Page 21 of The Loathing

“Morning,” my low, gruff voice floats over the room as I step closer to where they all are. Nate is hidden behind his three screens, his head popping up occasionally before ducking back down again. Keaton is sitting back in my chair, his feet up on my desk as he sits as if on a sun lounger. Killian and Kaleb are standing behind him, in light chatter amongst themselves. I have no idea how Killian can be so calm around Kaleb, but I suppose he saved Kaleb’s life, and in doing so, Kaleb saved Connie right back.

“Morning,” Nate’s voice glides across the room and I see Kaleb pat Killian on the back before he steps closer to me.

“Why are you here today? You should be at home making the most of being a free man before Xavier gets his claws into you,” Kaleb smirks, bringing me in for a hug.

“Couldn’t leave without seeing you all now, could I?”

Kaleb and Keaton laugh, Killian gives a soft nod. And Nate? Well, he does nothing. I scoff.

“I have a few loose ends to tie up before I head off, but thinking we could all go for lunch, everyone free for that?”

“Yup,” they all chorus in unison.

“Good,” I stride towards Keaton and push his feet off my desk. “Now fuck off and go back into your own office,” I growl but a wide smile is pressed against my lips. Keaton rolls his eyes so far in the back of his head as he slowly and sluggishly moves off my seat.

“This is why I didn’t want an office; you two fuckers wanted a big office, but yet me and Nate always find you hovering at our desks.”

“Well, when you leave later, your desk is mine.” Keaton snipes as he pulls the sleeves of his suit jacket down.

“Mmhmm,” I hum as I take a seat in my chair, “Whatever you say sweetheart.”

* * *

The morning whizzed past, I managed to get stuck in and do everything I wanted. A stab of emotion radiates through my chest at walking out of the office for the last time for a while. I know it won’t be forever, but I also didn’t know when I was coming back. I was hoping it was a quick job. Get in, get the job done, get out.

We strolled through the bar of the small café lost in light chatter, the noise level increased as the busy café was brimming in friends, partners, colleagues all talking amongst each other. The ambient music crooned through the speakers making the guests talk at a lower level. The smell of aromatic coffee beans filled my nostrils, my thirst growing.

The young waitress walked towards us, tablet in hand as a large smile graced her face, her opal eyes bouncing between the five of us.

“Food and drinks?” her voice is high as she asked her question, I watch her for a moment as the blush creeps onto her cheeks a little more before she breaks eye contact and lets them fall to her tablet as her fingers tap away.

“Please,” I say, clearing my throat as I do.

“No problem, follow me.” her eyes slice to mine once more and I smirk. She turns quickly and I let my eyes roam over her body. She’s curvy, her tight skinny jeans cling to her ass and toned thighs and I feel my cock stir in my pants. Did I really want another one-night stand? I felt disgusting this morning.

I feel a nudge in the back, looking over my shoulder I see Keaton shaking his head from side to side. “I’ve already got my eyes on her,” he says quietly so only I can hear him, and I scoff a laugh.

“She didn’t look at you once bro, I really don’t think I have anything to worry about in that respect,” I unbutton my suit jacket, sitting down with my ever-growing smirk beaming. I’m not going to pursue it; I just want Keaton to think I am. I like to torment that fucker.

She hands me a menu which I take, and I feel her linger a little longer. I feel Keaton’s burning gaze on me and I take this opportunity to go ahead and fuck with him.

“I was wondering,” I swallow as my eyes scan over the menu, and I can hear the soft chuckles of Killian and Kaleb. I let my eyes lift from the menu and I focus on Killian and Kaleb and watch their lips twitch in amusement. “What time you get off?” my eyes roam from my friends and I connect with her heated gaze.

“Four.”

“Well, that sounds perfect. I’ll pick you up?”

“Can’t wait,” her smile widening before she looks down at her tablet and I turn to look at a sour faced Keaton, I wink before rolling off my order.

“I can’t wait for you to fuck off,” Keaton scowls, lifting his glass to his lips as he takes a mouthful of his water.

“No one likes a sore loser, Keat,” I smirk as I place my knife and fork on my empty plate.

“To be honest,” Nate pipes up, pushing his plate away and linking his fingers together, “I don’t think you would have stood a chance with her anyway Keaton,” he shrugs his shoulders up as he reaches for his coffee, and I hear Kaleb roar with laughter.

“Gee, thanks,” Keaton rolls his eyes, shaking his head from side to side, “What about you two dickheads? What did you think?” He asks, you can hear the irritation in his voice as his eyes bounce between Kaleb and Killian.

I watch as Killian looks at Kaleb and gives him a shrug when Kaleb leans forward.

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