Page 100 of Give Me Love

“Don’t mind her,” Kat says. “She’s always this way when she cooks, and she’s always cooking several things at once.” I smile down at my girlfriend. Whoa. That seems odd. Super fucking odd.

“I heard that,” Claire says.

“I wasn’t whispering.” Kat walks over to the bowl Claire was stirring when I walked in and dips her finger.

“Use a spoon, please,” Claire scolds. My girl rolls her eyes and walks over to me.

“Try this.” I look down at her finger as she holds it near my lips before I suck the cream cheese icing off. Holy shit, I’m not sure if it’s because it’s off Kat’s finger or because Claire made it, but it’s heaven.

“Good, right?” Kat asks.

“Very.”

“You’re pretty good at this,” I say to Claire.

“Thanks.”

I nod, and the businessman in me starts thinking. Mugs & Books could use something more. What if we expanded it and put a kitchen in?

“What are you thinking?’ Kat asks.

“Nothing,” I reply, not wanting to share my idea just yet. She narrows her eyes but lets it go. Kathrine walks back over, dipping her other finger into the bowl, which earns her a smack on the hand from Claire.

“Spoon,” she says.

“Oh, hush. It’s only going to be Austin, you, and me eating this, and it’s not like we haven’t eaten after one another before.” She sucks on her finger and hums in approval. “This is insanely good.”

I get an odd feeling in my chest at her talking about the three. Jealousy? I never get jealous, but I find myself wishing I’d always been a part of this girl’s life. I feel like I’ve missed out. Those three have been friends for a long time, and the fact that she said only they would be eating the cake rubs me the wrong way. Am I not invited to this birthday party they’re having for Austin? I adjust my hat, trying to rid myself of these dumbass thoughts. I’m a grown man feeling left out. That’s ridiculous.

“Bryce, tell me a little about yourself,” Claire says as she opens the oven to check on something that smells mouthwatering. Instinctively, I put my guard up.

“What’s to know?”

She glances back at me. “Lots, I’m sure.”

I know Kat’s looking at me, and suddenly I feel like I’m being interviewed or some shit.

“I own a nightclub. Grew up on a horse ranch. I’ve got a brother, which you’ve met. I like classic cars.” I shrug. “That’s about it.”

“So, you grew up on a ranch?” She looks to Kat. “How did you come to own a nightclub?”

“I bought it.”

She laughs. “Well, obviously. What made you want to buy it?”

Okay, this girl is pissing me off. I didn’t come here to get asked twenty questions.

“How about we chill on the questions?” Kat says. I look over at her. It’s like she can read my damn mind.

Claire shrugs. “Just trying to get to know you. I mean, you seem like a great guy and all, but we know nothing about you. What happened to your mom the other night? Who beat her up?’

“Claire, that’s enough,” Kat says sternly.

Her best friend looks from me to her and I’m not sure I like the fact Kat told her that, but I know they’re best friends so I can’t let it bother me. “Fine,” Claire says.

This turned sour. “Look, I need to get going anyway,” I say to Kat.

She nods. “Yeah, it’s late.”

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