Page 23 of Bow & Arrow

“He’s straight?” He ignores my comment. “The guy you were dancing with?”

I turn to him. “And it matters why?”

He turns to me. “Oh, it matters.”

“You looked occupied.”

He laughs lightly. “I couldn’t have been too occupied if I’m out here with you.”

“So why are you out here with me?” I tilt my head at him. “All those girls dying for your attention.”

“I kind of only want yours, Arrow.” He steps closer to me until he’s only inches away, I can smell the light scent of his expensive cologne. “See, I don’t know what it is about you, but I just can’t keep my distance, and I don’t think you want me to either, the way you were dancing. The way you were looking at me.” His lips brush my ear and down the arch of my neck. “So, tell me, were you dancing for me or him?”

Him? Who’s him?

I can barely think with him so close to me, inhaling me like I’m the newest fragrance and he wants to buy me.

And damn if I don’t want him to sample me.

A cough makes me jump back. Patrick is standing there looking all smug.

Cuba takes a step back to see who has interrupted us.

Speaking of him.

“Indi is being a slut and going home with the blonde god. I’m heading out, I can drop you off on the way.” His green eyes flick from me to Cuba, his smile growing wider.

“Yeah-“

“I can take you home,” Cuba cuts me off, stuffing his hands in his pockets and rocking back on his feet. “I was going that way anyway.”

Patrick is sending every silent sign to take the ride, he’s all but saying it out loud. His head nods quickly and throws up two thumbs up, “Perfect. I’ll see you later boo. Text me,” he calls over his shoulder.

I just blink, he ditched me, forcing me to take another ride with Cuba.

I glare at Patrick's back as he skips away. He didn't even make sure I was okay with it. The last thing I need is to be in Cuba's care again, close to him, breathing in his air, feeling his hazel eyes on me. My nerves are bundled up just thinking about it.

“I can grab an Uber, you shouldn't have to leave your friends because of me.” I slip my phone out of my back pocket and click on the app.

“You could always just hang out with us, and I can take you home,” he says slowly, as if choosing what to say carefully.

I shake my head quickly. “Oh no. It’s fine.” Cuba was the only one by himself. I didn't want people to think I was his next conquest, I shouldn't care what anyone thinks, but I do, when it comes to him, I do.

“What? You're too good for my friends?” He sounds annoyed.

I'm taken aback. “No. I just don't want-"

“Want anyone to think we're together?” he asks. “Arrow, we're just hanging out.”

Sighing, I hold off on ordering the Uber. “I don't get you. You told me I would never know you. You act like an asshole, then you kiss me and flirt with me. You say you want to lay low but suddenly you're everywhere.” I shake my head. “I just don't know what to expect with you, you give me whiplash.”

His hazel eyes narrow in thought, he nods slowly. “I get that. I'm sorry about the first session and about every asshole thing I've said to you.” He pauses, licking his lips. “I'm trying to get back to where I use to be. Let's start over, yeah?”

His eyes plead with me and I'm a sucker for them, but first. “Where were you then?”

Cuba frowns. “One thing at a time.” He grabs my hand and sparks shoot up my arm. His breath hitches, and I wonder if he can feel it too. “Let me buy you a drink, we can stay a little longer, and I'll take you home, just a ride. I promise.”

“Fine,” I groan. “If I must.”

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