Page 91 of Smooth Moves
Funny Rob choked on his beer.
Jordan grinned. “You know, Simon has a point. You’re beautiful, and you know it.”
“I do.” No small amount of bashfulness on that killer grin.
“ImeantHector and Cash,” Smith said in his trademark sardonic voice. “Half the time I expect to see one of them buried up the other’s ass. And, hey, why aren’t they here kissingyourass, Jordan? Trouble in paradise?”
It bothered her that Smith had the same green eyes as Cash. Same color, same shape. And he had the same bad attitude, unfortunately. “You know, it was a real party before you arrived. What’s wrong? Did girlfriend number four hundred and twelve dump your ass?” A glance around the table showed the mood was considerably cooler.
Reid shook his head. “Do you ever just relax and let go, Smith? I mean, it’s Friday. Chill, man.”
“Hard to do that with that stick up his ass,” Finley muttered.
Stan and Rob choked on laughter.
“Say that a little louder, squid.”
Jordan rolled her eyes. “We went over our insults like twenty minutes ago. Squid isn’t even that original. Where were you then?”
Smith didn’t seem to want to let go of his bad mood. “So you and Cash aren’t fuck buddies anymore? I mean, I get it. Who would want to be with a guy that stupid? I doubt he knows what to do in bed. With a woman, I mean.”
Lafayette leaned forward. “You got a problem with gays, Smith?”
“Nah. But a guy like Cash would freak the fuck out if you even mentioned he might be gay. And that’s who you’re sticking up for? A homophobic prick with nothing more than swagger going for him.”
“Smith, I think you need to leave.” Reid started to say more, but Jordan beat him to it.
“What exactly is your problem with Cash?” she wanted to know. “He’s a hell of a great guy. He helps everyone. He’s nice, deep down.”
“Way deep down,” Finley said.
“Shut it, Finley. And he always has your back. Even yours, taking crappy shifts so you could have that time off you needed. And you treat him like dirt. Cash is a stand-up guy.”
“And he’s hot, don’t forget that,” Lafayette added with a wink, taking the tension from the group.
Funny Rob cracked up. “Totally hot.”
Smith studied her, then smirked. “I knew you were sleeping with him.” He sat back and crossed his arms over that broad chest, looking smug. “What’s wrong? Too embarrassed to admit it?”
She felt herself blushing and couldn’t look at Reid, who knew. Oh hell. Why not admit it? It’s not like she was doing anything wrong.
“So what if I am?” Lots of rumbling from the table, and money changed hands. “What are you guys doing?”
“Sorry,” Lafayette apologized. “I thought it would be sooner.”
“Told you.” Finley waved at Stan. “Pay up.”
“Shit.” Stan forked over a few bills.
Smith frowned. “How can you stand him? He’s a prick.”
“And you’re not?” she shot back.
“Hey, I’ll give you a better ride than he will. Wanna go?” He reached to take her by the hand, and she’d had enough. In one motion, Jordan stood and grabbed him. Twisting his wrist, she had him out of the chair and down on one knee, his arm locked at his wrist. “You done insulting me and Cash yet? Or are you still craving more negative attention?”
Around them, the bar quieted.
To her consternation, Smith started laughing. “You win, Little Army.”
