I look over my shoulder to find Dominic standing at the threshold of the dining room, leaning against the doorframe. He’s in a dark blue flannel shirt and well-worn, dark blue jeans. His signature white sneakers complete his outfit.
“Sorry I’m late,” he mutters, fixing his focus on his dad. “Wanted to get Mr. Kirby’s SUV done so he can pick it up tomorrow morning.”
“That’s great.” Allan tips his head at the empty seat beside Matt. “Come have dinner with us. Monica and Mia outdid themselves.”
Nodding, Dominic ambles toward the table. As he sits, our eyes meet. Under his scrutiny, the back of my neck goes hot, and warmth creeps up my cheeks.
I quickly avert my gaze and pick up my water. The first day of school can’t come soon enough. Between my course load and his work at the shop, we shouldn’t see much of each other.
Mom takes a sip of her white wine and sets it down gently. “Dominic, this is Tessa and Jeff,” she says, “Mia’s friends from Phoenix. They’re going to college in Monterey as well.”
“Chia is also starting her freshman year,” I add, “and?—”
“Wait,” Dominic says, cutting me off.
I sneak a glance at him. His plate is already full of chicken and rice, and he holds his fork aloft, his eyes glued to Jeff.
“Aren’t you Mia’s ex-boyfriend?”
I bite back a gasp and fidget in my seat, surprised he even knows about our history.
The corners of Jeff’s mouth tip up as he tilts his head. “I am, but we’ve been best friends a lot longer than we dated.” He rests his hand on top of Tessa’s on the table. “Tessa is my girlfriend. We’ve been together for a while.”
Dominic shrugs, the movement easy. “Okay. Sorry for my attire. If I’d known there would be a reunion, I would’ve dressed appropriately.”
“Dude,” Matt hisses under his breath. “What’s up with you?”
“Nothing,” he grits out as he digs into his food.
My cheeks are on literal fire now. Jeff, on the other hand, looks entertained. His gaze keeps shifting between Dominic and me, and the way his grin widens makes my stomach drop.
“Sorry for my son’s attitude,” Allan says, his tone soft. “We had a busy day at the shop, and it looks as though he hasn’t had a chance to relieve the tension yet. Right, Dom?”
“Yeah, something like that.” He cracks a half-hearted smile at Jeff and Tessa. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.”
“No worries. No offense taken.”
When my mom asks Tessa about her parents, the tension drains from my shoulders. All I want now is to make it through dinner without another incident and to ignore Dominic Watson, because he’s grating on my nerves.
I loadthe plates into the dishwasher, relishing the quiet. Jeff and Tessa left a little while ago, after thanking Mom and Allan for dinner. Mom invited them to join us for dinner anytime. I’d be more keen on the idea if Jeff hadn’t pulled me aside and told me he has questions. For the first time since we became friends, I’m dreading seeing him again. There’s no way he won’t hound me when we meet up between classes tomorrow.
Mom, Matt, and Allan cleared the table, but when they tried to help me clean up the kitchen, I waved them off. They all have to be up early tomorrow, and I definitely don’t mind having some time to myself. I start the dishwasher then pad to the back door to lock it for the night.
“Don’t.” The single word startles me, and I whip around.
Dominic shuffles across the kitchen, an unlit cigarette dangling between his lips. “I’ll lock up when I’m done.”
He was the first to disappear after dinner, heading upstairs while the rest of us were still chatting at the table. He said he was tired and wanted to go to sleep, but that was close to two hours ago.
“Couldn’t sleep?” I ask.
He stops, standing a little too close. At five-six, I’m not short, but next to his six-two frame, I feel tiny. “I just woke up.”
“Sure.” Rather than listen to his bullshit, I step aside, intending to go upstairs, change my clothes, and dive into my newest read on my Kindle.
“I have no idea how you can be friends with your ex.”
His snide tone sends my pulse pounding with anger. Wheeling around, I glare at him.
