Page 7 of The Catalyst

The bitch groans aloud before stomping off, leading herself off their land like a snotty little brat. I really hope she isn’t one of those “hoity-toity” types Judy was talking about earlier and she’s just a spoiled brat. There is nothing more insufferable than someone who thinks they can buy anyone or anything with a swipe of their Amex card.

“Who wants a beer?” Arely pipes up as she juggles three unopened cans.

I lean into Judy’s ear. “Now’s your chance, Jasmin.”

She groans as Ronan grabs a can of beer from Arely. Before he can open it, Judy walks up to him, grabs him by his shirt and slaps a sloppy one across his mouth. The man is too stunned to even blink.

I almost laugh at his shell-shocked expression as his finger remains on the tab, but before he can do anything, Judy pulls back, grabs my arm and dashes toward the house.

I manage to catch the smile growing across his face before she drags me in through the back door.

“I hate you,” she grumbles as we enter the kitchen.

“Come on. You enjoyed that and so did he.”

“He didn’t do anything!” she snaps.

“You didn’t see the shit-eating grin on his face just now? You made his day, babe. You go, girl!” I throw my head back, howling with joy for my friend. It worked out. She doesn’t see it yet, but she will.

“He…did?” She stops us in the small kitchen with busted-up floors, cracked walls and a sink full of dishes.

Well, this is what happens when five young men live in a house by themselves, especially teenagers. Are they teenagers or adults? I’ll have to ask Judy later if I can remember.

Her eyes are full of hope and fear. It breaks my heart to see her so uncertain.

“Yes. He was probably just waiting for you to make the first move. You did it. Now, you just need to talk to him. Close the deal, Judy.” I know she’s freaked out, but if she gives herself a moment, she’ll be ready for this and so glad she took this leap in the morning.

CHAPTER 4

BETH

Irush Judy out the door as soon as she has calmed down and is ready to get back out there. As I push her out the door, that stranger gives me that smile of his. Seriously, why does he smile so much? Is he that happy?

I hope so. I’d hate to think someone who smiles so much could be dying on the inside.

“Hey, Judy,” he says before throwing his thumb over his shoulder. “Ro is looking for you. You’re bound to give a guy whiplash if you kiss him and run off like your ass is on fire.”

He can play it cool all he wants. He didn’t come to the house because Ronan was looking for Judy. He came…because of me.

“Right, right,” she mutters. “Watch her. The vultures have been circling.”

His eyes snap between us as I cross my arms over my chest, shaking my head.

“Vultures?”

She nods. “Jordan and his crew,” she explains. I bet “Jordan” is one of those jocks that couldn’t take a hint.

His eyes darken, his brows dropping with irritation. Whoever Jordan is, he and his guys sniffing around me doesn’t look like something he is okay with.

Interesting.

“His crew isn’t supposed to be here,” he says before flashing his smile at me. “I’ll watch after her for you.”

That’s quite a tall order to fill because I have a list of things I need from him.

“Thanks.” Judy rushes out the door and slams it, skipping off the dilapidated deck before heading back out to the bonfire where all this started.

I’m so proud of her.

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