Page 117 of If You Give an Artist a Killer Muse

As if he could read my lips, his eyes darken with impenetrable anger and… jealousy? No, that can’t be it. Rurik made his feelings clear.

“What do you think?”

My gaze snaps back to Jamie, who looks at me hopefully.

Oh, right.

I blink and nod enthusiastically. “Yeah! Whatever you think will be fun! Surprise me.”

Fuck, I feel like such a bitch. I should be paying attention to him instead.

Jamie beams and continues talking. I try my best to pay attention. I really fucking do. But the dickish asshole wouldn’t stop staring at me, and I can feel his eyes drilling holes into my skull.

*-*-*-*

It's already past midnight, and the wedding is dwindling. To my relief, Rurik left hours ago, so I'm free to finally let loose without feeling someone staring at me.

“I’m heading out, lovers,” I announce, making my way to Nat and Oscar, giving them each a kiss on the cheek.

They both look exhausted but show no sign of stopping.

“Awww!” Nat complains, “Staaaay!” She sways, bumping into Oscar, who looks like he's seconds from passing out.

I tease, “Bitch, I’m too old to be out partying past midnight.”

“Boooo!” Nat jokes, before noticing Jamie next to me. She blinks once, twice, and frowns. “Oh, wait. You’re not Rurik.”

I stiffen.

Jamie frowns with confusion, “Uh, no. I’m Jamie.”

“I’m Team Rurik,” She pouts.

“Okay, you’re drunk.” I mutter, “Good-bye! Congratulations!”

I pull Jamie away from them. He laughs, “Who’s Rurik?”

“Her book boyfriend,” I lie, pulling my phone out to use the ride-share app.

“Do you need a ride home?” Jamie asks.

I hesitate for a second before sighing. “Yeah, that would be amazing. Thank you!”

After 20 minutes of him talking about his favorite places to check out in New York and me just listening because I'm exhausted, we finally arrive in front of my apartment.

I unbuckle my seatbelt and turn to him, “Thank you for the ride.”

But he already unbuckles his seatbelt and gets out of the car. I watch, stunned, as he runs around the car to my side. Before I can say anything, he opens the door and helps me.

What a fucking gentleman.

If I hadn’t been tired, I would have made some stupid joke by now and embarrassed him.

Jamie stuffs his hands in his pockets when we stop at my door. I pull out my keys but pause to look at him.

“Thank you for a wonderful night, Jamie.” And I mean it. He truly made my day enjoyable.

He smiles back, leaning closer. “It’s my pleasure, Briar.”

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