Chapter 21 #2
At this, Maggie laughs. “Wow, cocky much?”
Jacob brings his full attention and megawatt smile to Maggie and mine drops. There’s a strange swirling in my stomach that can only be attributed to jealousy and I try to tamp it down as best I can. I don’t want to give us away, but I also don’t think I could stand watching them flirt.
“Well, well, miss Maggie Taylor, good to see you again,” Jacob says, taking a seat next to her, way too close for my comfort.
I take a swig of water just to keep my hands occupied. Maggie eyes me, asking if I’m okay with just a look. I nod briefly and ask for a refill once the waitress comes by.
“I don’t know if I can say the same about you,” Maggie says, clasping her hands together on the table.
“Ouch, what did I do?” Jacob asks, placing a hand over his heart.
“Well, Rowan is my best friend, so by default I have to root for him,” she says sweetly, winking at me. I smile and relax more, resting both my elbows on the table.
“Right, of course. But we all know deep down I’m the better tennis player.”
“Hmm, I don’t know about that. I saw your backhand the other day,” Maggie counters, taking a sip of her water.
“Brutal,” Jacob exclaims, laughing. “I like it,” he adds, checking Maggie out, his eyes lingering on her cleavage.
I clear my throat and narrow my eyes at him, but Jacob is Jacob, unabashedly flirty. He just winks at me and I clench my jaw so hard, I fear I might mess up my molars.
“Would you excuse me? I need to use the restroom,” Maggie says, pushing Jacob out of the booth. He laughs and stands, following her with his eyes as she heads down the hallway.
“What are you doing?” I ask once he sits back down.
“Oh come on, I’m just having fun.”
“Yeah? And what’s your end goal?” I ask, not sure I want to know.
“Would you be upset if I asked her out?” Jacob says, expression turning more serious.
I study him for a beat, but I can’t tell if he’s messing with me or if he’s genuinely interested.
“I like her, mate, but I won’t make a move if you’re not okay with it,” he adds and that swirl of jealousy comes back in full force, making me nauseous.
“Why wouldn’t I be okay with it?” I ask slowly.
“I just got the vibe that there might be something more going on there. More than just friendship,” he says and I realize he’s more serious than I’ve ever seen him. Fuck, how do I get out of this?
“No, man. There’s not,” I lie, hating myself for it, but knowing that Maggie wouldn’t want him to know about our agreement.
While I trusted Boone and Garrett with the secret, I don’t know or trust Jacob that well.
“You have my—” I swallow hard, forcing a smile on my face. “You have my blessing, I suppose.”
“Alright, then. Thank you,” he says right as Maggie comes back. Jacob stands to let her back in the booth but she just smiles and sits next to me.
I bite back my joy and cover my smile with a hand, my elbow still resting on the table.
“Aw, are you intimidated by me?” Jacob pouts but Maggie rolls her eyes.
“No, I just don’t want to distract you with my cleavage every five seconds.”
He grins at her and says, “Go out with me.”
I choke on my water and cough in my elbow, trying to breathe normally again. Jesus, I didn’t expect him to outright ask her now.
Maggie pats my back, making sure I’m okay, and Jacob observes every movement with keen eyes.
“I don’t date,” Maggie says after I’ve stopped coughing.
“Interesting,” Jacob says, eyes trailing down her dress. I’m about to say something about how inappropriate he’s being when he says, “Then who gave you that hickey?”
Maggie looks down in surprise and blinks at the hickey that’s barely visible as she shifts and adjusts the material of her dress. My cheeks go pink and I try not to look at either of them.
“I said I don’t date, not that I don’t have fun,” she replies, unfazed.
“So have fun with me.” He grins, being a persistent little pest.
“Sorry, mate,” she says, attempting an English accent, “but you’re not my type.”
Jacob grins and bites his bottom lip, showing off his perfect white teeth. “Understood,” he says, looking between us with a smirk.
We spend the rest of the night talking about tennis and the upcoming semi-finals and the three of us share a cab to the hotel.
When we get to my room, I expect Maggie to come inside, but instead she says, “I’m gonna head back to my room tonight. I probably shouldn’t risk another hickey before being on live television,” she says, holding back a smile.
I groan. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think I was gonna leave a mark.”
“It’s okay,” she says, studying me. Then she looks around the hotel hallway and when she doesn’t see anyone, she leans in and kisses me sweetly, capturing my bottom lip between her teeth. “Good night, Rowan.”
“Good night,” I whisper against her lips, stealing one more peck before she walks to her room.
Once her door shuts closed, I add, “I love you.”
The List
No kissing
No cuddling
No spending the night
No telling anyone
No hickeys
No PDA
No falling in love
No matching tattoos
No marriage talk