Page 96 of Connected By Stars
“Oh, please,” I say, standing up and brushing the sand off my legs. “I could have won that game with my eyes closed.”
“You forget that Bella and I beat you and Noah last time,” Sophia says, taking her place next to her dad.
“Only because we were taking tequila shots every time we got one straight in the hole. Noah and I were seeing two boards by the time we were done.” He hands me the bean bags as I take my place next to him. “Get ready to give me a yes night,” he says quietly so no one can hear.
“I’m already planning mine for when I win.”
“Part of me wants to let you win just so I can see what you come up with.” He gives me an amused look.
“The competitive side of you would never let you,” I say, laughing.
“Maybe my yes night will be giving it to you. Either way, I win.” His emerald eyes flash with heat and a challenge behind them.
“You’re up, Mav,” his dad calls down to us. “Let’s kick their pretty butts.” He laughs as Sophia smacks him in the arm.
“Let’s see what you got.” I toss the bag up and down in my hand, loving that his eyes roam my body before he turns andfocuses his attention on the game. I never said I played fair, either. A little distraction never hurt anyone.
We’re halfway through the game, and the guys are winning by only two points. I can feel Mav’s eyes on me every time I throw or pick up the bags off the ground. It’s not my fault that I have to bend over so far to pick them up. I hear a slight groan as I pick up the one right in front of him. We’re taking a quick break while Matt and Sophia get another beer for all of us.
“I know what you’re doing?” He says from behind me as I pick up the last one off the ground.
“What do you mean?” I turn around and ask him innocently.
“You’re playing with fire again. Distracting me, so I’ll lose concentration.”
“I’m just picking up the bean bags.” I try and suppress my smile.
“Your perfect ass has been in my eyesight more times in the last hour than it has my whole life. You know exactly what you’re doing to me. Maybe those cheeks need my handprint later for torturing me like this.”
My eyes whip to his, and there’s no mistaking the fire I see in them. I swallow hard and feel my breathing increase. “Look who’s trying to distract who now.”
He grins and then starts to frown as he looks behind me. I turn and see a group of about five guys walking our way. I cringe when I notice David in the mix. He’s asked me out a few times, and I’ve always gotten a bad vibe from him. He’s known for being a player and loves the chase until he gets you. He’ll pretend to be a loyal boyfriend for a while but always ends up cheating on the poor girl at some point.
Sophia walks over to the group when she sees a couple of guys we went to high school with. We have remained friends with them over the years, seeing them out and about aroundtown. David breaks away and heads over to us. I feel Mav tense beside me. This is not going to end well.
“Hey, Bella. I thought that was you. I haven’t seen you around lately.” His smooth voice hits me as he stops in front of me. He’s a good-looking guy with dark hair and blue eyes, but his ego makes him unattractive to me. He thinks he’s God’s gift to women and doesn’t seem to get the hint that I don’t want him.
“I’ve been busy with work.” I’m hoping he’ll get the hint from my non-smiling face and lack of words and move on before Maverick does something stupid.
“Yeah, I heard you were playing around with video stuff.”
“She’s notplayingaround. She owns her own business, and half the town is hiring her.” Mav grounds out.
David glances at Mav and brushes him off before turning to me again. If looks could kill, David would be lying at my feet right now. “We’re in the middle of a game right now,” I tell him, trying to move him along before a fist lands in his face.
“Sounds like fun. Maybe I could play the winner?” He’s clearly not getting the hint.
“I don’t think so. You should probably move on along. I’m sure there are plenty of other victims out here that you can choose from,” I hear Mav say in a warning voice next to me.
“Victims? Nah, I’m a good guy. And the only one I’ve been wanting to look my way is standing right in front of me.” He looks at me and gives me a smile most girls would fall for. “Why haven’t you returned my texts?”
“I’ve told you before that I’m not interested.”
“But you haven’t told me why? Are you free this Friday? At least give me a chance, and let me show you that I’m not the bad guy you obviously think I am.”
“How many times does she have to tell you that she’s not interested.” Mav takes a step forward, and I put my hand on his arm.
“Chill, guard dog. We all know how protective you are of Bella, but dude, let her make her own choices. She’s a single adult woman and can decide for herself.” David must have a death wish or just completely stupid not to feel the wrath that’s about to come down on him.
