Page 58 of Finally
“What did you say?”
He didn’t respond.
The night had been unpleasant, but he thought he’d been doing an adequate job of playing nice with Jack’s ex. They’d eaten dinner, engaged in meaningless conversation, and then sat on the back patio and lit a fire in the outdoor fireplace. Needing a break from Jaime, Gray had gone back inside under the pretense that he had to clean up and start the dishwasher. Unfortunately, Jaime had followed him, insisting that he’d help.
“Are you mad at me for something?”
He kept ignoring Jaime and hoped he’d catch a clue and go back outside.
“You do realize looks can’t actually kill, right?” he asked.
Apparently, Gray had given him a dirty look. Whatever. He was all out of nice, and Jaime wasn’t giving him any space to emotionally recharge.
“We’ll see,” Gray answered. “I’m extraordinarily patient and I have no problem taking my time and playing the long game.” He placed the silverware on top of the plates. “Ask Jack if you want confirmation.”
“Are we still talking about why you’re mad at me? Because I’m losing track of this conversation.”
“That’s not surprising.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“It’s a good thing people inexplicably find you charming and attractive because smart you’re not.” He elbowed past Jaime, causing him to stumble. “Was that clear enough for you?”
“Alright, you’re definitely mad.” Jaime caught himself and stood up straight. “At least I wasn’t confused about that part. Care to tell me why?”
“No.” He walked around the table toward the doorway.
“Are you jealous because of my past with Jack? Is that what this is?”
Gray froze, turned around, and sneered. “You thinkI’mjealous ofyou?” He slowly looked Jaime up and down, scoffed, and said, “Dream on, asshole.”
“What did I do?” Jaime sounded bewildered. “Seriously, Gray, what have I ever done to you?”
No longer bothering to rein in his rage, Gray glared at him and said, “You think I’d give a fuck if you’d done something to me? You don’t rate high enough on my radar for anything you do, say, or think about me to matter.” He strode out of the dining room and into the kitchen, hoping against all hope that Jaime would fuck off.
He took a deep breath, then another, willing his muscles to relax. That didn’t work so he put the dishes in the dishwasher and then walked over to the standing freezer and opened the door. One way or another, he had to find a way to coexist with Jaime Snow.
Loud footsteps sounded behind him. “What is your problem with me?” Jaime wasn’t quite yelling, but his voice was louder than usual and more than a little angrier.
Face in the freezer, pretending to be looking for something but actually attempting to cool down, Gray didn’t bother responding.
“Jack poked his head into the dining room and said that he and Oliver were going to the store. Having a fire outside made Oliver think of s’mores and they’re getting the ingredients.”
“Thanks for relaying the message. Feel free to wait for them out back.”
“I am not leaving this kitchen until we hash this out so you may as well stop defrosting whatever’s in there and talk to me.”
Jack usually liked salty treats instead of sweet, but on stressful days, he ate Ben and Jerry’s Chip Happens. Gray had just restocked. If Jaime didn’t go back outside soon, the ice cream was going to get soft.
“This is not the day, Jaime, and I am not the one.” Gray kept his tone even, and his voice calm, but the warning was clear.
“I’m sure that means something, but hell if I know what it is.”
Well, itshouldhave been clear. “I swear to God, you have two neurons in your brain and both of them are fighting for third place.”
“Alright, that one I understand. You’re calling me stupid. Again. Are we on the playground?” He heard one of the chairs next to the kitchen table slide across the floor. “Sit with me and let’s have a real conversation.”
“I’ll pass, thanks.”
