I’ve been on edge ever since I left her house on Tuesday. I stayed up for hours that night waiting for her usual pre-bedtime call. It never came and she texted me the next day saying she crashed early. I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that she and Jackson were together and my imagination went into overdrive. I’ve been blowing her off ever since, saying I’ve been working late. I needed time to cool off.
She blushes. “Oh. Hey, Rye. I didn’t think you’d be joining us tonight.”
I smirk. “Why’s that?”
She starts wringing her hands together. “I just thought you might be working late again.”
“Nope.” I say the word with a pop at the end.
“Hi there. Can I get you guys a drink?” the waitress asks. I look over and see a cute little brunette who’s leaning over to give me a perfect view of her ample cleavage. I catch Devyn watching us out of the corner of my eye.
I look at her nametag and give her my infamous panty-melting grin. “Hi, Brigitte. My buddy and I here would love some beers. How about you surprise us?” I wink for added effect.
Brigitte smiles. “Sure. I think I can do that. I’ll be right back.”
Brody gives me a what the fuck look and Devyn glares at Brigitte’s retreating back. I know this is risky but I can’t seem to help myself at the moment. I’m hoping to spark the same green-eyed monster in Devyn that is raging inside of me right now. When she looks my way, I can see that it’s working.
Drew slugs Brody’s shoulder. “Hey, asshole. You want to go shoot some pool?”
“Uh…sure. Riley you want to join us?”
My eyes never leave Devyn. “No, thanks, man. I’m good right where I’m at.”
&n
bsp; Brody and Drew get up from the table, laughing at something as they walk away.
Rainey takes a sip of beer and clears her throat. “So, Dev, you were just about to tell us about your big pitch. How’d it go?”
Devyn’s face lights up. “It was perfect. I was perfect. I really think I nailed this account!”
Rainey smiles. “Way to go, girl! When do you find out?”
Jackson pulls Devyn into him and kisses the corner of her mouth. “She should know on Monday. I know she’s going to get it though. She’s worked so hard on this client; more than any before. They’d be fools to turn her down.”
Devyn smiles shyly at his praise. “Thank you, Jackson.”
He pushes her hair behind her ear and nibbles her lobe. “Anytime, babe. I’m proud of you.”
I ball my hands into fists under the table and clench my jaw. I have to remind myself that jumping across the table to pummel this guy isn’t going to accomplish anything. “That’s great, Dev. You always have been the best at everything you do.” I lean over and lower my voice slightly. “And I do mean everything.”
She shifts uncomfortably and blushes. “Thanks, Rye.”
Rainey jumps out of her chair and grabs my elbow. “Wow, I need another beer. Riley, why don’t you come with me so I don’t have to ruin my streak of not paying for my own drinks?”
I look down at her half full glass. “Is there something wrong with that one?”
She grabs the glass and chugs it in two long gulps. “I’m reaaaallly thirsty. I can’t wait for the waitress to come back here.” She grabs Devyn’s wine glass and finishes that off as well. “See? Now Devyn needs a new drink too. Come on.”
She pulls my arm, leading me towards the bar. When we get there I say, “Now do you want to tell me what that was really about?”
She thunks me on the forehead. “Idiot!”
“Ow!” I shout as I rub my forehead. “What the hell was that for?”
“Could you be more obvious?”
The bartender takes our order as I glare at her. Then I say, “What the fuck are you talking about?”