Surrendering Series Box Set

“Miss Clarke,” he said, stopping about three feet away. He was casual again in a black t-shirt with a faded emblem on the front and jeans.

“Hi,” I said, dropping any pretense of formality.

“Nice to see you again,” Sloane said, resting her head on my shoulder and smiling. Shameless. She was shameless.

“It’s nice to see all of you again. Could I buy you ladies some drinks?” Sloane kicked me under the table and I kicked her back as Lucas took everyone’s drink orders and went to the bar.

“Oh my God, he looks at you like he wants to do you right here in front of everyone. I wouldn’t mind watching him in action,” Sloane said, openly ogling him as he leaned over the bar to get the bartender’s attention.

“Those buns are fresh and hot from the bakery.” I smacked her on the arm.

“What? I’m just admiring. Don’t worry.” I wasn’t worried about Sloane and Lucas. In fact, when Sloane was really into a guy, she didn’t talk about all this stuff.

“He is pretty cute, Ror.” Even Marisol was in on the action.

“If he had a vagina, boobs and longer hair, I’d be all over that,” Chloe added.

“I don’t know you people,” I said, shaking my head.

Our ogling was interrupted by a voice behind me.

“Hey, sorry I’m late. I got held up with something,” Fin said and we all turned.

“Oh, hey Fin,” I said as he gave me a side hug. It was easier because I was almost at his level since I was sitting on a high chair.

“Everyone, this is Fin Herald. Fin, this is Sloane and Chloe and Marisol.” He shook everyone’s hand and I definitely saw Marisol blush, and Sloane kicked me under the table again. Pretty soon I was going to have bruises.

I moved our purses and Fin took the last available chair as two guys took the stage and did an awesome rendition of ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ complete with a tambourine.

“Here we are,” Lucas said, a tray in his hand with everyone’s drinks on it. Oh, this could get weird.

“Fin, this is Lucas Blaine. We work together.” Fin smiled at Lucas and extended his hand. Lucas paused and his eyes flicked from me to Fin and then he shook Fin’s hand.

“Nice to meet you,” Lucas said as everyone sipped their drinks.

“Nice to meet you as well,” Fin said and I knew he knew that this was the guy I’d been telling him about the other day.

Sometimes I wish life had an Abort button. I’d be pushing it right now to get out of this situation.

“Fin’s a friend from high school and he’s back in town for a few weeks visiting. Our parents are best friends so they tried to set us up.” No point in beating around the bush.

“Yeah, that wasn’t awkward at all, was it?” Fin said with a laugh. Lucas still looked a little tense, and I could sense he was trying to figure out what the deal was between Fin and me. Not that it was any of his business. He wasn’t my boyfriend.

“Would you like a drink, Fin? I didn’t know you were coming, or else I would have gotten you one,” Lucas said.

“No, I’m fine. I’m actually trying to cut back. I’m a bit of an all or nothing guy.” He looked down and his happy façade cracked for a moment. Hmm. There was a story there, but now wasn’t the time for it.

“Fair enough.”

“Are you going to sing?” I said, trying to save the situation.

“I was thinking about it. I brought my guitar, just in case. It’s in the back.” I hadn’t seen him with it, so he must have stashed it somewhere. Fin’s phone rang and he looked at the screen.

“Shit, I have to take this. Excuse me.” He weaved his way through the crowd and outside.

“I have to pee,” Sloane announced.

“Me too,” Marisol added.