“I think there’s more to it.”
“Nope. It’s physical, and she can’t stand me turning her down.”
“So, you’re saying she’s a child? Because she’s one of my best friends.” Huh, you learn something every day.
I didn’t realize how much I cared about Ophelia.
“In a sense. She just has some growing up to do, and I’m not interested in her that way.”
“And she works for you.”
His eyes meet mine with a confusing look. “That’s not as big of a problem for me as I make it seem.”
What? I don’t have time to ask him what the hell he’s talking about because Brandon and Gabby walk through the already opened door, and Gabby darts toward me.
“Gabs! You’re here!” I think my voice is a little louder than I meant it to be. Maybe I added too much vodka to the jungle juice.
She smiles and gives me a hug. “I am.” She looks back over her shoulder. “But so is he.”
“What?” I look behind her and see Blake walk in as Brandon joins Gabby. “No.” I look at my friend. “Why would you bring him?”
She folds her arms, leaning against Brandon. “I’m not sure.”
Brandon, who never says much, and I don’t expect him to, looks sympathetic. “He’ll be good.”
“No. He won’t.” I glare behind them at Blake, who of course is looking drool-worthy—ripped, expensive jeans, polo, overpriced shoes, and that wristwatch. He’s a fucking walking 80’s movie cliché, and the fucker is still hot as all hell. And the stupid part of me that lacks control wants him naked and to tear into him.
Jesus. I need to get a grip.
Brandon looks slightly worried as Blake joins us, wrapping an arm around Brandon’s neck. “How can you not want to partake?”
Asshole.
“Why the hell are you here?” Blake’s eyes zone in on me when I ask.
“I couldn’t miss Ophelia’s party. We’re old friends.”
“Have you ever spoken to her?” Knox really doesn’t care for Blake, and it shows by his tone.
Blake doesn’t take his eyes off me, burning a hole through my clothes and making me itch like an addict, desperate for a fix. This is not good.
Brandon shrugs out of his grasp. “Knock it off.”
“Look, thanks for the ride and all, but I don’t need a babysitter. And I’m not off fun.”
“You’re being an ass.” I look at Gabby, that statement is out of character for her.
“That’s all he knows, Gabs.” I hook my arm in hers and look over my shoulder at Blake. “Have fun but stay away.”
Anyone else would think I’m keeping him away from Gabby, but he knows what I mean. I told him at the library he needs to stay away from me.
“Oh, I’ll definitely have fun.”
I turn my back on him and walk with Gabby to the kitchen. “You drinking?”
“Yeah, just something weak.”
I grab her a hard lemonade and hand it to her. “You okay?”
She shrugs. “That asshole can really get under my skin. I just wanted to come here and celebrate Ophelia’s birthday.” She twists the caps, and her eyes meet mine. “Spend some time with you.”
My chest aches, missing my friend and knowing I’m keeping a secret from her. “I’m glad you came.”
She takes a small sip of the lemonade. “I am too, but Blake . . .”
“What did he do?” My eyes zone in on the dirty fucker as he takes a seat on the couch next to two pretty blondes, draping an arm around each of them.
“He said I was a hypocrite for giving him shit for drinking around Brandon and then bringing Brandon here.”
“That fucker!” Seriously my voice is too loud, but I don’t have to work until noon tomorrow, so I did intend to let a little loose tonight. Blow off some steam.
She laughs at that and takes another drink, sighing. “He’s not wrong. And that’s what’s bugging me.”
“He’s totally wrong.” I move to her side and wrap an arm around her. “Brandon is not a child. And he’s done really well.”
“What if being around this temptation pushes him over the edge. I do get really pissed when Blake has alcohol around Brandon.”
“That’s because he is full-on trying to tempt him like the asshole he is.”
My eyes dart to Brandon, who’s talking to Knox in the middle of the room, and he doesn’t seem that uncomfortable, at least not more than usual.
“Brandon is strong. And Blake was trying to get in your head.”
Gabby lays her head on my shoulder, and I smile. “I know that logically, but I hate that he had a point.”
“He’s an ass. And I’m happy you’re here.”
She smiles and takes another drink as she looks over at Brandon, and he gives her a smile back. “He’s strong.” She lifts her head and looks at me. “Your boss is really freaking hot.”
I laugh. “He is.”
“And that accent.”
I chuckle and take another drink, finishing off what was left in my cup. “I know.”
But I can’t stop my eyes from drifting further to my right toward the asshole I can’t stop thinking about.
Why couldn’t he just stay away?
Why the fuck can I not stop myself from staring at her? The chicks surrounding me right now are fucking hot, most of them dressed in next to nothing—short skirts and dresses all clinging to their bodies.
Elle?
She’s wearing a baggy pair of jeans, rolled at the calf with holes in the knees with a red cola t-shirt and white Vans.
The girl screams, “don’t look at me,” and “there’s nothing to see here.” But fuck, if she isn’t the most beautiful girl in the room.
And I’m not the only one who’s noticed. Her fucking boss can’t keep his eyes off her.
I take a drink of the whiskey I poured for myself and unhook myself from one of the big-titted blondes on my arms, walking in Elle’s direction. Gabby and Brandon have already left, claiming Brandon has to work early in the morning, but I know it’s code for Gabby couldn’t take him being around all the temptation any longer.
Keep his leash that tight and he’s going to break free sooner or later, that’s for damn sure.
Elle is talking to the birthday girl and that British fucker as I approach, her eyes latching onto me with a heated glare, one that threatens to light me on fire, but no part of me minds. I ignore her, instead grabbing Ophelia’s hand and pulling it to my mouth for a kiss. “Ophelia. I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced.”
Her big eyes meet mine, and she giggles, a truly hideous sound, as she sweeps her hand over my cheek, her thumb caressing my bottom lip. “We have not, but I know who you are.”
“Happy birthday.”
I feel Elle’s gaze on me, but I don’t flinch and focus only on Ophelia. “Well, thank you.” She turns to Elle. “And you said he was an asshole.”
“He is.” I hear Elle growl and can feel the British fucker tense.
“Didn’t your ride leave?”