I smile up at him. “Busy, but good.”
“Tucker.” Gabe nods as he leans his elbows on the bar and gestures to Kara for another drink.
Tucker hasn’t really said anything about Gabe, but I don’t think he’s a huge fan. Our arrangement can be difficult to understand. Most people are inherently jealous by nature. It’s hard to be around someone you know has seen your boyfriend or girlfriend naked, but there’s nothing to be jealous of, and no matter who I’m with, Gabe will always be my best friend.
We’re a package deal.
It probably doesn’t help that Gabe is this chapters president, so Tuckercan’tbe a total dick.
“Abbott,” Tucker mumbles, holding out his hand.
Gabe takes it, his eyes flicking to me for a moment. “You forget the rest of your clothes at home?”
I glare at him. “Must have left them with your sense. If you ever do find that, please let me know.”
Tucker’s hand trails lower until it’s resting on my ass. I catch myself adjusting his hand back up to my waist.
“You know, if that’s how you talk to women, it’s no wonder none of them stick around.” I shoot him a smartass grin.
Gabe straightens, taking his drink as Kara slides it to him, but a smile threatens to spread across his lips.
“I save all my sweet talkin’ for you, Red.” He nudges me with his elbow before stalking away.
Tucker’s jaw clenches hard as he grinds his molars.
Chapter Two
Tucker sucks his straight white teeth as he stares after Gabe, the tension damn near crackling around him. Finally, he lets out a deep breath and focuses back on me. “I texted you earlier.”
He pulls me closer with both hands on my waist, and his grip tightens. The group of guys across the room shouts loud enough to draw attention as Gabe joins them, but I force myself to pay attention to Tucker.
“Yeah.” Rubbing the back of my neck, I add, “I’ve just been swamped today. Sorry.”
I planned to look at it later, but after last night, I just wasn’t sure what he was going to say.
Then, I forgot about it.
“It’s fine, but I wanted to ask you something.”
Thump. Thump. Thump.My heart picks up, pounding against my sternum, and my palms start to sweat.
Swallowing, I say, “Okay…”
“I was gonna see if you had plans next weekend.”
My brows pinch, but my pulse doesn’t slow. “Uh, I don’t think so. Why?”
“My brother’s having a thing at his place. My whole family’s gonna be there.”
Fuck. Please don’t finish that thought.
He laces our fingers together. “I thought… maybe you could come meet them.”
My heart sinks and nausea rolls through me.
“Tucker, I—” Sighing, I take a step back from him and run my damp palms down my dress. “I don’t know if I’m really ready for that.”
“No, it’s fine!” A bright grin spreads across his face, and he trails his fingers up my arms. “They’re really chill. It’s not a big deal. You don’t have to be nervous.”