Chapter 6
A LITTLE COMPETITION NEVER HURT ANYBODY
JASPER
“If it’s alright, I’ll start recording at the front of the fire truck, telling everyone where I am. Then I’ll walk down this side showing everyone the garage as I walk up to you guys standing behind all the donated items. Will that be okay?” Abby asks, as she fiddles with her phone.
It’s definitely more of a statement than a question. I can tell she does this often and is more than comfortable in front of a camera. She should be, she’s absolutely stunning and no matter what she’s doing it seems like people are easily drawn to her.
I know I am; I was the moment I saw her under my canopy stuck behind the douchebag that had her pinned in the corner.
Thinking back on the moment, I definitely didn’t plan to kiss her but I’m so glad I did. Not only did we stick it to her cheating ex-boyfriend, but it was the most unexpected sensation I’ve ever experienced.
It wasn’t just a kiss. It was like the planets aligned in one life-defining moment, eclipsing all others in the matter of milliseconds.
The way our lips fit together before my tongue peeked out to explore hers. She tasted like strawberries and whipped cream, the perfect combination of addiction.
I haven’t been able to get her out of my mind and now I understand why her ex was trying to trap her in a corner that day.
“Sounds good,” Major replies with a bit of uncertainty in his voice.
I don’t know what happened between breakfast and now but he’s suddenly reserved and standoffish, which is so unlike him.
Wade helps Abby arrange some of the boxes and I watch him interact with her. Normally he’s a total moody prick, at least to me he is. But with her, he’s sweet and caring. Much like how he is with his daughter.
I walk past them and he grunts, like some pained animal.
I mean don’t get me wrong, he’s always grumpy, but at least he’s helpful and kind to Abby right now.
Placing myself next to Major, his arms are crossed over his chest with his back up against his locker and one leg crossed over the other. I mirror his body language as I lean up against the wall next to him.
His eyes are fixed on Abby, like he’s drinking every inch of her in but still can’t quench his thirst.
“Someone has a crush,” I state vaguely.
“Yeah, he does,” he replies evenly, not taking his eyes off Abby and Wade.
“I meant you.”
His neck whiplashes in my direction and I plaster a tight lipped smile on my face.
“Don’t act like you don’t,” he replies.
“I’m not. You are.”
“I meant Wade.”
My smile fades as I open my mouth to reply, but have nothing to say to that.
Because, it’s true. I just didn’t realize anyone else was catching on to it.
I suppose if anyone would have noticed, he would. Major sees everything.
“Yeah, well we’re both gun shy to show our cards, aren’t we.
” I give him a knowing look, because I’m a vault and would never divulge anything he’s shared with me in confidence, but I wish he were more open about his desires so he could actually find happiness with someone, instead of hiding from it.
Me on the other hand, I’m an open book with everything in my life.
My sexuality has never been an issue nor a big topic of conversation.
All the guys at the station know I’m bisexual so it’s not like it’s a big secret and when people do ask, I say what I’ve always said; I’m attracted to people in general, to the connection, regardless of gender.
There are a few judgmental expressions that quickly get covered up, but in general, most people are more than understanding. However, when you’re attracted to someone of the same gender that isn’t gay or bisexual, well, that can create some awkwardness I’m not willing to risk.
I love this station and the guys I work with, and it’s not worth making anyone uncomfortable.
I hate that I can’t help my attraction to a guy who wants nothing to do with any type of relationship—with any human—much less another man.
Sometimes, a moment will pass between us and I can’t help but think he feels it too.
Then he gets angry and treats me like shit for days on end, until he finally comes back around, just to repeat the same cycle.
But, Wade has a side that not many people see and I get the pleasure of witnessing when the brick wall that surrounds him isn’t fortified like Fort Knox.
The few select times he lets it down and opens up to people, he shows a completely different side of himself, and in the rare moments I’ve seen it, my mild crush grows deeper.
He’s showing that side to Abby now and I can’t say a wave of jealousy doesn’t roll over me.
“Alright, ready?” She glances over at us and we both kick ourselves off the wall in synchronized motion like we were just waiting at her beck and call.
Which we pretty much are.
She turns on her heel and walks toward the front of the garage, and I swear all our eyes are frozen on the exact same spot. Her hips sway naturally behind the skin tight leggings that hug the curves of her gorgeous body like a second skin.
Puffing my cheeks I blow out a long breath, needing to calm my currently rising blood pressure.
“Yeah…Yeah, Yep,” echoes on each side of me as both guys agree with me.
“I think I’m going to kiss her,” I announce, watching Abby talk animatedly into her phone, as she makes her way toward us.
“What?” they jinx each other again.
Nothing like lighting a fire under both their asses.
They don’t know that I’ve already kissed her. They don’t need to know that.
But, they do need to know I’m going to make my move, and these two are nothing but competitive.