Page 20 of Losing Forever
“Look at how envious they are,” she'd say. “They wish they were us.”
I'd always blown off her comments, until one day I saw it for myself. I saw the envious look in a girl's eyes as she stared at me and my then-boyfriend.
Now, here I am getting a taste of envy for myself and wishing I were the other girl.
But considering nothing is ever going to happen between me and Boner Maroner, I should let her know there's nothing between us and I don't care if she keeps her date. Even though that might be a lie.
Standing, I push back my shoulders and exit the glass office door. At the same time, Grayson steps out of the bathroom. His cheeks are flushed, and his eyes a little wild. It's a good look on him—if you're into that.
My gaze drops to his crotch before I realize what I'm doing. Looks normal to me. No wet spot. No pitched tent. Did he take care of himself? With all of us here? Why am I turned on by the thought?
When my gaze returns to his, he arches a brow, the ghost of a smirk on his lips.
If he thinks I'm going to ask what he was doing in there, he's wrong.
I head to the reception desk and stand across the counter from Caitlyn. Speaking loud enough for Grayson to hear, I say, “Please don't cancel your date because of me. What you do on your free time is your business. I don’t care either way, and you won't be fired over it. Not by me,” I add with a pointed look at Grayson, so he knows whatever happens between them is on him.
She frowns. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” I smile and glance at them both. “You two have fun tonight.”
With that, I return to Calvin's desk, insert my earbuds, crank up the theta sounds mixed with ocean waves, and lose myself in my work.
The next time I look up, it's because Noah is standing by my side. “It's after five and you skipped lunch. Want to get some dinner on the way home?”
I glance at the time on my laptop: 5:45 p.m. Wow. Where did the afternoon go? I remember Noah texting me if I wanted lunch. He, Grayson, and Caitlyn were going to Frenchy's Seafood Restaurant up the street. Of course, I declined. My stomach didn't welcome the idea of food.
Now, it's growling like a hungry monster begging to be fed. “Um?” I stand and stretch, discreetly looking around for Caitlyn and Grayson.
My subtle attempt must suck because Noah says, “They're gone. It's just us.”
“Oh. Okay.” I'm not disappointed that they left together. I'm not. “Give me five minutes to gather my stuff, then we can go.”
“No hurry. I'll be in the car, cooling it off.”
“Okay. Thanks, Noah.”
He’s being nice by telling me not to hurry because he knows I’m bothered by the Grayson situation. I hate that he knows. More than that, I hate that I’m bothered.
Maybe it will pour rain, and their date will be ruined. No romantic stroll on the beach. If he’d planned that.Ugh. Why am I thinking about this?
I need to let it go before I get in the car and my feelings show all over my face. Noah needs to think I’m impervious to movie-star-name Grayson James. I am. Or I will be. I’ll make sure of it.
8
Grayson
“What did you think?” I ask Caitlyn as I walk her to my Land Rover.
“I love the Columbia. It's like my favorite restaurant. Thank you so much for taking me here.” She hugs my waist.
“You’re welcome.” I slip my hand around her shoulders.
“Where are we going next?” Flirty brown eyes twinkle up at me. “Your place?”
I wish. Halfway through our dinner, Noah texted that I shouldn’t bring Caitlyn back to the house because it would upset Braylee. I don’t know why she cares about my personal life. She made it clear she’s not interested in me when she announced Caitlyn and I should go out. Her declaration only made me want her more. Something about that pale-eyed brunette gets under my skin. I can’t explain it. I’ve dated plenty of beautiful women, but none have stolen my breath like Braylee does. Maybe that’s why I feel off-balance when I look at her.
Noah would have a shit-fit if he knew how I felt about her. He’s protective, for obvious reasons. His mom sees Braylee as the daughter she never had and an extension of the sister she lost. Plus, his dad knows about my promiscuous past. Even though I’m Noah’s good friend, I’m the last guy his family wants Braylee hooking up with. If I were smart, I’d get over this strange obsession and enjoy what’s right in front of me.
