Chapter 11 #3
But no. Here she was out looking for a guy, just days after our night. That made me mad and I didn’t even stop to think about what a hypocrite I was being. Here I was, also out, but actually on a date.
“So are you looking to hook up, or for more?” I asked, trying to sound casual. “Or just whatever you can get?”
“I’m just looking for a nice guy, like every other girl,” Lara said softly.
“She wants a guy who can commit and show her that she’s special and treat her like a queen,” Mila said sharply. “She wants a guy who will be there for her and love her and dedicate his life to her.”
“And you guys came here?” I asked questioningly. “Really?”
“Are you saying only the shady guys come here?” Mila gave me a pointed look and I glared at her. Why was she trying to force Lara into something?
“That’s not what I’m saying.” I shook my head. “I just think Lara can meet a higher-quality guy than the guys who are here tonight.”
“You guys don’t have to talk about me like I’m not here,” Lara broke in and put her hands up. “I’m here and just looking to have fun.”
“Same here.” Louisa pouted and grabbed my arm.
“I thought we were going to go back to your place and have some real fun, big boy?” Everyone went quiet at her words and I looked over at Lara to see how she’d react.
Her face was downcast and she wouldn’t make eye contact with me.
I tried not to sigh. This was a mess, and I didn’t know how to fix it.
“We’ll let you guys be, then,” Mila said, giving me a disappointed look. “Lara and I can take care of ourselves and our drinks for the night.”
“Mila,” I said, annoyed. “I want to buy you guys your first drinks.”
“We don’t want to interrupt you on your big night, Parker,” Lara spoke up and looked at me coldly. “Louisa doesn’t want her first date with you to also include her sister and her friend.”
“You’re my friend as well,” I said softly, gazing into her eyes, wanting to pull her into me and kiss her.
“Yeah, yeah,” she said and pursed her lips.
“What does that mean?” My voice grew louder and I stepped toward her. “We’re friends, right?”
“Yeah, of course.” She gave me a big smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “We’re great friends.”
“Why does that sound insincere?”
“Parker, let her be.” Mila sounded annoyed. “We’re here to have fun. Lara needs to get laid.”
“WHAT?” I practically shouted and I felt like fire was shooting from my eyes.
“I’m joking.” Mila gave me a weird look. “Calm down.”
“I’m calm,” I said and then looked at Lara. “So maybe we can go to lunch tomorrow?”
“I’m busy.” She shook her head. “Sorry.”
“I see.” I frowned. Busy doing what? I wanted to ask her, but I didn’t.
“Parker, are you nearly done?” Louisa tapped me on the shoulder impatiently. “I want to get out of here.”
“Yeah, just a second.” I sighed and tried not to roll my eyes. “What about this weekend?”
“Lara’s coming over for lunch,” Mila said. “You should come too. We’ll make it a nice family affair.”
“Fine,” I said with a small frown. I didn’t want to do lunch with Ryker and Mila. I wanted to talk to Lara alone. I wanted to make sure everything between us was okay, and I wanted to find out what the hell she was doing going to bars looking for other guys. “I’ll be there.”
“Whoop-de-do.” Mila grabbed Lara’s arm and then looked at me. “Have a good night, Parker. We’ll see you later.”
“Night,” I said reluctantly and watched as she dragged Lara across the bar and stood next to two athletic-looking guys who immediately started looking at them.
I could feel my body growing hot as I watched them standing there studying Lara.
I wondered if she was into them. I wondered if she would be dumb enough to fall for their lines.
I wondered if she would go home with one of them.
My heart stopped at the thought and I looked away quickly.
“I’m ready to leave now,” Louisa said, staring at me, and I looked down at her in surprise, already having forgotten she was there.
“I’ll give you money for a cab,” I said quickly as I pulled out my wallet. “I forgot that I have things to do tonight.”
“Oh?” She looked put out and pissed off, but I didn’t care.
“This should cover it.” I handed her a couple of twenties. “I’ll walk with you to get a cab if you want.”
“Don’t put yourself out,” she said, but I was barely listening to her. My eyes were on Lara and the jock who had just started talking to her. I felt my skin growing cold as she threw her head back and laughed at something he’d said. What the hell was so funny?
“What is your problem, dude?” Louisa pushed past me and I realized she was leaving.
I stared over at Lara flirting with the random guy and then at Louisa as she walked away.
I didn’t want to leave the bar, but I knew I wouldn’t be a gentleman if I let Louisa leave without making sure she’d gotten into a taxi safely, so I quickly followed behind her.
I’d have to be quick, though, because I was definitely going to come back to the bar, just to make sure Mila and Lara were safe and not taken advantage of by the two guys they were talking to, who were looking shadier and shadier by the minute.