Page 43 of 28 Dates
“He has no reason to.” I close my eyes, intent on finding my zen, trying to relax, when another thought pops into my head. I sit up and twist toward Teagan. “Tell me he’s not already planning on doing this. Tell me he didn’t come with you.”
Her lips pull to one side. Her fight to lie is clear in her warring features.
“Teagan—”
“He’s at Trey’s. But I swore to him we’d only go if you were okay with it, and he knows I’m bringing it up. He just wants to be close.”
My heart is thundering. “And Trey?” My voice has gone raw.
“Last I heard, before I left his place this morning, he said he thinks he might feel like a drink later.”
Her voice went apologetic, but I was already reaching for my phone.
These guys.
I grab my phone and open up our never-ending group text.Show up at Dirty’s tonight, and I quit you both. Forever.
Three dots immediately appear. As if one of them, or both, have been sitting around, waiting for my worthless threats. I can’t quit them. Even if they are idiots.
We’re thirsty.It comes from Trey.
Quickly following is another from Corbin.I miss Dirty’s. :-(
Then go there NOW.
I expel a harsh breath, trying to calm down. These guys were so protective the first year we were friends, it’d be easy to blame them for why I don’t date. They didn’t behave like protective older brothers, but like alpha wolves on steroids. It appears they’ve been taking drugs again. In an attempt to mollify them, I type out another text.
I’ll keep my pepper spray on me. But leave me alone.
Three dots appear. I wait for a rebuttal, but eventually the dots disappear and the reply doesn’t come.
Lifting my head, I catch Teagan nibbling the bottom corner of her lip. “I think it’ll be okay,” she says.
I tuck my phone back into my purse. So much for a relaxing trip to the spa. “Of course it will be, because you’re going to go back to Trey’s and insist you and Corbin head back home this afternoon. The trip to the spa has made youenergetic.”
She snorts and follows it with a laugh. “I wasenergeticthis morning, sweetie. And pretty much every time I’m in the room with my husband.”
Gross. I make a vomiting sound and lift my hand. “Never mind. I should know better than to innuendo around you.”
She laughs again, and it’s twinkly and sweet, like everything else about Teagan. “Come on. Let’s get you back to your place so you can get ready.” She slides off the reclining chair we’ve been lounging on and reaches for her purse. “I want to help you pick out an outfit.”
I don’t understand why they’re all making such a big deal about this date in particular, but much like a trip to the spa, I’m never going to turn down spending more time with my friend.
“Short black dress?” I ask, teasing her.
It’s raining and cold, and it’s a first meeting.
“Ripped skinny jeans and ankle boots. Plus the scarf with the silver threads in it.”
It’s like she reads my mind. “With the blue top with dolman sleeves?”
“Geez, Caty-bug. It’s like we share a brain.”
Chapter 15
Jonas
It’s almost seven and my chest has never so felt so constricted. Every breath burns as I wipe down the bar countertop for the thousandth time in minutes. My elbow aches from the movement, but I can’t settle myself.
