My shoulders collapse in relief as I shake my head and glare. “You’re such a jerk.”
Instead of responding to my comment, he says, “Uh-oh, looks like you’ve been made.”
I glance at the spot across the tent where Beck and my mother have been conversing. Ari is right. As we speak, Beck is bulldozing his way through the crowd with a determined look on his face. A few people reach out, trying to detain him, but he’s either not paying attention or deliberately ignoring them.
“I’ve got to go!” I squeak, taking a step toward the flaps of the tent. If I’m quick enough, I can disappear and make myself scarce.
Before I’m able to escape, Ari reaches out and grabs hold of my hand. “Oh no, you don’t. How about we add some gasoline to the fire?”
“Huh?” I blink.
What the hell does that mean?
“Come on, let’s dance.”
I throw a cautious look over my shoulder at Beck as his brother drags me through a crowd of people. As we make our way to the dance floor, the music changes from an upbeat, fast-paced song to a slow one. Ari carves out a small space for the two of us before wrapping his arms around me and tugging me close. His cologne wafts around me, but it doesn’t make my senses go haywire like his brother’s does.
From the corner of my eye, I watch Beck settle at the edge of the dance floor with a scowl as he shoves his hands in the pockets of his suit pants.
Is Ari trying to make his brother jealous?
I glance at him. “Why are you doing this?”
A grin flashes across his face before he lowers his mouth to my ear. “What do you mean? I’m trying to help you out,” he says innocently. “Seems like you want my brother to get the hint that you’re not interested.”
A rush of nerves skitter across my skin as I peek at Beck, only to realize he’s disappeared from where he had taken up sentinel.
When I remain silent, Ari says with a chuckle, “Or am I wrong about that? Either way, the ball’s in your court, squirt. I guess it’s up to you to make the next move.”
I nibble at my lower lip. This is what I wanted, right? For Beck to move on and leave me alone.
Except…
Relief isn’t rushing through me the way it should be. And the sense of loss I feel is enough to swallow me whole.
I groan, knowing exactly what I have to do.
Chapter Twenty-One
Beck
Tonight has officially ended up in the shitter. I’d been looking forward to spending time with Mia away from campus, but that hasn’t happened. It doesn’t take a genius to realize that she’s been avoiding me all evening.
For fuck’s sake, she was hiding behind a potted palm.
No girl has ever gone to such great lengths in their quest to avoid me.
It’s official. My ego has been completely annihilated.
And then there’s Ari, that rat bastard. Every time they were together, his arm was tucked around her waist. I’m this close to wrapping my hands around his neck and squeezing the damn life out of him.
Exactly when did he become so interested in Mia?
I can compete with a lot of guys, but not my brother.
Out of the two of us, Ari is the better man. There isn’t anything he hasn’t tried and succeeded at. High school, football, college, law school. Nothing fazes the guy. He comes, conquers, and then leaves.
If I didn’t love him so damn much, I’d be annoyed.
My father can’t sing his praises loud enough. At least the old man has one son who will do him proud in life. We all know it won’t be me.
Unable to stomach the sight of them dancing, I swing away and cut through the crowd before beelining for the exit. On my way out, I snag a bottle of beer from the waiter. The area surrounding the tent is packed with guests. I glance at the house, wondering if it’s possible to seek refuge in there, but it’s ablaze with lights. Through the windows, I see more people milling around and chatting. They’re everywhere. Escape doesn’t seem possible.
If one more person asks about football or the draft, I’m going to throw myself in the pool. I’m talked out. I want to be alone and brood.
“Hey, Beck!” my uncle shouts from twenty feet away, “we haven’t had a chance to catch up. How’s the season going?”
I shake my head and cup my hand around my ear. “Sorry, can’t hear you.”
He waves his arm and says more loudly, “Get over here, kid!”
I point to the house. “I need to check on something for Mom. I’ll catch you later.”
When he turns away, I breathe a sigh of relief and head in the opposite direction, ducking behind the tent to the far end of the property. Lights have been strategically placed throughout the yard and pool area. The further I venture from the tent, the more engulfed by darkness I become.