So I guess it works out that she’s basically ghosted me.
“Looks like I was worried for nothing,” I growl out.
“Seems that way,” Mitch says.
I tear my gaze away from her. “Good. She’s out of my hair. Problem solved.”
Once again, she’s done nothing I expect.
I thought she’d be all flirty and challenging.
That she’d be obvious, like all the other times.
My friends would probe.
I’d insist there was nothing between us.
But not one single person at this party has asked about her.
She’s all I can think about, and she’s completely oblivious to me.
In fairness, she’d warned me I was going to suffer, but this wasn’t what I anticipated.
She’s done exactly what she promised.
She’s been charming, fun, smart and witty.
And hot. So fucking hot. That top. Jesus Christ.
All it would take is a crook of my finger to rid her of it.
I glance over again, and Cole’s second-in-command, Liam, has joined the small group. Luckily, he’s gay, so I don’t have to worry about him.
My frustration grows. Why am I thinking like this? Where’s my famous detachment when I need it?
“You know she’s playing you, right?” Mitch’s voice rips me from all my furious thinking.
“I don’t think so.” I’m clenched tight again and force myself to relax.
Mitch assesses me, taking a slug of his beer. “Flirt with someone to level the playing field.”
“I’m not playing her game.” The words sound like I’m grinding glass. “This is for the best.”
“Oh yeah? How’s that?”
I shrug and don’t provide an answer.
I don’t understand what happened. I thought we were on the same page and it was just a matter of time before I dragged her into the bathroom.
Then she took one look at Revival’s new fire chief and moved on.
She did warn me about her short attention span. It serves me fucking right. Karma comes for us all, and I’m no exception.
Sam walks over to us.
I tense. He’s the last thing I need. I visualize a brick wall between my mind and his. I can’t let on how out of sorts I am.
It’s bad enough Mitch knows. I wish I’d never told him.