The Heartbreaker

“Main courses are next. Then cheesecake,” Uncle Adrian says. “Why don’t the two of you sit down and let these guys serve the main courses and cheesecake?”

“We’re here to work,” Misty says.

“I’m still paying you. Don’t worry.” Uncle Adrian chuckles. “But Donovan had two extras come in tonight that I wasn’t expecting so you might as well sit down. Your dad’s paying for all of this anyway.”

“Okay.” Misty looks at me warily. I shrug and start taking my apron off. She does the same. “Should we sit with Mom and Dad?”

“Um, no. That’s the boring table. Besides, it’s filled up.” I look around. “There are two seats available at that one.”

“I don’t know any of those guys.”

“Neither do I, but food is food, and they’re kind of cute.”

“I thought you said no more college athletes.” She tucks her hand into my elbow as we walk over.

“Maybe I changed my mind. Maybe I meant no athletes for boyfriends. I can hook up with one.”

“You’ve never just hooked up with anyone.” She laughs. “You’re too much of a relationship type.”

“You’re only saying that because I’ve been in a relationship for the majority of my college life.” I frown.

“Precisely.”

“You hook up with guys.”

“And I am one hundred percent okay with doing the one-and-done thing.”

“I feel like that’s what I need in my life right now.”

“I agree.” She smiles at me with a wink as we reach the table. “And they are kind of cute.”

Chapter Seventeen

Jagger

Jo’s laugh keeps pulling me out of the conversation my brothers are having. I glance over there for what seems like the hundredth time since she sat at the table next to ours. She’s talking to Bobby Yelich from the baseball team and I’d bet money that whatever is coming out of his mouth is not as funny as she’s making it out to be.

“Dude, you’re staring,” Mav whispers in my ear. “And Jessa’s right beside you.”

“So?”

“So, she’s fucking hot and you’re staring at Jo.”

“So?” I meet his gaze.

“Jessa’s a sure bet. Jo? In your dreams.” He chuckles. I glare. He laughs harder.

“Fuck you, Mav.”

Jessa and I are not a thing. We’re not dating. Sure, we hook up, but we have an understanding. She likes being seen with me and I like staying single and keeping my options open. Jessa’s a cool girl, anyone would be lucky to have her, but she’s ultimately not my type. We like to fuck though and right now that’s the most important thing we have in common. I look at Josephine again. She has her hand on Bobby’s now and is leaning in as he types something on his phone. Jesus Christ, I hope she didn’t give him her phone number. I shake my head. She just got out of one bad relationship and she’s going to what, jump into another one? Everyone knows Bobby is one of the biggest players. He’s never seen with the same girl twice. I look at Mitch, who’s glaring at the other table as well. When I look again, I notice Misty is also sitting there flirting with someone, and shit, these guys are Mitch’s teammates. Not that they know he had something with Misty. It was so damn long ago, I even forget sometimes. Obviously, my brother doesn’t share that sentiment. Before I know it, he’s getting up and going over there. I watch as he interrupts Misty’s conversation and she stands up, the two of them walking off to the corner of the room.

“Shit is getting good,” Mav says, stuffing another piece of bread into his mouth. I swear he ate the entire loaf and somehow he’s still at it. “They’re arguing.”

“I see that.”

“Why are they arguing?” Jessa asks, pressing a hand on my thigh as she scoots a little closer.

“They used to date,” Mav says.

“What?” Jessa looks over at them again. “She’s really pretty.”

“She’s gorgeous,” Mav says. “She’s a Canó. Those two are like up there with angels. Maybe Victoria’s Secret Angels, but angels nonetheless. Definite tens.”

Jessa laughs. “What am I then?”

“You’re pretty.” Mav shrugs a shoulder like he didn’t just burn this girl. I stifle a laugh. Sometimes I forget what a savage my brother can be and how much I enjoy it, not that I would enjoy him hurting Jessa, but still.

“What do you think, Jag?” Jessa looks at me. “Am I up there with them?”

“I wasn’t the one who said they’re up there with any kind of angels and I definitely do not rate women on a number scale.” I raise an eyebrow.

She’s got me fucked up if she thinks I’m going to enter this conversation. I’ve seen too many men meet their downfall by giving women the wrong answer and that’s just not going to be me. Not tonight anyway. Apparently, my answer is still the wrong answer because Jessa scowls at me, takes her hand off my lap to cross her arms, and faces forward.