Really. As if I’d believe that this wasn’t Caiden’s doing, that they’d choose to be around me of their own accord. Turning back to the table, I continued setting up the pool balls in the triangle, ready to play.
I felt the weight of their stares on my back and sighed, knowing that I was only delaying the inevitable by ignoring their presence. “I guess you can join us, if you must.”
Kinslee strutted over with our drinks, placing them on the high table next to us, and greeted Cassius and Weston as if she’d been expecting to see them. To be fair, she probably was. She’d been curious about the Four’s constant presence, and I’d tried to explain what I didn’t actually understand myself. Caiden had decided he didn’t like or trust me, and as far as I could tell, it stemmed from my mother. When I’d said as much to Kinslee, she’d shrugged and said that I should be glad, because I got to hang out with the four kings of the campus (her words, not mine), and she always perked up when they were around—despite me distinctly remembering her calling them “spoiled rich boys who think they’re above everyone else.”
The initial tension I’d felt when Cassius and Weston had showed up faded as I watched Kinslee interact with them. I laughed under my breath as she fluffed out her hair and sidled up to Weston, trailing her hand up his arm.
“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” she purred.
A cheeky smirk appeared on Weston’s face, his blue eyes sparkling. “You looking to have some fun with a younger man, Kins?”
“Could you handle me?” She raked her eyes up and down his body appreciatively.
“Don’t be fooled by his baby face. West probably sees more female action than the rest of us put together. Ain’t that right, mate?” Cassius punched Weston’s arm playfully.
“I’d say we’re pretty even.” Weston walked over to the cue rack and pulled down a couple of cues, handing one to Cassius. “Boys versus girls, or mixed teams?”
“I vote we go for mixed teams” was Cassius’ immediate reply.
“Mixed teams works for me. I’m with West,” Kinslee announced.
“Looks like it’s you and me, babe.” Cassius handed me the cue. “You break, and I’ll stand behind you and enjoy the view.”
Ugh. Boys.
I leaned over, and Cassius came up right behind me. I pushed my body backwards, just slightly, and his hands came to my hips. “Your ass is fucking hot.” He pressed his hips forwards, his body right up against me.
I rolled my eyes, not that he could see. This boy really needed to learn about personal space and boundaries. Wriggling my ass, which elicited a groan from his lips, I lulled him into a false sense of security, before I lined the cue up with the white ball and drew my elbow back at lightning speed, straight into his stomach.
“What the fuck!” he shouted, and I spun around, laughing helplessly at the pure shock on his face.
“Maybe you shouldn’t stand so close to her.” I turned to stare at Weston, who was grinning at us both, leaning against the wall.
“Right?” I rounded the pool table, stopping in front of him and Kinslee. I reached over and grabbed my drink, taking a huge gulp.
“I wouldn’t want to get on your bad side.” He made a point of stepping away from me, and I laughed again.
“You don’t need to worry. I think you understand more about personal boundaries than your friend here.”
“Although, if you’re up for testing personal boundaries, I’m available.” Kinslee batted her lashes at him.
As I shot her an amused smile, I was startled to realise that I was actually having fun with these boys. Maybe things would get better. Of course, would Caiden be happy with me becoming friendly with Cass and Weston…doubtful.
Stepping away from Kinslee and Weston, I headed back to Cassius. “How’s the stomach?”
He glared at me, although his expression held no malice. “That was a dirty trick you played on me.”
“Lesson learned?” I raised a brow at him.
“Yes. I’ll admire you from afar from now on.”
“Good boy.” I squeezed his arm and blew him a kiss as I headed around the pool table to carry on the game, and he shook his head at me, smiling.
We ended up playing three games, and Cassius sank the winning shot on the third game.
“Celebratory drinks?” Kinslee suggested, leaning into Weston, who had one arm slung around her and the other frowning at his phone.
“Rain check. Cade wants to meet us.” He shoved his phone in his pocket and looked down at her. “This isn’t over.” He brushed one of her corkscrew curls away from her face, and I saw her practically swoon, licking her lips as she stared back at him. He smiled down at her, and I watched, fascinated. It was amazing, the effect these boys had on women. Me included, as much as I would rather not be affected by them. Damn hormones, making life more complicated.