Page 86 of Bitter Beats

Mckenna ignores us, letting the compliment and chatter fly over her head. I sigh, wishing I could tell her how gorgeous she looks without having to speak over several people.

She’s fucking stunning.

She’s also three seats away.

When we arrived at the restaurant, Mckenna opted to sit between Allegra and Ivy. And me?

I’m stuck between Amelia—fuck me—and Levi.

Sighing, I order a double Jack and Coke. Derek gives me a knowing look and tries to hide his laughter behind a gulp of beer as Amelia talks my ear off about wedding flowers for her nonexistent wedding.

I down some sushi and proceed to get drunk as fuck as I watch my girl—because Mckenna ismine—laugh and joke and give her affection and attention to her friends, to Levi, to fucking Reign. But whenever her gaze finds mine, a wariness dims the blue in her eyes.

The more Mckenna blows me off, the more agitated I become. The restlessness pours out of my fingertips with an incessant tapping that Levi finally tells me to knock the fuck off.

I order some shots.

For every drink I have, Mckenna downs one too. I’m not sure if it’s a silent challenge aimed at me, or if she’s genuinely thrilled to be out and partying with her friends. Either way, I don’t tell her to slow down.

Who the hell am I to judge anyway?

Instead, I watch as she tosses back tequila with her girls. I keep my distance as the four of them make their way to the dance floor. I watch her from afar, but I don’t ruin her night.

I numb my frustration with alcohol and promise to get to the bottom of this bullshit tonight.

I won’t spend another night with my girlfriend, fake or not, icing me out. Not when I know how hot things can be between us.

Not when I miss her the way I do.

Not when I silently wish our fake label didn’t apply and Mckenna and I could take a real crack at the chemistry between us.

Because the way I feel right now is definitely not fake.

It’s the most intense desire and genuine need I’ve ever had for a woman.

If only Mckenna Byrne would give me the time of day.

“We need to talk.”I stride into the kitchenette of our suite, advancing on her. She’s still dressed in emerald green but has removed her heels and twisted her hair back into a low bun.

“You’re drunk,” she tells me as I corner her.But she’s smiling. Grinning at me like she doesn’t hate me anymore. Like the past few days of her freezing me out haven’t happened.

“So are you,” I slur.

She sighs. Grins. Her hands lift to my shoulders, but she doesn’t push me away like I expect. Instead, she stands still, resting her hands on my body and staring at me with a recklessness—a hunger—that causes a shot of adrenaline to spike through me.

“I know,” she admits, a giggle erupting from her throat.

“You’re happy.” It’s a statement.

“I miss my friends.”

“I miss you,” I tell her.

Her eyes shudder for a moment. A flicker of uncertainty followed by a flare of want.

“Kiss me, Mav,” she demands. “For real. Kiss me like you mean it.”

I dip my face toward hers, but something about her words pulls me up short. “I always mean it, Mckenna. This—me and you—it fucking means something.”

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