Page 32 of It's Complicated

I’d known Zander for three years but didn’t really know much about him. He was incredibly private and never talked about his personal life.

“They’re all about recruiting. Going out and spreading the good word and all that.” He ran his hand through his long hair, his eyes on the table. “Like they can annoy or guilt people into converting.”

“Thank fuck I didn’t have to deal with any of that,” Jesse said when Zander didn’t continue.

“Same,” I said. “My parents are terrible, but at least they didn’t force that shit on me.”

Luka nodded, sipping his beer and darting a quick glance at Zander.

A little niggle of awareness tickled my consciousness. Instinctively, I looked toward the dartboards. My eyes landed on Jamie and the two blondes he was talking to.

Jealousy, dark and angry, curled in my gut.

Something hard connected with my shin. “Ow.” I jumped, shifting my attention to Asa. “What the hell?”

“You’re as subtle as a wrecking ball.” He rolled his eyes.

“Huh?” I rubbed my shin. “What are you talking about?”

“You’re so clueless it’s cute.” He patted my shoulder condescendingly.

“Clueless?” I blinked at him. “I’m so confused.”

“What else is new?” Jesse quipped.

“Whatever.” I returned my gaze to Jamie.

He lifted his head, like he sensed I was looking at him, and our eyes locked.

Time, and my vision, did a weird thing where it kind of narrowed and slowed down for a second before snapping back to normal.

Before I could question what the hell that was, Jamie said a few words to the blondes, his smile polite and not the friendly one from earlier.

A second later, he broke away from them and strode toward our table.

“Sorry about that.” He slid into the seat next to me. “Got sidelined for a second there.”

“Anything interesting?” Luka asked innocently.

He shrugged. “Not really.” He slid his gaze to Zander. “But the one in pink was asking after you. I told her you’re taken.”

“Thanks,” Zander said.

He wasn’t seeing anyone as far as we knew, but that was our standard answer if anyone ever asked about him when we were out. He wasn’t a fan of picking up at bars and preferred to just hang out with the guys.

I snuck a look at Jamie. He shot me a reassuring smile.

Feeling better, I sipped my beer as everyone started talking about what superpowers they wanted and what they’d do with them.

I tried to stay engaged with everyone, but my mind kept wandering, and I found myself sneaking glances at Jamie without meaning to.

He was allowed to talk to whomever he wanted. I needed to get over myself and stop getting jealous every time he smiled at a woman before he realized how messed up I still was over everything.

Something connected with my foot under the table, hard enough to make me jump.

I glared at Asa.

He shot me a pointed look, then glanced at Jamie.

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