Page 40 of Returning to Rockport

He mocks offense and places a hand over his heart. “Ouch. You really know how to hit a guy where it hurts.”

Is he for real? He’s actually flirting with me, while we’re sitting between my brother and my fiancé. I glance to my right and see that Parker is too focused on an email to be paying any attention. Even if he wasn’t, would he think anything of it? Before I can overthink too much, Tatum leans forward and raises her eyebrows.

“Colton, switch seats with me?”

He doesn’t look away from me for a second as he answers. “Nah, I’m good here.”

I’m too absorbed in the intensity of his gaze that I don’t notice him taking another piece of my food until he’s bringing it to his mouth. I can’t help but chuckle and look away. Still, I rotate my plate so that the steak is closer to him and easier to share. He grins triumphantly.

When we’re all done eating, Maverick claps his hands together.

“Alright. Who’s ready to go to the club?”

Uh, what? Everyone looks around the table, confused. The only two people who aren’t surprised by his plans are Tatum and Maverick himself. When no one says anything, Colton shakes his head.

“Yeah, sorry man. It’s a Monday night. I have work in the morning.”

“Don’t give me that shit. You can do whatever you damn well please.”

“It’s called responsibilities.”

“It’s called your best friend’s birthday.”

Colton’s face lights up in amusement. “Do you want a Birthday Girl sash to go along with that narcissism?”

“Depends. Will it make you come out tonight?”

Before he can answer, Roman pipes up from beside Parker. “Well, not all of us own the company we work for, so I’m gonna have to pass.”

Maverick scoffs. “Just call out. Your boss is a douche bag anyway.”

We all laugh while Parker’s brows furrow. “Isn’t Colton his boss?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I am.” Colton takes another sip of his beer and smiles at his best friend’s antics.

He nods. “Well, while I’d love to continue celebrating your birthday, Maverick, I have a class in the morning and I’m afraid it’s one I mustn’t miss.”

“You’re the only one with a reasonable excuse, man. I get it. Thanks for coming to dinner though.”

“It was my pleasure.”

To be honest, I’m not quite sure my brother cares that Parker isn’t joining them at the club. It’s not like they’re the closest of friends. I, however, know it’s going to be difficult to get out of going.

“I think I’m just going to go home with Parker. I’m exhausted.”

Sure enough, Maverick gives me a dead stare that tells me I don’t stand a chance. “I don’t think so, Squid. You missed my last three birthdays. You don’t get to miss this one, too. You’re coming.”

I look to my fiancé for some support but he only shrugs. “He’s right. You should go and have fun.”

“I knew I liked you.” Mav grins at Parker.

“Fine.” I sigh, not missing the way Colton perks up at my submission.

After an intense debate between who’s paying the bill, which Parker somehow managed to win, he says goodbye to everyone and I tell them I’ll be right back. I walk him out to the car. He gives me a kiss and tells me to have fun tonight. When he drives away, I head back inside and straight to the bathroom.

The door is locked, telling me that it’s currently occupied, so I lean against the wall and wait. In the meantime, I take out my phone and frantically dial Ivy. It only rings twice before she answers.

“Hey. Everything ok?”

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