Page 88 of Pick Me

“I think you’ll find it was more that I’d had enough ofyou.”

I took in a sharp breath.Damn.That burn was so hot I could’ve sworn it singed her hair. When she turned to me with a tight, angry glare, I closed my lips, trying to preserve any innocence I might have.

“Rude, much?”

Jackson didn’t blink. “You don’t want to see my rude side, Grace,” he warned.

She tsked, shaking her head. “Oh, did I hurt your feelings last time, Jacks? Are you sad I didn’t beg you to keep me around?”

Jackson didn’t respond. He just arched a brow before flicking his gaze to me, emphasizing the point.

I kicked her out. Told you.

As if I didn’t already believe him.

Grace looked between the two of us and pointed. “Wait. Are you twodating?”

Jackson smirked. Instead of answering, he lifted my hand and brushed a slow, lingering kiss against my knuckles.

Dating.

Ireallyliked the sound of that.

Grace Scoffed. “Good luck with that, Thea.”

I smiled sweetly. “Thanks.” My tone was chipper like she hadn’t just baited me. I knew this game. Knew exactly what she was doing. She wanted me to bite. To ask what the hell she means. Just like she had when I was rushing for the sorority. She likes to push my buttons to see how far she can go.

Not happening anymore.

“Is there something else you wanted, Grace?” His voice was light. “My girlfriend and I are a little busy enjoying our lunch, and we’d appreciate some privacy.”

The word girlfriend rang between us loud and clear.

A claim. A statement. A fuck off.

Then just to drive the point home, Jackson leaned across the table and kissed me. Not a soft, chaste kiss. No, this was intentional. Possessive, even. His fingers tangled in my hair, anchoring me to him as he deepened the kiss, while his other hand held us steady, keeping us from knocking over the fries and ketchup between us.

My head spun.

Scratch feeling good. I felt great.

I was flying on cloud nine because he wasn’t just kissing me. He was owning this. Owning me. And I liked it.

When he pulled away, I was dazed, breathless, and fully aware of all the eyes on us.

Grace rolled her eyes and flicked her hand dismissively in my direction. “Enjoy riding on the desperate coattails of her brother.”

With that, she turned on her heel, muttering something under her breath, but I wasn’t done playing yet.

“Hey, Grace,” I called after her, my voice light, teasing. “You’re right about one thing.”

She paused, glancing over her shoulder, eyes bored and disinterested. “What?”

“Jackson chose me,” I said, letting the words settle. “So I guess that makes me a pick-me.”

She scoffed, her lips twisting in disgust. “Ugh, whatever. Enjoy your lameness together.”

“Gladly,” Jackson said, squeezing my hand.

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