Page 38 of Hyde and Seek
“Dunno. Kase just said don’t get near any open flames with it.”
I shrugged and tossed the shot back, instantly grimacing at the taste. “Blech. Tastes like burning.”
“That face just screams you want another.”
“It actually isn’t bad after a minute. It tastes like fruit. If said fruit was soaked in lighter fluid, but still.”
“Since I’m pretty sure that beer was evaporating quicker than you were drinking it,” Jet said, handing the larger cup to Jake, “water.”
“Thanks.” Jake gulped some back.
Even the way he drinks is sexy.
I’ve officially lost my mind.
Jet grabbed the empty shot glass from me and handed it to a guy walking by, to their startled surprise. “Here, my gift to you.”
“Uh, thanks?” the guy said, before recognition dawned. A smile split across his face as he held the glass close like it actually was a treasure.
“Pretty sure you just lost that.” I watched the guy move away slowly, trying to look nonchalant as he slipped the shot glass into his pocket. “Yup, gone.”
“Meh, that’s okay. I stocked up at Target. I’d have signed it for him if he was gonna steal my shit, though. Anyway, now that you’re hands are free but Jake’s aren’t, looks like it’s time for me to steal you for a dance.”
Jet pulled me to him, moving us closer to the crowd and further from Jake.
I knew it wasn’t about trying to get a better spot to dance. It also wasn’t about trying to hit on me without Jake hearing.
Which was why I wasn’t surprised when he said, “You really didn’t know he owned Hyde.”
It wasn’t a question. Still, I answered him. “Nope, no clue.”
Much like with Rhys, Jet held my eyes with his searching ones. And again I fought the urge to look away. I had nothing to hide, and as a smile spread across his face, I was glad he reached the same conclusion.
I held my breath as his smile faded and he opened his mouth to speak. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, a roaring loud song started up, making any conversation impossible.
The party had grown, a steady stream of people coming and going. The air, already thick and sticky from the humidity, grew increasingly warm as more people started dancing.
For tonight, please let me be one of those women that looks sexy and dewy when I sweat. We can return to my regular, splotchy faced sweating tomorrow.
Before the song finished, Jake snagged me around the waist and pulled my back against his chest. Reaching over my shoulder, he handed me his ice water before sliding his hands down to hold my hips.
Amped up and unable to stay still, I swayed and bounced as I drank.
Work and school may have temporarily taken over, but I’d still had some seriously awesome nights in my life. I grew up sheltered, but that didn’t mean I didn’t venture outside of that bubble.
Tonight was right up there as one of the best of my life.
Considering how awesome Rye had been, and ignoring Jake’s previous asshole attitude and dinner at my mother’s, the whole weekend was kickass.
It wasn’t about hanging out with a band. It wasn’t about the hot guy parade. Hell, it wasn’t even about Jake.
Okay, it wasn’tjustabout all that.
It was about being with fun people.Mykind of people. No one was eyeing tattoos or piercings with distaste. No one was avoiding eye contact and moving away from anyone, their fear and judgment easily readable.
Hanging out with a rock band that I loved was cool.
The fact they were so chill and friendly was what made itawesome.
