Page 12 of Best Friends

“They don’t know the other is coming.”

Hay lifted a brow. “So you thought tricking two pissed off friends together, along with alcohol, was a good thing?”

Jesse eyed Hayden.

“You should’ve asked me. I could’ve told you this was not a good idea.”

“I’ve been trying to talk to you for two weeks. You’ve been busy,” Jesse said. He eyed the hall to the bathrooms. “I see why now.”

“Stop it, Jess.”

Jesse glared at Hayden’s profile. The beard made him look older… almost as old as the woman he’d brought.

The bartender brought the drink over, and Hay took a huge gulp before turning to look at Jesse. Beer went into his beard, and he hissed. “Damn… this thing is making me feel like I don’t know how to eat or drink.”

“What’s with the beard anyway?” Jesse asked. “Or is that an animal on your face?”

Hayden laughed. “Women seem to dig it. Itches like hell, but makes me look a little older. Sexier. Delilah says it feels good in… certain spots, too.”

“I really don’t need to know that,” Jesse said. “Why the sudden craving for a cougar?”

“Older women are wild, bro. Wild. They don’t have the same hang-ups as women our age. They know what they want… aren’t afraid to ask for it… and have no problem with a sex-only thing. Every woman my age is trying to force me onto one knee.” Hayden shook his head and looked toward the hallway where Delilah was exiting. “She might have a friend her age… I could ask if you’re interested.”

“No thanks,” Jesse spat. Hayden’s desire to hook him up never seemed to go away.

“If you change your mind, just say the word,” Hayden said before wandering away to latch back on to Delilah.

Jesse turned away from the pair kissing again, thoroughly sick to his stomach.

“Hey, guys,” Adam said as he strolled into the bar. “The gang’s all here.”

“Adam!” Hayden and Benji called out at the same time. After a round of bro hugs and introductions, Adam looked around at all their faces. “We eating or what? I’m famished.”

Jesse froze, not sure what to say for a second. They were waiting for one more, but he couldn’t let Adam know that. “Grab a drink at the bar and I’ll go check the hostess and see about that table.”

Before he could barely get out of the bar, in walked Clay.

“I’m here, as promis—”

Clay stopped midsentence as his stare fell on Adam.

They all turned and noticed the heated glares Adam and Clay leveled at one another. It wasn’t just anger… it was something well past that. Jesse looked between them and saw the expressions on their faces.

This was the biggest mistake I’ve ever made.

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