Page 21 of Holiday Friend Zones
Chase is busy working.Even from here, I can see his arms flexing under the black T-shirt he’s wearing.He flashes a smile at one of the women waiting and a flare of jealousy rages hot and bright inside of me.
I have no claim to this man.
He’s my best friend’s older brother.I need to bottle these feelings up and toss them into the ocean.
“I need another drink,” Joey says.“Want to get another shot?”
I nod and the four of us link hands to form a train to make our way back to the bar.It’s like Chase can sense us coming and smiles at us as he starts mixing drinks and pouring shots.
“You know, you guys are going to drink me right out of tequila,” he says, passing four glasses our way.
“You’re the one that’s giving us free drinks,” I say.
“What kind of brother would I be if I didn’t?”He grins.
The four of us clink our shot glasses and knock them back.
Georgia grabs my hand, but I stop her.
“I need some water.I’ll be right out there.”
I watch as the three of them head back to the dance floor before I turn my attention back to Chase.
“Can I get a water, please?”I ask.
“Such good manners.”He laughs, shaking his head.
“I’m sorry.”I rest my elbows on the bar and get closer to him.“Do you want me to be more demanding?Give me water right now, damn it.”
“It’s cute you think that’s demanding.”
Grabbing the water gun, he fills up a glass of ice water and passes it over.
“I can’t help it.I’m not a mean person.”
“That’s a good thing, honey.”
Honey.
Chase leaves to help the next patron and I can’t help but watch him as he works.Feeling what that one word does to me.
Does he know the effect he has on me?
That every time I’m around him, I want it to be just the two of us?
The stool next to me opens and I plop down onto it.I sip my water, trying to cool the heat raging through me.
I wish I could sit here all night and watch him work, but I can’t.I’m here with my girls.Seeing him move down the bar to help another woman, I knock down the rest of my water and head back to the dance floor.
Some things I don’t need to see.Chase Andrews talking with another woman is at the top of that list.
Until then, I’ll go back to the dance floor and lock up my feelings for that man.
Because if I can’t have him, I don’t want to watch him fall for anyone else.
ChapterTwo
CHASE
