Tease Me (The Macintyre Brothers 2)

I said nothing in reply. Obviously ambitious, she was also obviously hitting me up for more than just a job. Did she think she had to sleep with me to get a job?

That pretty much tanked her application.

I sat down when the game was over and took out my cell, checking to see if Ella had texted me.

She hadn't. So, I texted her.

JOSH: Help! I need to be rescued from extreme boredom...

In a few moments, Ella replied.

ELLA: Is the game that bad?

JOSH: No, I'm at O'Malley's with the crew and some people just want to talk shop. I want to see you. Come to my place tonight after you’re done with the parental units. It's Friday and we can sleep in tomorrow on my nice big four poster bed...

ELLA: I'll see you at ten.

JOSH: SCORE!

ELLA: Haha! Yes, you will. See you at ten.

JOSH: See you.

I smiled to myself and put my cell away. Seeing Ella would help wash away the sadness at the news I'd heard earlier about Grant. I had thought that a couple of drinks with Keith and the gang would make me feel more mellow, but if anything, it only made me sadder. It all seemed so superficial.

It was nine and everyone was starting to get a little drunk. I turned down another drink when the waitress came by.

"Well, I gotta go," I said and stood up.

People turned to me, surprised that I was leaving when the party was only now really starting.

"Leaving so soon?" Jana asked, clearly unhappy about it.

"Got an early morning bike ride to take. See you folks in ten days. I'll be in California for a week."

We all said our goodbyes and I left the bar, happy to be on my way home to meet Ella.

Before I could get to my car, Jana caught up with me and stood really close.

"Hey, do you want some company?"

She leaned against me, her body pressed against my arm. I could smell the alcohol on her breath as she leaned even closer.

"Sorry," I said and opened the car door. "I already have someone waiting for me at home."

She pouted and stepped back. "Keith said you were single."

"Keith doesn't know everything about my private life."

"Oh, okay," she said and shrugged. "If you change your mind, I'm happy to fill any empty spots."

"I'll let you know."

Then I drove off, glad to be out of there.

3

Ella