“Thanks, I think. I was going for comfortable since we’re watching a movie and eating junk food, but nice will do.”
Lennon laughs as he takes a seat on the couch. “You realize your ass looks spectacular in those pants, right? And that the shirt does nothing to hide your tiny waist. I said you look nice, Presley, because I didn’t want to come on too strong. You look amazing. Stunning really. You always do, no matter what you’re wearing.”
Well, fuck.
“So what movie are we watching tonight?” I ask, attempting to ignore everything he just said.
“Well, I know you’re a fan of Ryan Reynolds—”
“That’s an understatement. Gorgeous, smart, and funny. A combination you can’t beat. Not to mention, have you seen the way he dotes on his wife? That’s real love right there.” I let out a sigh as visions of a shirtless Ryan Reynolds flood my mind.
“Doesn’t he rip on her on Twitter all the time? Like crop her out of pictures and stuff?”
“Yes, and it’s hilarious. She does the same to him. They’re freakin’ perfect for each other.”
“Well, I knew you were a fan and figured you’d seen all his movies, but there was one I hadn’t seen, so that’s what we’re watching tonight.” Lennon logs into his Netflix account and pulls up The Hitman’s Bodyguard.
“Ooh, you’re going to love it. It’s funny and action-packed. A ton of great one-liners.” I explain, clapping my hands with excitement.
Lennon makes the popcorn while I grab us candy and soda from today’s haul. We’re settling in on the couch just as there’s a knock at the door. Without waiting for me to answer it, Jace walks in with a pissed-off look on his face, his hands clenched at his sides.
“Um, everything okay?” I ask, watching him closely from my seat on the couch. Lennon’s tracking Jace’s movements, as well, as he paces back and forth from the front door to the kitchen and back.
“I can’t do it. I can’t be alone with her. She’s so infuriating.”
“Teegan?” I whisper to Lennon, and he nods his head in confirmation.
“Five fucking minutes and she’s trying to sit in my lap. She refuses to take no for an answer.” He’s practically screaming now as he continues to pace.
I’m at a loss for words. I can’t bring myself to tell him to go back over to her villa. I don’t want him alone with her if she’s going to throw herself at him. Not that I don’t trust Jace. He’s never given me a reason not to.
Though, if he’s going to stay in the game, he has to play. He has to go back and spend the night with her. Even if it’s only for two hours while they watch a movie. Hopefully on opposite sides of the room.
Before I can say anything, Claudia is standing in my open doorway calling Jace’s name. They share a look, and then he’s out the door, closing it behind him.
“Well, that was interesting,” Lennon says after a few moments of intense silence. I’m still staring at my front door, unable to look away.
“Something like that. When are you spending time with her?”
“Not until the end of the week. None of us are looking forward to it, though Milo wasn’t bitching about her the way we were. I have a feeling he wouldn’t kick her out of bed if she threw herself at him. If previous actions are any indication anyway.”
Gross. I really don’t want to think about Milo and Courtney. Or him and Natasha. Hell, who hasn’t he slept with? Aside from me? Bella? God, I hope she didn’t go there. Especially since he seems like a hit it and quit it kind of guy.
Lennon starts the movie, but I’m suddenly not in the mood. Not even for Ryan’s sarcasm, which I’ve never not enjoyed. All I can think about is Jace. Is he with Teegan? Are they kicking him out? Did he break some kind of rule we weren’t aware of?
Anything could be happening right now, and I’m stuck here with Lennon. Someone I should cherish spending time with but can’t even bring myself to look at right now, my eyes locked on the TV.
Until Lennon drapes his arm over my shoulder.
That’s when I make the mistake of looking at him.
And he takes advantage of that, pressing his lips against mine before I realize what’s happening.