Page 35 of Muddy Messy Love

“We’re not actually letting you pay, you know that, right?” Jen asks.

“But I want to. Please. It’s the least I can do.” The mental tally of IOUs has grown too big to recite, so I offer my best version of Jen’s famous puppy-dog eyes.

She sighs. “That’s unfair. You can’t use my own weapon against me.”

“Cosmo?” I ask, adding prayer hands. Her reluctant smirk says yes, as does the roll of her eyes, so I glance at Liam. “A double Glenfiddich on the rocks?”

“Corona, thanks.” He throws me a wink, and I grin. I knew it.

“I’ll be back.”

Prickling stares follow me back from the bar, causing my steps to grow awkward as I navigate the maze of cocktail tables, juggling three drinks. From the corner of my eye, I scan the room, determined to prove it paranoia, but alas, it’s not. My gaze locks with several others, and smiles flicker, eyes darken. Some subtly—a flash and they’re gone—but others lock on like radar-guided missiles, following my every move. My face burns, and I stare at the hardwood floor.Sheesh.

“What kind of placeisthis?” I ask as I set the drinks down on the table and slide into the seat opposite.

Jen smirks. “Attracting attention, are we?”

I frown. “Is there crap on my face or something?” It’s happened before. I once walked through Bourke Street Mall completely unaware of the grease smeared on my cheek. Not to mention the perils of clay—I find that in the strangest places.

“It’s those baby blues, long legs, and platinum bed hair,” she declares.

“Beach hair,” I correct, then take a sip, choking as vodka burns the back of my throat. I never should have told her about Cole. She reads far too much into things.

“If you say so,” Jen singsongs, jiggling her brows. “But seriously, they’re staring because you’re the hottest girl here.”

Liam clears his throat. “Second hottest.”

Jen grins up at him and strokes his cheek. “Aw, you’re the sweetest.”

He nods across the room. “The chick at the bar is definitely the first.”

Jen bucks from his embrace and signals a waiter. “Cheque, please.”

But Liam lowers her hand and regathers her in his arms, turning her face to his. “I’m joking, baby. You leave everyone for dead. No offence, Aves.”

I raise my hands. “None taken.”

Liam places a soft kiss on Jen’s pouting lips, and not three seconds later, she climbs over his lap, straddling him. Their hands fumble, their breaths grow frantic, and I quietly curse. “Ahem. Guys… Hello? Awkward third wheel, right here.”

They break apart, sniggering like naughty children, and Liam drops his head back against the wall with a dopey smile. He’s love-struck. Smitten. Pussy-whipped.

All of the above.

“Sorry, Aves.” Jen dabs her lips with a green serviette, and I crinkle my nose.

“You guys are so gross.”

“Aw, you’re just jealous,” she jokes, but my smile turns awkward.

Staring at my lap, I take a deep breath and coach myself to abstain from all thoughts of Slade tonight.AndCole.

Jen leans across the table to squeeze my hand. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

I shake my head. “You didn’t. I’m being stupid, and you’re right—I am a little jealous. Who wouldn’t want what you guys have?”

Liam finishes his last swig of beer and belches, then drops the glass bottle to the table, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Where is Slade tonight, anyway?”

My heart stutters, and Jen snaps her attention his way. Our booth falls silent, and I frown. “What do you mean?”

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