Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 74103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“Good?” Murphy asks, perched beside Cage.
“Yes, surprisingly. I don’t often drink, maybe a glass of wine here and there, but this is pretty good.”
“Of course, it is. I made it,” he arrogantly boasts, and I shake my head and roll my eyes.
Cage chuckles. “Dude, she’s immune to our arrogance.”
“You mean your arrogance. She just met me,” Murphy flirts aimlessly.
“You’re barking up the wrong tree,” I tell him.
“See,” Cage says, tipping his beer at Murphy.
They break out into conversation a moment later, discussing something football-related, and I drown them out. Drinking more of the fruity beverage, I pull out my phone and text Mia.
Me: I did it. I went to a party with football guy.
Almost instantly, she replies back.
Mia: Oh my god. I need all the details tomorrow. Are you going to let him kiss you? What are you drinking? You better be safe. I don’t want to have to come there and kill someone.
Me: *rolling eyes emoji* Next thing you’re going to be asking me is if I’m using protection.
Bubbles pop up on the screen, so I know she’s writing back. Going to take another drink, I realize I’m out of the red fruity liquid. Frowning, I peer into the cup.
Mia: I swear to God if you get pregnant, I will come there and rip Mr. Football god’s balls off his body. No babies!!!
I snort with laughter at the thought of Mia trying to fight with Cage and type back my reply.
Me: Have to have sex to make babies.
“What are you laughing about over there?” Cage questions, looking down at the lit-up screen in my lap. I grab the device and hold it to my chest, not wanting him to see what we’re talking about.
“Nothing. Just messaging Mia.” I can feel the burn in my cheeks. The little bit of alcohol I consumed must already be affecting me.
“Want another drink?” Murphy interjects, and I nod, shoving my plastic cup at him.
“Yes, please.” I smile.
“Oh fuck, don’t say it like that, Nerd. You’ll make my cock hard,” Murphy teases as he walks away. I don’t miss the murderous glint that flickers in Cage’s eyes at the words. He’s looking at his friend like he’s ready to strangle him.
My phone dings, and I unlock it and look down at the screen.
Mia: Same. My sex life is non-existent. Can’t bang someone when your bodyguard is constantly watching you. I mean, I guess I could if I was into that kind of thing.
Me: *frowny face* Maybe bang him instead?
I laugh at my own response. When did I become so funny? Seconds tick by, and then a message appears on the screen.
Mia: Now, that’s an idea. *winky face* I’m proud of you, Blair. Tell me everything tomorrow.
Me: Of course, as if I couldn’t.
I hit send and click the button on my phone’s side just as Murphy returns with a drink. He hands it to me and gives Cage another beer. I can feel the tension radiating off of Cage at his friend’s poke at fun. I drink my drink, all but chugging the beverage down. Why does he care if Murphy flirts with me? He said he was fine with being friends. I mean, it’s a little hard to be just friends with someone you kissed, but it was a bet, a little fun, nothing more.
And yet the way Cage is looking at Murphy, toes the line of jealousy.
“Hey guys,” a voice carries across the space. Looking up, I find Evan and another guy I don’t know walking toward us. Evan’s eyes find mine immediately, giving me a look that all but says, what the hell are you doing here?
I don’t know, Evan. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing here.
They pull two chairs up, and I scoot mine closer to Cage to make space at the table.
“I’m surprised to see you here, Blair. I thought you hated this idiot.” He lifts his chin toward Cage.
I shrug. “The idiot kind of grew on me.”
“Hey, said idiot is sitting right here,” Cage interrupts.
I can’t help but giggle, a tiny snort escapes me, and the rest of the table starts laughing. I can feel the tension ease from my body. All the worries I had about tonight disappear because, for the first time in a long time, I feel accepted. I feel like they are laughing with me and not at me. Just then, my bladder starts to scream in protest.
“I’ve got to go to the bathroom,” I announce, shoving my phone into my pocket.
Cage jumps up from his seat a little more eagerly than expected. “I’ll show you where it is.” Out the corner of my eye, I see Murphy, who has a wicked grin on his face. He looks like he knows a secret that no one else does, and he’s bursting at the seams to spill the beans.