Part 10 (2/2)
s.h.i.+t, I don't know how to relate to chicks unless I'm confident they're interested. ”You seemed keen before, things are a bit awkward with your brother around.”
”That was before.”
”What's changed?”
”I've regained my common sense.” She points toward the doorway where Sofia has reappeared. ”And you've regained your groupies.”
”I didn't invite her!”
Tegan takes a napkin from the table and wipes her fingers. ”It's all good. You just reminded me why tangling myself with you would be a bad idea.”
I s.h.i.+ft closer. ”How about one night tangled? I might change your mind?”
Tegan meets my steady look, and the truth she's trying to hide is there. Nothing has changed from before, and we need to be alone. When Tegan's focus is on me, the world falls away leaving behind nothing but the need Tegan denies she shares. This girl turns me inside out, and rips rational thought from my mind. How much longer can Tegan pretend I don't have the same effect on her?
I slide my hand toward hers. Tegan's reaction to my touch should give me a clue.
”Jaxon Lewis, Miss Sawyer says you've been rude to her again!” Will says in a singsong voice as he appears. He elbows me in the ribs, interrupting my hand on its way to Tegan. ”You p.i.s.sed Riley off, you're in trouble now!”
”Not now, Will,” I mutter.
His mouth makes an 'o' shape and he points between us. ”Are you two having a moment?”
”p.i.s.s off.”
Will laughs. ”Living dangerously, man.” He appraises Tegan and stands between us, clapping a hand on each of our shoulders. ”We're organising a little party of our own, you coming?”
Tegan shrugs him off and steps to one side. ”Who?”
”Us.” He flourishes a hand in the direction of the growing group of people with Nate, surprisingly including other guys apart from us. ”Up for it?”
Tegan wrinkles her nose and looks between us both, then at Bryn and company. ”Yeah. Okay.”
”Awesome!” Will hits us both on the back again. ”Let's go!”
He heads off and glances back at us.
”I need a minute,” says Tegan. ”I'll catch up or you can wait.”
”But you're coming with us?” I say, then regret how over-keen I sound.
Tegan reaches out and pushes a strand of fringe from my brow, her soft fingers brus.h.i.+ng my skin. ”I was invited, wasn't I?” she says quietly.
Which invitation is she talking about? I d.a.m.n well hope Tegan's gesture means she's talking about the one I gave her before.
TEGAN.
I splash water on my face, lessening the heat in my cheeks and pat my face dry with a paper towel. Why does Jax Lewis have this effect on me? I can only keep him at arm's length for so long, and then... who knows? Why the h.e.l.l have I agreed to go to his and the twins' party? I'm an idiot; we both know where this is leading. I've had a couple of beers; time I stopped before my inhibitions loosen. I can be sure I won't end up in Jax's bed, but I can't be sure I won't end up with my body wrapped around his. I pull out my lip balm and smear it across my lips, tasting the vanilla, dismissing thoughts of what Jax's mouth tastes like. See? If he knows what lies beneath my sharp-tongued barrier when I'm around him, I'm in trouble.
Jax knows. I'm in trouble.
Wiping my damp hands on the paper towel, I screw it into a ball and throw into the nearby bin. The door to the bathroom creaks open and a gaggle of excited girls walk in, barely noticing me. They continue their animated conversation as I head out into the still bustling hallway.
Jax stands opposite the Ladies room, focusing on his phone. His blond fringe dips into his eyes and his lips are pursed. The b.u.t.terflies swarm again, and I compose myself before walking over. I can't let Jax see exactly how much I'm attracted to him, but who am I kidding? Not him.
Jax glances up and his mouth tips into a smile. ”Ready?”
”I didn't expect you to wait for me. I thought you'd be busy with your girls again by now.”
Jax slips his phone into his back pocket and shakes his fringe from his face so his piercing blue eyes meet mine. ”Can we call a truce on this bulls.h.i.+t, Tegan?” When my response is surprised silence, he continues, ”I want to spend time with you tonight.”
Do not show him the effect his words have on me. ”Sure, if you like.”
Sighing, he closes the s.p.a.ce between us. ”Cut that out too.”
”What?”
”Pretending you're not interested.” We're back to the challenge from before, but this time with people around, thank G.o.d.
”What if I am? You do know that because of my brother, this a bad idea?” I say quietly.
”This?”
”Us.”
Jax's eyes brighten at my words. ”He's looking out for you. I can understand that. I'd be the same if I had a little sister.”
”So you understand that I could be dangerous for your health.”
Jax laughs. ”I'm not about to screw around with you. I like my arms unbroken.”
”I wish I could believe that, Jax.”
Jax pushes hair from my face with the same gesture I used on him earlier. ”Spend some time with me.”
I catch his hand. ”I already saw you with one girl tonight!”
When Jax reaches out and cups my face, I freeze with surprise. He rubs his thumb across my cheek, the rough tip abrasive against my skin. ”I'm not interested in her. Them.”
”Sure you're not.” I take his fingers from my cheek and he grips my hand.
”Tegan. If we weren't in the middle of a crowded hallway, I'd finish what we started earlier,” he says softly. ”Then you could see how interested I am in you.”
”Don't, Jax,” I whisper; glancing around, aware we have an audience.
He drops his hand and steps back, biting on his lip. ”Okay. Party?”
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