Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83085 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83085 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“Not bad,” Kade replied. “Just wanted to say hi. I’ll sit back and enjoy the view while you guys play, though.” He grinned and walked to the wall behind us, leaning against it and looking our way.
I knew Kellan, Natalie, and Callum were all watching me, but I didn’t let myself glance their way, just bent over and took my shot, which I missed.
My gut was twisting uncomfortably as Natalie took her turn, then Kellan. I kept looking Griffin’s way, but he kept busy, our line of sight not meeting again. Look at me, sweetheart. Come on. I’m not going to do anything with him. But this was also exactly what I’d been afraid of. Why did everything have to be so complicated?
“You gonna go or make moon eyes at my brother all night?” Kellan asked. “Not that I’m complaining. I would much rather you watch him that way.”
“I’m not making moon eyes,” I grumbled. What did that saying even mean?
We continued the game, but I struggled to keep my attention on it. I kept looking at Griff, willing him to turn my way so I could show him he could believe in me. Even if this was just a friends-with-benefits thing, I’d made a commitment to him not to fuck around with anyone else, and I wouldn’t go back on it. He trusted me, he was giving me something special, and I wouldn’t throw that away. Any other time Kade was there, I would have loved to go home with him, but there wasn’t a single part of me that wanted to that night.
“So, remember that time Natalie and Callum kicked our asses at pool?” Kellan teased when the game was over, but I could hear a little edge to his voice. He was pissed about Kade.
“Jesus Christ. Trust me a little, Kell.”
“I trust you a lot, but he’s my brother.” Kellan handed me his cue, and I nodded. Callum and Natalie were already putting theirs away before going to sit down again.
Kade stood by one of the mounts on the wall, so I walked over and put our cues in the slots. “You free tonight?” Kade stepped closer to me and me away. He frowned.
“I, um…sorry, I can’t.” I had my back to the bar, not letting myself look at Griffin. “I’m doing the exclusive thing for a while.” Kade had a boyfriend, but the two of them were in an open relationship. They had boundaries and rules in place they each followed strictly. I’d known about them from the beginning; Kade had always made sure I did. It was part of his arrangement with his longtime boyfriend.
He crossed his arms but gave me a small smile. “Really? I thought you didn’t do the serious-with-exclusivity thing.” I figured he said it how he did because he and his boyfriend were serious, they were in love, they just had the kind of relationship that worked right for them. Everyone deserved that right.
“I don’t usually, but…” But Griff was different. I didn’t want anyone else but him.
“Well, shit. I never thought I’d see the day. Good for you, man. Whoever he is, he’s a lucky guy. I’m sure hearts are broken all over Virginia.” Kade touched my arm. “Let me know if anything changes.”
I nodded, and Kade walked away. When I turned around, everyone was looking at me, but Griff was gone.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Griffin
I had no right to be jealous. Josh had told me from the beginning that he wasn’t looking for anything serious. I knew that going in. I’d told him I didn’t want it either, and I hadn’t, but the fire that burned through my veins when that guy had approached Josh told another story.
Not because I didn’t trust Josh. I knew he was a man of his word. He’d made a commitment to me, and he’d stick by it. He sure as hell wouldn’t flirt or leave with another man in front of me either, but I knew there was a possibility he wanted to leave with the guy. That he was holding himself back because we weren’t the same when it came to relationships. That he enjoyed going home with people, having sex, and then walking away until the next time.
That he wanted to do with other men the things he did with me.
More than what he did with me.
That he probably missed it.
I ran a shaky hand through my hair as I paced my office. Fuck, I was losing my shit. I couldn’t believe I’d walked away like that. Miguel had squeezed my shoulder like he knew, and I’d just…walked away.
It didn’t come as a surprise when there was a knock on the door. I hadn’t locked it as I usually did. When it pushed open, Josh stepped inside, closing us in together.
“I wasn’t going to leave with him,” he said softly.