“I look like a child.” She rolls her eyes.
“No, you definitely do not.” I rest my hand on her curvy hip, giving it a squeeze. “What did Carson want?”
She contemplates me, her lips curling into a barely there smile. “He wanted food. That’s why he came here.”
“Looks like he might’ve wanted something else.” I grip her hip, determined to act like I don’t give a shit.
Of course, this too perceptive girl sees right through me.
“Uh huh. Well, we were supposed to go on a date a few days ago, remember.” She presses her fingers against the back of my skull, giving me no choice but to dip my head and find her lips.
“Don’t tell me he asked you on another date.” I gently bite her bottom lip, making her sigh.
“He didn’t.” Her arms drop from around my neck, and she presses her palms against my chest, giving me a light shove. “But he still might.”
I stare at her, incredulous. “You’re going to tell him no, right?”
“I don’t know. Why should I? I’m not with anyone currently.” She exerts more pressure, giving me no choice but to back away from her. “I have to get back to work.”
“Ellie,” I say to her retreating form, still standing in the darkness. She glances over her shoulder at me, her expression questioning. “You’re really going through with it?”
“Going through with what? Nothing’s happened.” A devilish grin appears. “Yet.”
And with that, she saunters away.
Fuck. Guess I deserved that.
Twenty
Ellie
Pure joy streams through my veins, warming my entire body as I walk through the restaurant, smiling at everyone I pass. Oh, that little moment with Jackson just now was one I never, ever want to forget. The possessive gleam in his eyes when he tugged me back into the hall. His devastating kiss. The oh so not casual way he asked me about Carson.
He’s jealous. Unbelievable. I had no idea I could make him feel this way, and it’s an…exhilarating experience.
What a moment to be alive.
I didn’t expect Jackson to show up here tonight with his friends. But more than anything, I didn’t expect Carson to show up either. Alone. I thought he’d order his food to go, but he stayed, and he keeps trying to talk to me. Completely oblivious to the death glares Jackson keeps sending his way.
Once I make my way out into the restaurant, I gather up the rest of the dishes and glasses and take them back to the kitchen, whistling the entire time.
&
nbsp; I never whistle. I don’t think I’ve ever whistled like this my whole life.
I leave the kitchen and head straight for Carson’s table; he’s currently watching me with a sweet smile on his face. I don’t want to use him. That’s not my plan. I actually like this guy, and if Jackson wasn’t in the picture, I would go all in with Carson.
Jackson is in my life though, and for some reason, he still wants me, which I cannot deny, is thrilling. But it’s also fleeting. He won’t be around forever. Eventually he will ditch me, and while I can prepare my mind and heart and body for this, I’ll still be devastated.
Maybe it will be easier, knowing I can have Carson to potentially comfort me.
Ugh, I am playing a twisted game, and I need to make sure no one gets hurt, including myself. And Carson. I’m already in over my head…
“How’s your food?” I ask Carson, noting the mostly empty basket in front of him.
“The cheeseburger was great.” He leans back in his chair and pats his flat stomach. “I keep coming around here every night, I’ll need to exercise more to work this off.”
I laugh. “The food here is sinfully good.”