Page 73 of All Jacked Up

I rolled my eyes as she hooked her arm in mine. I now understood why she had wanted to dress me and what these heels were all about. She was trying to dangle me in front of thisman like a piece of candy.

“I’m fine. I don’t need a new friend.”

She shrugged. “Sure you do.”

The doorbell rang, and she did a small squeal. “They’re here.”

“I’m pissed at you,” I warned her.

“I know, but you’ll change your mind,” she said in a singsong voice, letting go of my arm and strutting toward the door like she was on a runway. “Be a good friend. Play nice. It’s my birthday,” she called out over her shoulder.

“That’s low, Jellie,” I told her.

“But it works every time,” she replied as she left the room.

I looked down at my phone and slid my finger over it to open the text and read it before I went and endured this night for my best friend.

Ransom: What are your plans this weekend?

Hell. That was my plan.

Me: I’m in Boston. It’s Jellie’s birthday. We are about to head out for the night.

I watched as little dots lit up the screen and waited for his response.

“Noa!” Jellie called my name.

If I didn’t go, she was going to come get me. I snatched up the small black Prada wristlet and slipped my phone into it, then headed out to meet the man my best friend thought was someone I would like.

I felt the phone vibrate, but I’d have to read it later and respond. It was time to get this over with and make Jellie happy.

Stepping into the living room, I looked at Jellie first, then shifted my gaze to Zeke and smiled.

“Noa,” Jellie said, drawing my eyes back to her before they ever made contact with Thurston.

“I’d like you to meet Thurston,” she said. “Thurston, this is my best friend, Noa.”

I finally swung my gaze over to the other man, and at least she hadn’t lied about his eyes. They were a very pretty green, and he was tanned, tall, and appeared well built. He nodded his head as he stepped forward toward me and held out his hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, Noa. Jellie has told me a lot about you,” he said. “And she did not exaggerate.”

The interest in his gaze made me want to groan.

I slid my hand into his. “It’s nice to meet you too,” I replied.

He studied me for a moment. “She didn’t tell you about my joining tonight, did she?” he asked.

I shrugged slightly, then cut my eyes at her. “She did—about five minutes ago.”

Zeke laughed behind him. “I told you,” he said jovially. “It’s typical Jellie.”

Thurston’s grin was nice. I mean, it wasn’t one that sent my heart racing and my body tingling. But then, only Ransom seemed to wield that kind of smile. Lucky me.

“You will both thank me,” Jellie said with conviction. “Now it is time to get this party started!”

I looked from my best friend back to the man I was stuck with for the night. “I hope you’ve been warned about this. Jellie’s birthdays have a track record of being a little wild.”

He nodded. “I’ve heard, but the night just got a lot more appealing.”

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