Chapter 47
KC
Jared’s here. Standing right in front of me, along with Beau and Skyler.
The closer Brittney and I had gotten to the guys, the wider Jared’s eyes had gotten with a fixed stare.
Oh, wow, he’s surprised to see us, even though Skyler knew this is where we’d be tonight for our pole class.
He always knows where Brittney is at all times.
Once my eyes landed on him, I felt a need overpowering my judgment. His upper lip has sweat beaded up as he tries to look anywhere but at me. My mouth is watering, craving to lick it off and suck on his plump bottom lip, forcing him to let out a moan, just like he used to.
I’m happy he’s found friendship with Beau and Skyler, but especially Beau.
I’m trying to keep my eyes on Brittney and Beau bickering, when out of the corner of my eye, I see Jared lifting the hem of his shirt.
Holy hell, he’s got abs for days. My palms fist at my side to keep from trailing their fingertips along the lines of his abdomen, just like I would have five years ago.
I can’t help but notice again that his once bare chest is now covered in tattoos, but before I can get too good of a look at any of them, his shirt slides back down in place.
On instinct, my hand wipes at my mouth. Fuck. Am I drooling right now?!
“I’m gonna just head back to the gym.” Jared’s words come out hesitant and unsure.
What? No… I’m not done fawning over him. I don’t want him to go home just yet. He’s wrapping up his goodbyes with fist bumps to the guys. His eyes won’t meet mine. If they did, would he be able to see that I want him to stay?
Jared turns to leave and starts to head back the way the guys came, when Brittney lifts my chin with her index finger, closing my mouth. She leans over and whispers, “If you’re gonna do something, you’d better do it now, Kailey.”
I know all eyes except Jared’s are on me right now. Fuck it.
“Jared!” His feet stop midstride, pausing before he looks right at me, waiting.
My words come out fast. “Aren’t you hungry too?” Real cool, Kailey.
The corner of Jared’s mouth lifts up into a small grin. “I could eat.”
Brittney ended up choosing where we were going to eat tonight: Niko’s, a small local bar with good food.
She sits next to Skyler in the long booth across from Beau and me; Jared is on the other side of Skyler, directly across from me. “Dinner will be my treat tonight, a good luck meal for your fights this weekend.”
Jared’s face pales. “Ah, shit, yeah, I forgot my wallet back at the gym.” He lowers his hood, and his hand starts ruffling through his hair. “I didn’t think we’d be doing anything but going out for a run. I appreciate it, Brittney. Thanks.”
Beau chimes in, easing the tension as he leans over the table. “You really are the best, Brittney.” He coos at her.
“Nuh-uh, cut that shit out.” Skyler pushes Beau’s face away from Britt’s.
A waiter stops at our table and takes our drink order; we all order alcohol with a side of water.
Skyler’s whispering something in Brittney’s ear, and Beau is texting on his phone that had been tucked in an arm band. When I look at Jared, he’s just watching me. “What?”
“When did you start drinking beer?” Oh shit, that’s right. When he knew me, I was all for the hard lemonade.
I start drawing circles on the table with my finger. “It’s actually a funny story. Britt and I had just arrived here in Chicago and went out bar-hopping. Some asshole commented about me only drinking ‘girlie drinks’ when he offered to buy me a drink.”
“Well, to your defense, they do taste good.” Jared rests his cheek against his fist.
“They really do, but ever since that comment, I trained myself to like beer. Because, let’s be honest, nobody takes their first sip of beer and is like, ‘Yeah, that tastes fucking amazing…’”
Beau nudges his shoulder against mine. “I did.”
“You don’t count; you’re a different breed.”
“Eh, just when that was the main drink in the fridge of your house growing up, you drink it.” His eyes gloss over before he changes the subject. “So, you and King, huh, Kailey?”
I can feel the heat of Jared’s stare, waiting for my response. “Uhm, no, not really.” I notice his posture relaxes at my admission. I forgot; I did tell him Mattie was my boyfriend when I was trying to fight whatever this could be with us. I think I might be on my way to giving up that fight.
“He seems to think you are though…”
“Well, he shouldn’t. I’m not into the whole boyfriend-girlfriend thing. Come on, Beau. How long have we known each other now?”
“You're right. Just wanted to clear the air before he tries to say shit about us all hanging out.” His hand motions to everyone sitting at our table.
I scoff. “Mattie doesn’t care what I do, Beau.
Don’t worry.” Our drinks arrive at the table and Skyler lets the waiter know we need some more time to look over the menu.
I don’t want food anymore; I just want this alcohol to make me forget that the man I’ve carried with me every day is sitting right across from me.
I drink half of my bottle of beer before addressing Beau. “Well, enough about me, Beau. Who are you with these days?” Something flashes in his eyes, like he’s got a secret. “Nobody. No time. You know how it is. Training and staying focused on keeping my head on straight.”
“Uh-huh, and you’re still looking out for Ajani, right?” There it is—that hopefulness that flashes across Beau’s handsome face anytime her name is brought up.
“Yeah.” He busies himself with picking up a menu, hiding his face from our stares.
Brittney and Skyler are in a conversation between themselves. Jared nudges my foot under the table. “How’s the fam?”
His foot is still touching mine, sending an electrical pulse up my leg. “Oh, they’re good. Yeah, all good.”
“Good.” Jared nods and looks over his menu one last time before setting it down.
Ugh, my stomach is tangled up in knots. I continue mindlessly flipping through the pages of the menu, knowing I won’t be able to eat with him watching me, touching me.
The guys load up on carbs for their orders, while Britt and I settle on turkey clubs with a side of French fries. I let the waiter know I’d like another bottled beer.
“Wow, KC. Are you trying to one-up us guys tonight?” Skyler cocks an eyebrow at me.
“Mmm, you know what? Maybe I am.”
“Oh, shit.” Beau claps his hands together. “Is this a challenge, KC?”
I put both of my hands up, laughing and shaking my head. “I was kidding, sheesh.” Brittney giggles, knowing Beau would take me up on a drinking challenge.
“Quit pestering my friend.” She kisses Skyler’s neck.
The waiter carries out a tray of food, silently placing each order out on the table.
Seeing Brittney with Skyler brings back memories of what it felt like to be next to Jared, sucking on his neck. Stop it, Kailey. Focus!
“So, Jared, what about you? Seems like you’re doing fine with the ladies?” I can’t help the jealousy that’s creeping up my throat.
He knows it, too. Jared gives me a wicked grin. Such an asshole. “What do you mean, Kailey?”
I shift uncomfortably in my seat. “I mean, you have two girlfriends, right?”
“The girls from the after-party? Nope. I don’t really do the dating thing either,” Jared says nonchalantly while cutting into his steak.
After my third beer, my whole body starts to feel warm and fuzzy, and my nerves are officially gone.
The guys talk about their fights that are happening this weekend.
Brittney had already planned on being there.
“Are you going to be her plus-one again, KC?” Skyler’s words are sharp and to the point. Odd, but okay.
“Not this time. I’ve gotta work. Maybe next time.”
Brittney pats Skyler’s shoulder. “Let's go put some money in that jukebox, have them play our songs.”
“Alright, smokeshow, let’s go look at their selection.” Skyler takes her hand into his and leads her to the jukebox.
Beau’s phone vibrates while it's face down on the table. He picks it up quickly and starts to excuse himself. “Hey, I gotta take this. I’ll be right back.” His phone is already at his ear as he runs toward where the bathrooms are.
“And then there were two.” Jared’s tone is playful as he bumps his whiskey glass against my beer. “You look really good, Kailey. I’m glad this place has been so good for you.”
My eyes lock onto emerald green ones, mesmerizing me. “Yeah, I feel different here.”
He nods his head, knowing exactly what I mean. Jared sucks in a breath. “I’m sorry. If this is weird. You having to see me and hang out with me.”
I smile, unleashing my dimples behind my beer. “It’s fine.” Alcohol, is that you?! “I mean, it was a surprise,” I nudge his foot with mine underneath the table, “but a good one. You look really good too, Jared. You look… happy.” When that word leaves my mouth, it tastes bitter.
I never realized that I didn’t actually want him happy without me, until now.