheesh.” Brittney giggles, knowing Beau would take me up on a drinking challenge.
“Quit pestering my friend.” She kisses Skyler’s neck.
The waiter carries out a tray of food, silently placing each order out on the table.
Seeing Brittney with Skyler brings back memories of what it felt like to be next to Jared, sucking on his neck.Stop it, Kailey. Focus!
“So, Jared, what about you? Seems like you’re doing fine with the ladies?” I can’t help the jealousy that’s creeping up my throat.
He knows it, too. Jared gives me a wicked grin.Such an asshole.“What do you mean, Kailey?”
I shift uncomfortably in my seat. “I mean, you have two girlfriends, right?”
“The girls from the after-party? Nope. I don’t really do the dating thing either,” Jared says nonchalantly while cutting into his steak.
After my third beer, my whole body starts to feel warm and fuzzy, and my nerves are officially gone. The guys talk about their fights that are happening this weekend. Brittney hadalready planned on being there. “Are you going to be her plus-one again, KC?” Skyler’s words are sharp and to the point.Odd, but okay.
“Not this time. I’ve gotta work. Maybe next time.”
Brittney pats Skyler’s shoulder. “Let's go put some money in that jukebox, have them play our songs.”
“Alright, smokeshow, let’s go look at their selection.” Skyler takes her hand into his and leads her to the jukebox.
