Page 6 of Fear of Love
“I was thinking we could go to that Magic Mike club on 8th street. I had a friend go, and she said it was amazing,” Tasha whispered.
“That could be fun.” A smile tugged at my lips thinking about how surprised Josie would be.
“I know a guy who can reserve us a booth,” Tasha said. Of course she knew someone that could get us into one of the hottest clubs in Toronto. Sometimes it was easy to forget Tasha came from a well-known family and grew up in an elite circle. She knew just about everyone. And if she didn’t, her family did.
“I think it’ll be fun.” Spotting Josie over her shoulder, gesturing for us to come into the kitchen, I finished with, “Text me later and we can set up a date.” With a nod, the two of us left the chilly patio and headed back inside, shutting the sliding door behind us.
“Do we know if—” Mila started to say, but the sound of the front door opening stopped her. An all too familiar voice came next.
“The party has arrived!”
Mateo Boone, Wyatt’s younger brother, stepped into the kitchen with smirk, arms spread as he did a little twirl.
“How’re my girlfriends this fine afternoon?” Mateo came up to Josie’s side, pulling her into a hug. Wyatt rolled his eyes at him. Mateolovedto flirt with all us girls, pretty much making it his mission to annoy the guys by doing so. He was only nineteen, so obviously he was joking, but it was comical to see the different ways he tried to rile us.
“Glad you made it.” Josie grinned up at him.
“Of course. Any chance to see my ladies.” Mateo let Josie go before looking over at us girls. “Any of you come to your senses and want to leave one of these idiots?” He turned to Tasha with hopeful eyes.
“Never going to happen, kid.” Trevor wrapped his arms tight around Tasha, keeping her pressed into his chest. Mateo got the stink eye from the other guys before coming to my side, arm slung across my shoulders.
“How about you, L? Wanna test drive this youngster?” Mateo gestured to his body with an earsplitting grin.
“I’m ten years older than you,” I pointed out.
“I don’t mind an older woman.” He winked.
Playing into his little game, I wrapped my arm around his waist. “Hope you can keep up.” I grinned coyly up at him. The look on his face had me stifling a laugh. He clearly didn’t expect me to actually respond with something other than a no.
It took him a moment to recover and respond. “I can go for hours.”
“Too far,” Wyatt interrupted, looking at his younger brother in disgust. “We don’t need to hear that.”
“You’re just jealous you can’t keep up in your old age,” Mateo shot back. Before Wyatt could make a comeback, another voice interrupted.
“Just because you can go for hours doesn’t mean you know how to use it.” I tried my best to keep my face blank at the sound of Wyatt and Mateo’s older brother’s voice. The small bubble of hope I carried with me that he wouldn’t be here popped.
“Do you still know where everything is? I know it’s been years for you,” Mateo said with a smirk, turning to look at his brother over my shoulder. Beside me, Trevor coughed, covering up his laughter.
“I’d watch your mouth if I was you. Mom isn’t here to save you.” Landon glared at his youngest brother as he came to a stop beside Wyatt across the counter from me. Pulling my shoulders back, I let myself take a long look at Landon for the first time in a month. I hated how my stomach flipped at the sight of him.
His blond hair was longer, the edges curling around his ears, but it suited him. It matched the beard he grew out, giving him that rugged look. His nose was a bit crooked from having been broken playing hockey in school, but even with the slightimperfection, he was still attractive. No surprise there. He was a Boone after all.
All three Boone brothers were insanely attractive. Unfair they all managed to look like GQ modelsandbe some of the nicest guys. Their mom, Evelyn, raised them to be respectful and kind, which only added to their appeal.
However, I wouldn’t have said Landon Boone was the nicest of the three. No, he was a dick. The guy was stubborn as hell and always found some way to get under my skin. Even when he gave me that unimpressed look, it was enough to grind my teeth.
“Blondie,” Landon greeted, finally looking in my direction. His hazel eyes flashed in amusement. He knew how I felt about that nickname.
“Didn’t know we were allowed to bring trash to the party.” I tilted my head to the side, eyeing his six-two frame up and down.
“Obviously, if you’re here,” he retorted.
Try as I might, I couldn’t stop the flare of satisfaction in my belly that Landon could take a dig and give one back without being offended. I would never admit it, but some days, I looked forward to our verbal sparring.
We continued to stare at one another, neither breaking, as the others shifted on their feet awkwardly.
“So… food?” Mila broke the tension a moment later. I looked away, giving my attention to Mila. “We decided we should make pizzas and use the new oven.”
