“Some dweeb who goes to our school. He’s a senior. Has a steady girlfriend. No arrests or priors.”
I gawk at him. “Dude, you have serious problems. Even more serious than I realized.”
He flips me the bird. “You think I’m going to let some degenerate put his hands on my wife without checking him out? Come on, man. You know what the elite are capable of. No one is getting near my woman without a rigorous background check.”
“Dude. Look at the guy.” I wave my finger in the air. “He’s wearing spandex for fuck’s sake. One look and I know he’s harmless.”
“I’ve seen you wear spandex, and other questionable attire, and you’re far from harmless.”
“I can’t work out if you’ve just insulted me or complimented me.”
Anderson grins, raising his clenched fist for a knuckle touch. “It’s good to see you, Daniels. We’ve missed you. Abby was grinning like a loon after you called her to say you were visiting.”
“I still say we should have tried the three thing.”
“What three thing?” He frowns.
“You, me, and darling Abigail. It could’ve worked.”
He sits up straighter, glaring at me. “Dude, I don’t even have words for that.” He shakes his head, looking a little pale in the face. “You need to start fucking Hunt again.”
I bark out a laugh. “Hunt is married, in case you missed that memo.”
“I was there. I am well aware, but it means jack shit to him. You know that.”
“I know he had a whopper hickey on his neck last Monday morning. Unless he went trawling for pussy or dick just after getting hitched, he’s banging his pretty blonde wife. Which definitely means something to him.”
Shock splays across Anderson’s face. “No way? Are you for real now?”
“You think I’d make up shit about Hunt with a hickey? Have you any idea how traumatized and heartbroken I’ve been all week?”
“Why?” Abby says, materializing at the end of the row, as if she’s just magically poofed herself there. “What’s happened?”
“Hey, baby girl. Come and give Daddy a hug.” I open my arms and smile at my bestie.
“You are so fucking weird,” Anderson says, as if I haven’t heard that before.
I grab his wife into my arms before he turns all caveman on me. “Missed you,” Abby says, squeezing me tight. “Let me get changed, and I’ll meet you guys out front.” She eases out of my embrace, looking over my shoulder. “Did you make a reservation?”
“I did.” Anderson shoves me out of the way to get to his wife. “I booked that seafood place you like.” He rubs himself up against her. “Why have you never worn this in the bedroom?” he murmurs, grabbing her ass. “It gets me so hot.”
“Hello! I’m standing right here, and I can hear you.”
“Ignore him. He’s annoying,” Anderson says, leaning down to kiss his wife.
“You’re both annoying,” she says, pushing him back and withholding her kiss. “But I love you. Go wait outside before you scandalize Madam.”
We do as we’re told, shuffling outside like scolded little boys.
“Okay. I want all the deets,” Abby says after we have ordered in the gorgeous oceanside restaurant that’s Abby’s favorite.
“Deets on what?”
“What you two were talking about at the studio.”
“Apparently, Hunt’s screwing Sydney,” Anderson says, and I wince.
“A little discretion, please, or did you forget the part where I’m traumatized and heartbroken.”
Anderson looks pensive as he chews on a breadstick. “Are you really though? I don’t see you pining. You’re with Jamison now, and according to Hunt, you’ve been shoving his face in it any chance you get.”
“He said that?”
Anderson nods.
“Good.” Sue me if I’m feeling spiteful and glad my new relationship is getting to him as much as his is to me.
“Level with me,” Abby says, sipping from her soda. “What is the deal with you and Jamison? Are you just using him to get back at Hunt or do you genuinely like the guy?”
I take a mouthful of beer to calm myself before I reply. “Darling,” I say, looking her directly in the eye. “Do you know me at all?”
“I’m worried,” she says. “I know you’re hurting, and I know you’d never intentionally use someone. I know that’s not your MO.”
“But it doesn’t mean that’s not what you’re doing,” Anderson says, arching a brow as he drinks from his beer.
“I like Jamison,” I protest. “He’s sweet and sexy, and he goes with the flow. He is drama-free, and there are no complications. I know where I stand with him, and he’s not trying to hide me away and pretend like he doesn’t have feelings for me.”
“That right there.” Abby pokes her breadstick in my direction. “That’s what I’m talking about. You’re still hurting, and you haven’t gotten Sawyer out of your system.”
“You don’t get over someone you love just like that.” I click my fingers. “But I’m trying to move on. To put him behind me.”
“Are you sure that’s the right thing to do?” Concern is etched upon her pretty face. “I love you guys, and you’re both in pain. I hate seeing that.”
“He never prioritized me, Abby. We have talked about this, and I really don’t want to talk about it again.”
“I’m concerned you’re settling.”
“I’m not settling. I’m back in the dating game after having my heart broken. So what if Jamison isn’t the love of my life? He makes me feel good about myself, and I need that right now.”
Abby opens and closes her mouth.
“What? Don’t hold back now, darling.” There’s a hint of snideness in my tone because I didn’t come here expecting this shit.
She gets up, coming over to my side, draping her arms around me. “Let me make one thing clear, Xavier. I’m Team Xavier for life.” She squeezes me tight, kissing the top of my head. “I love you, and I want you to be happy.”
Anderson makes a grunting sound. “Where’s my hug?” He pouts, and he looks ridiculous. He is so possessive of her, but I can’t ever find it in me to criticize the guy because the way he loves my bestie is a thing of beauty. I am under no doubt Kaiden would take a bullet for his wife. There is nothing he wouldn’t do to protect her, and there is nothing hotter or more adorable.
Abby gives me one final hug before reclaiming her seat. She rolls her eyes at her husband before kissing him quickly on the lips. “You’re extra needy tonight.”
“I’m always needy when it comes to you.” His gaze is worshipful as he stares at her, and they share a long, lingering look, like they so often do, and a pang of envy blooms in my chest. Which I hate. Because I’m happy for them. I truly am. But it reminds me of how Sawyer made me feel, and his loss is as raw as the day it happened.
“Ahem.” I clear my throat to remind them I’m here. “I’m still here. In case you thought the Tardis appeared to whisk me away.”