Page 51 of Kaden & Keegan
Bianca and Jamie squealed, then there was a round of hugs and congratulations for Kayla. When everyone settled, another round of wine was being brought out and Bristol felt a little lighter than she had.
Bianca cleared her throat. “So, about this auction…”
Annnd then it was gone.
“Ooh.” Jamie leaned in closer. “Can I just say, I am so ready for this. I’ve been saving up.”
“Me, too,” Adeline said. “For two whole months.”
“Did you finalize the list?” Bristol asked Bianca. “Did Cassius agree?”
Bianca’s smile was blinding. “He did. I’ve got all ten.”
Jamie gave a dreamy smile. “I know exactly who I’m gonna bid on.”
“CJ,” they all said at the same time.
Jamie’s face flamed red, which made the rest of them laugh.
“Oh, come on. We know you’ve been moonin’ over that man for ages,” Adeline teased. “I can tell you, I don’t think he requires payment to go out with you.”
More laughter ensued.
“And you, Ms. Bristol?” Bianca asked pointedly. “Have you been saving up to make a play for a couple of hot cowboys? Mouthwatering twins, perhaps?”
Hoping she succeeded, she kept a neutral expression on her face. “I will not be bidding. I know it’s for a good cause and all, but I’m strapped for cash right now.”
“I could always give you a loan.” Bianca leaned in. “If it’ll help you seal the deal.”
“No deal to be sealed,” she insisted, bringing her wineglass to her lips.
“Oh, come on, you—”
“Bianca, stop,” Bristol bit out, feeling that sudden emotional storm brewing in her chest.
Her friends went stone still, all eyes pinned on her.
She managed a few deep breaths, downed the rest of her wine, and addressed them. “I’m just not interested.”
It was written plain as day on Bianca’s face: her best friend didn’t believe her.
*
Bristol damn sure wasn’t dressed for comfort tonight, Kaden thought as he caught a glimpse of her sitting at the table with her friends. No, she was dressed to kill, clearly looking to draw some attention. The question was, whose attention was she hoping for?
Not theirs, that was for damn sure.
From the moment she’d stepped into the bar, he’d been hyperaware of her. Which was likely how he knew she was avoiding them at all costs. He was tempted to think she was there to torment them, and from the way her glossy pink lips pulled back in a smile as she continued to talk to her friends, she was damn proud of herself.
Forcing himself to look away, he caught sight of Keegan, who continued to glance her way the same as he was. But there wasn’t interest or curiosity on his brother’s face. More like disdain and … he was tempted to say hatred, but Keegan didn’t hate anyone. Well, except the two women they’d thought they were in love with at different points in their lives. Keegan definitely hated them.
What Kaden needed to do was to get Bristol alone, to talk through what happened last night and figure out where to go from here. He was a problem solver, a mediator. Surely with a little coaxing, he could get this thing between them back on track.
Why not now? he wondered. Bristol was here, he was here…
Never one to pass up an opportunity, Kaden started to push his chair back but came up short when Keegan put a firm hand on his forearm.
“Don’t you dare.”
