Page 63 of Tease
“It’s true. I wasn’t sure if I should even come to you for advice, but let’s be honest: Kailey trusts you, and I wanted to betruthful, so you might trust me too.” I dip my head and fold my hands together.
Her small hand taps my shoulder, making my head come back up. “Jared, what are you wanting me to say?” Brittney shifts uncomfortably in the cushion. “Want me to tell you she’s never been as happy as she was with you? That’s true. Want me to tell you she’s never forgotten about you? That’s also true. Do I think you two can be happy together? Fuck, I don’t know. All I do know is that I can’t see her go through that kind of heartbreak again.”
“ButIdidn’t break her heart!” I plead.
She stares at me for a beat then nods. “Yeah, I knowyoudidn’t. Back then, you two were the real deal. I would’ve given anything to have someone love me like you loved her.”
“I stilldolove her.”
“How can you possibly say that and actually believe it? You don’t even know who she is now. What she’s had to do to get where she’s at now. You know and love the Kailey from five years ago, but she’s different now.”
“Then help me get a chance to know her again.” Shit, do I tell her Kailey’s the reason I’ve come to Chicago? All the things I’ve continued to do for her while she’s been away?
I hear Skyler’s voice. He must’ve just gotten out of the shower; his hair is wet and his clothes are fresh. Brittney looks at where he’s standing, talking to another fighter.
“I’ve gotta go,” she rushes out as she stands up from the loveseat and starts to walk in Skyler’s direction before abruptly stopping. Without looking at me, she whispers, “I don’t know if I should even be telling you this, but… I think you should fight for her.”
I don’t stand up. “Tell me how, please,” I beg.
After she huffs out a dramatic breath, I hear her soft words. “She likes books… smutty ones, the ones with happy endings, true love that conquers everything.”
Okay, I’m not sure what she’s hinting at… Should I go buy Kailey a bunch of books?
Skyler spots her, then me; his lips go into a fine line and his forehead wrinkles as he starts to walk straight for Brittney.
“Get her number from Beau. Woo her, Jared.” She snaps her fingers in mid-air and points at the ceiling, like she just got a bright idea. “There’s a book signing convention coming up, and two of her favorite authors will be there: AJ Wilding and Kristina Brand. Do with that what you will.”
“What’s up, man?” Skyler’s tone is sharp as he stops next to Brittney. He grabs her by the hip and pulls her against his side.
“Nothing. Just talking toyoursmokeshow, asking advice on Kailey.”
“Oh, is that right?” He eyes Brittney then me.
“Yeah, gotta get the best friend’s approval, am I right?” I taunt him.
CHAPTER 49
KC
Ajani and I are sitting at our usual booth inside Darla’s Pub. It's officially ladies’ night and we’re the first to arrive. I’ve been counting down the minutes for some strong drinks, ever since my day went to shit earlier. First, my vehicle wouldn’t start this morning. I called my automobile service for someone to come and check it out. The guy took one look and explained to me how my battery had beenfried.Like how does that even happen? That was a brand new battery.He replaced it, and then I went on about my day.
Then, after my shift, I walked out to the employee parking lot, feeling like I was being watched, only to find a big bag of sour skittles, spilled right outside the exit door. I accidentally crushed them with my first step. Skittles again? Somebody really loves Skittles, and apparently is super clumsy with them. That’s so weird. It’s really been anoff day.
“So, hotshot ballerina, any new studs for you?” I wiggle my eyebrows at Ajani.
“Pssh, yeah right. The men that surround me are too full of themselves, or they work for my father.” She takes a big drink of her Malibu and pineapple.
“Yeah, what about Beau? Have you guys been getting to hang out much?”
Her eyes widen at my abrupt, not-so-subtle question. “Yeah, sometimes. If I tell my dad he’ll be around, Dad is usually more comfortable.”
I smile at her, knowing she’s hiding a crush. “He’s a good guy. Have you ever watched him fight?”
“Actually, I haven’t. He’s asked me to come watch a time or two. Maybe we could all go together,” she cups her mouth with her hand and whispers obnoxiously, “since the word on the street is you’ve caught the eye of a certain new cage fighter.”
“Mmm, ‘caught’ is a strong word.” I twist my glass beer bottle around, watching the condensation go down the sides. “We used to date, like forever ago…”
“Oh shit, really!? And how is it that it’s taken you this long to spill those beans, huh? Are we even friends?” Ajani jabs her finger at me.
