Page 55 of Beaten

AJ said hi to me without taking his eyes off Ashley. She was looking extra sexy in her tight jean shorts and a low-cut, white tank top with rhinestone fireworks decorating the front. How she managed to look casual and sexy at the same time was beyond me. I was in jean shorts, and a royal blue tank top with cute red and white flowers. I looked casual for sure but wasn’t even close to looking sexy. Then again, I wasn’t trying to.

Doug introduced himself. “Hi Emily, I’m Doug, we haven’t officially met yet.”

I shook his hand, “Hi Doug. It’s nice to meet you.”

Then he introduced himself to Ashley, who turned to Jamie and asked, “Is everyone who works for you hot? I mean, I’m not complaining, just curious.” She was still shaking Doug’s hand.

Doug shook his head, grinning, then pulled his hand away from hers.

Jamie shook his head, but didn’t answer.

Jack smoothed his hair back and stood taller as he answered, “It’s our number one priority at Sheppard & Sons Investigations to provide top-notch security eye candy.” He sounded like a radio announcer acting out one of those old fashioned ads, causing everyone to bust out laughing.

Meg rolled her eyes so hard I could have sworn I heard them hit the back of her head. “Good lord, I need a drink. Anyone else?”

Everyone raised their hands. We worked together to carry the coolers, food, and picnic supplies out to the backyard, where they’d set up canopies over two picnic tables. The grill and smoker were set up a few yards away. They’d also set up folding chairs around a fire pit which was piled high with wood. We’d have one hell of a bonfire later. I felt more relaxed as Ashley and I helped Meg set the tables while the guys started grilling.

“Are you expecting a lot of people?” I asked as I put plastic utensils in the cute Fourth of July themed holder.

“Yes and no, people will be coming and going all day. Most of the SSI guys plan to stop by at some point. John and Mary are coming over later this afternoon and Jamie said your brother might stop by. So, there might be a lot of people, just not all at once.”

I didn’t realize Jamie had invited Chris. Though I shouldn’t be surprised, they were best friends.

After we’d set the table, finished prepping the food, and the guys finished fawning over Doug’s smoker, they startedgrilling. Jamie and Jack started the chicken first, since it’d take longer.

I paused, looking around to make sure the guys weren’t within hearing distance before whispering, “I was thinking about maybe flirting with Jamie, but maybe this isn’t the right time or place-” I cut myself off. Did I really want to go through with it? Hadn’t I just decided I was okay staying in the friend-zone?

“Here,” Meg pushed a plate of burgers into my hands, “take this over to Jamie, and start flirting.”

“Oh, I couldn’t.” I tried to protest, but she turned me towards the grill and gave me a gentle push.

“Of course you can, just follow Ashley’s lead.” We looked over to where Ashley was standing next to AJ, tracing the lines of his tribal tattoo, and gushing over his muscles.

“Well, maybe be a little more subtle than that.” We chuckled like old friends sharing an inside joke. As I carried the plate of burgers to Jamie, I wondered if he had any tattoos. I couldn’t see any but he had a lot of skin I couldn’t see.

I handed the plate of burgers to Jamie, shivering when his fingers brushed against mine. Jacked walking away as I looked up at Jamie and gave him what I hoped was a flirtatious smile. My nerves had me worrying I might look like a deranged freak or something. I released the breath I’d been holding when he smiled back, his hazel eyes sparkling in the sunshine.

“Thanks.”

I didn’t want to leave him just yet, so I asked, “Need anyhelp?”

“Nah.” My heart dropped, then he winked. “But you can keep me company while I man the grill.”

Once again, I assumed the worst. And was wrong.

Relieved, I answered around my smile, “I can do that.” We talked about random stuff, nothing too serious, which was nice. I’d expected things to be awkward between us today, but was glad they weren’t.

I hadn’t eaten anything since a yogurt at breakfast, and almost died when the heavenly smell of grilling meat made my stomach growl. I didn’t even get to finish thinking ‘I hope no one heard that’ when Jamie said, “The burgers are almost done. Can you grab the cheese?”

He asked the crowd, “Who wants cheese?”

There was a chorus of “Me” and “I do” as everyone answered.

Jamie melted the cheese, then plated the chicken and burgers before carrying them to the tables where everyone was claiming their seats. It shouldn’t surprise me that everyone made sure there was a space for me to sit next to Jamie, that or at a far end which would have been rude.I have a feeling we’ll be pushed together a lot today. Everyone, including me if I was being completely honest with myself, wanted us to happen.

“I’m so hungry I could eat a cow!” Meg joked as she reached for a pan of baked macaroni and cheese.

“Is that bacon in the mac and cheese?” I asked as my mouth started to water.

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