Page 105 of Released from the Sin Bin

“Let’s go then.” Ken holds his hand out for his cousin.

She doesn’t wait for Carter to move, purposely rubbing herself over his lap as she climbs over him.

We watch them stroll onto the dancefloor. Ken winks at me from the crowd and gets into the music while Jocelyn shakes her hips. She purses her lips and gives Carter quick glances to entice him.

“Ken is short,” Carter grunts to grab my attention.

“He’s taller than me.” I shrug at him.

“He’s not your type.” He looks around the bar as if he’s not talking about my date.

“He’s good looking, nice, and those muscles could make up for his height.” I glare across the table. “You and Jocelyn seem to be hitting it off.”

“She hasn’t been hiding her intentions,” he comments while watching her roll her hips in her short dress on the dancefloor. Flirting with her body from twenty feet away. “Is it bothering you?” He raises his eyebrow to gauge my reaction.

“No,” I lie and take another sip of my beer. “Why would it?”

“Because it’s me and your best friend.” He glares at me.

“I’m happy you two are hitting it off.” I look out at the dancefloor to avoid eye contact.

“Don’t lie to me, Willa.” Carter stares at me until I look at him.

It becomes a staring contest between us to see who will break first, but it’s broken up by Ken and Jocelyn, laughing happily as they rejoin us.

It doesn’t matter what the truth is or what feelings I have for Carter. He would never want to be with me the way I would want him to.

It’s better we stay as friends, and he can hook up with Jocelyn all he wants.

Chapter 26

Carter

Willa is lying to me, but she’s not ready to start anything with this guy. And he’s not her type.

I’m not as tall as some other guys I know, but this guy is shorter than me. He also has no sense of humor. His conversations have been centered around school and work, and not in the least bit interesting.

His hair is too light. His eyes are blue.

And he dances like a fuck boy.

Willa turned up the flirting as soon as they came back from dancing. She’s trying to prove a point, and two can play at that game.

It’s easy when Jocelyn hasn’t stopped touching me.

“You don’t like the cherry in your drink?” I pluck the cherry out of Jocelyn’s empty ice filled glass.

“I was never really a cherry girl.” Her fingers play with the ends of my hair as I pop the cherry into my mouth.

“I’ve always liked the bitter cherry taste.” I pull the stem out from between my teeth, catching sight of Willa staring at me from the corner of my eye. “It’s a raw smoky flavor.” My gaze lingers at Jocelyn’s lap and the small gap between her legs in the short tight dress she’s wearing.

Jocelyn clenches her legs together and rubs her heel against my jeans.

“I can’t believe you’re only here one night.” Willa giggles and taps Ken’s forearm. She’s not very good at flirting, but Ken isn’t minding it.

“Do you maybe want to head back? We can get a ride.” He pulls out his phone to open his ride share app.

“Why don’t we all head back?” I cut in. “It’s getting late anyway.”

---