Page 67 of All The Happily Ever Afters

This was a fucking waste of time. I shouldn’t be here trying to blend in when I don’t belong.

I open my mouth to come up with some excuse to bail, but Jake throws his arm around my shoulders. He’s got his fake vampire teeth in his mouth, and it keeps throwing me off every time he smiles.

“She just went to powder her nose.” His breath smells like beer as he leans into me and laughs. At first I’m pissed they’re having a good laugh about it, but then he adds, “You gotta tell him what she said, Levi.”

My heart does that stupid nervous shit again and I take a drink of my beer with my eyes on Levi. Jake chuckles and pats my back hard as I bring my arm back down. I don’t want them to know how on edge I am. But damn, I really am sweating this.

I didn’t realize how much I wanted her until right now. Until the idea that she didn’t want me back popped into my head. I fucking hope that’s not the case. I want her.

Levi’s grin spreads across his face. “Dude, she fuckingwantsyou.”

“She said that?” The words spill out of my mouth, and I can’t help it. They come out fast, and the guys have a good laugh over it. I let out a sigh and turn my head back to look to where she left the dining room.

Levi looks me dead in the eyes and says, “Fuck no. You think she’d just come out and say it?”

I huff and let the irritation grow on my face.

“Relax, bro. Shewantsyou.” Jake draws out the word and I just stare back at him.

“If you’re fucking with me, I’m gonna beat the shit out of you,” I say, deadpan.

Jake pats my shoulder and urges, “Go get her, man. I can’t fucking stand the fact I lost the bet.”

My blood heats, and I resist the urge to clench my fists. They made a bet about my girl?

“He bet that you’d be fucking her in a bathroom by now,” Levi says with a grin.

“I knew you’d be classy and at least talk to her first,” Mickey says to my left. This guy barely knows me, but at least he thinks I’m classy.

“It's so damn obvious you two want each other. Just go get her already.” Levi’s got a grin plastered on his face as he waits for me to respond.Just go get her.Like it’s that easy. He must see the hesitation on my face.

“Will you two shut the fuck up if I go talk to her?” I ask them.

They all laugh and a smile finally cracks on my face. She wants me. Alright, I’m gonna go find her and get the girl I’ve wanted for so long. I down the rest of my beer and pass the empty bottle to Levi. He takes it and nods toward the dining room, which leads to the kitchen.

“Yeah, yeah, I know where she went.”

Levi reaches his hand out to Jake, and Jake shakes his head. “No, we gotta make sure he gets laid, or you don’t get paid.” I chuckle as they get into it and take my leave.

As I make my way to the kitchen where Catherine went, a cute little cheerleader with glasses walks by. I look back over my shoulder at the guys as the argument ceases and they fall quiet. Jake's eyes are all over that ass. Those assholes can make fun of me all day, but I know they’re just as caught up in getting their girls as I am.

CATHERINE

Iget only two steps out of the bathroom when my heart stops at a voice behind me.

“Did you really come here as a kitten?” I recognize Ryker’s voice instantly, and it does things to my lower regions I'm ashamed to admit.

I turn with my clutch held tightly in my hand. My heart swells in my chest. I give him a small smile, and feel a blush rise to my cheeks. It’s almost like time hasn’t passed. He’s leaning against the wall and kicks off it, shoving his hands in his pockets before he walks over to me.

I try to remember what he asked and when I do, I roll my eyes and say, “I’m a bunny.” I point to the ears. They’re long and look nothing like cat ears. I love how it feels like we’re just picking up where we left off though. It feels so natural talking to him. A stupid little voice that gives me false hope is screaming,It’s a sign! It’s a sign!I’m trying to shut it down, but I can’t.

He huffs a small laugh. “I’m a hunter. I think you’re in dangerous territory.”

I scoff at him. “A cameo jacket makes you a hunter?” I involuntarily roll my eyes. Men hate this holiday.

He cocks a brow. “You do like to roll your eyes at me, don’t you?” he asks in a low, threatening voice. It’s a voice that would send shivers of fear through most people, but not to me. I know who he really is.

When we were younger and in his backyard, I saw his true colors. I saw him change into the bad boy everyone thinks he is at a moment's notice. Like he was putting on a facade.

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