Page 60 of Tease
“I’m in,” Beau chimes in, and Skyler shakes his head but is smiling, already knowing he’sintoo.
“Who said you’re invited?” Brittney taunts, and Skyler slaps her ass loud enough that we can hear the sting.
“I’m always invited wherever you go, baby; that’s our deal.” He grips her hips harder against him, dominantly. He’s probably just hiding a boner.
Shit. That asshole! Skyler didn’t want to just go for somerandomnight run. He totally planned thisaccidentalmeet up. I can’t keep forcing myself on Kailey like this, and Beau is their friend already. I should just head back to the gym, shower, and take my motorcycle out for an evening ride before calling it a night.
Slowly, I start to retreat from the group while they talk amongst themselves, trying to decide where to go eat. “I’ll leave you all to it.” I try to keep my tone light and cheery, attempting to hide the sadness that creeps inside my soul anytime I seeherand can’t physically latch on. I slide off my hood and grab the bottom of my shirt, lifting it to wipe the sweat off of my face, replacing it with a mask of indifference. “I’m gonna just head back to the gym.” I give Skyler a fist bump first then move toward Beau and do the same. “I’ll see you at home.” They both give me a knowing, subtle nod. I’m actively forcing myself not to make eye contact with Kailey before I turn around and start my run back to the gym.
CHAPTER 47
KC
Jared’s here. Standing right in front of me, along with Beau and Skyler. The closer Brittney and I had gotten to the guys, the wider Jared’s eyes had gotten with a fixed stare. Oh, wow, he’s surprised to see us, even though Skyler knew this is where we’d be tonight for our pole class. He always knows where Brittney is at all times.
Once my eyes landed on him, I felt a need overpowering my judgment. His upper lip has sweat beaded up as he tries to look anywhere but at me. My mouth is watering, craving to lick it off and suck on his plump bottom lip, forcing him to let out a moan, just like he used to.
I’m happy he’s found friendship with Beau and Skyler, but especially Beau. I’m trying to keep my eyes on Brittney and Beau bickering, when out of the corner of my eye, I see Jared lifting the hem of his shirt.Holy hell, he’s got abs for days. My palms fist at my side to keep from trailing their fingertips along the lines of his abdomen, just like I would have five years ago. I can’t help but notice again that his once bare chest is now covered in tattoos, but before I can get too good of a look at any of them, his shirt slides back down in place.
On instinct, my hand wipes at my mouth.Fuck.Am I drooling right now?!
“I’m gonna just head back to the gym.” Jared’s words come out hesitant and unsure.
What?No…I’m not done fawning over him. I don’t want him to go home just yet. He’s wrapping up his goodbyes with fist bumps to the guys. His eyes won’t meet mine. If they did, would he be able to see that I want him to stay?
Jared turns to leave and starts to head back the way the guys came, when Brittney lifts my chin with her index finger, closing my mouth. She leans over and whispers, “If you’re gonna do something, you’d better do it now, Kailey.”
I know all eyes except Jared’s are on me right now.Fuck it.
“Jared!” His feet stop midstride, pausing before he looks right at me, waiting.
My words come out fast. “Aren’t you hungry too?”Real cool, Kailey.
The corner of Jared’s mouth lifts up into a small grin. “I could eat.”
Brittney ended up choosing where we were going to eat tonight: Niko’s, a small local bar with good food.
She sits next to Skyler in the long booth across from Beau and me; Jared is on the other side of Skyler, directly across from me. “Dinner will be my treat tonight, a good luck meal for your fights this weekend.”
Jared’s face pales. “Ah, shit, yeah, I forgot my wallet back at the gym.” He lowers his hood, and his hand starts ruffling through his hair. “I didn’t think we’d be doing anything but going out for a run. I appreciate it, Brittney. Thanks.”
Beau chimes in, easing the tension as he leans over the table. “You really are the best, Brittney.” He coos at her.
“Nuh-uh, cut that shit out.” Skyler pushes Beau’s face away from Britt’s.
A waiter stops at our table and takes our drink order; we all order alcohol with a side of water.
Skyler’s whispering something in Brittney’s ear, and Beau is texting on his phone that had been tucked in an arm band. When I look at Jared, he’s just watching me. “What?”
“When did you start drinking beer?” Oh shit, that’s right. When he knew me, I was all for the hard lemonade.
I start drawing circles on the table with my finger. “It’s actually a funny story. Britt and I had just arrived here in Chicago and went out bar-hopping. Some asshole commented about me only drinking ‘girlie drinks’ when he offered to buy me a drink.”
“Well, to your defense, theydotaste good.” Jared rests his cheek against his fist.
“They really do, but ever since that comment, I trained myself to like beer. Because, let’s be honest, nobody takes their first sip of beer and is like, ‘Yeah, that tastes fucking amazing…’”
Beau nudges his shoulder against mine. “I did.”
