“Thirty, is it?” Tobias looks at me amused.
“Yes. I’m old.” I flick a look back at him. Probably too old for him to be pretending to date.
“Nah. Thirty is when things get good, Spitfire.”
“And please do not call me that ridiculous nickname at the table.”
“Don’t call you Spitfire. Got it.” His amusement grows every time he talks and it’s making me nervous.
“There was literally no one else you could think to call?” I look at Harper desperately.
“It’ll be fine. He’ll be too dazzled by two Seattle Phantom players to even notice anything else. Just enjoy dinner and then I promise we’ll make the rest of the night better.”
“Yes, don’t worry Spit—Scarlett. We’ll find you a nice gentleman.” He grins, and I could punch him. I honestly could. The man inspires violence in my pacifist heart without fail.
“No thank you.” I offer a false smile and he returns it like we’re locked in some sort of standoff. One that’s only broken when the bartender returns with the water and shots that Tobias ordered. Tobias raises his shot glass and the rest of us join in.
“To Spitfire—for turning dirty thirty! Here’s to another decade of good luck.” He glances at me and there’s almost a sweetness in the way he looks at me.Almost.
I throw back another round of the horsemen but this time it’s not the burn of the whiskey that makes me choke. It’s the second half of the toast he whispers low enough that only I can hear.
“And to you getting railed tonight by a guy who’s not a gentleman.”
FOUR
Tobias
As we walk upthe stairs, Scarlett and Harper lead the way. I can tell it’s already under her skin that I’m even here. Because Scarlett hates the fact that she’s attracted to me. It’s written on her face every time she thinks I’m not looking. Right up until she remembers it’s me and the flicker of disdain flashes in her eyes. But tonight, I get to pretend to be hers for a little while, and I can’t say I hate it.
“Spitfire?” I call after her, taking the steps faster to catch up.
She halts and turns back to look at me while Harper continues to the table. Her eyes run over me, studying my face for a moment like she’s trying to puzzle me out.
“Change your mind? Perfect. Goodnight.”
“No.” I frown at her and hold out my hand. She stares at it for a moment before she realizes what I want. There’s a subtle shake of her head and she turns, but I catch her. My fingers sliding over her palm and then lacing with hers.
“We don’t need to play it up like this.” There’s irritation in her voice, but I know it’s because her feelings have been run through the grinder already tonight. For once it’s not aimed at me, and I have the chance to help.
“Who’s playing anything up? I just want people to know you’re here with me,” I whisper as we approach the table. She flashes a look in my direction but doesn’t say anything else. I tighten my grip, and she returns the gentle squeeze as we approach the table.
Harper is in the midst of telling a story and the rest of the table is listening intently. Scarlett pauses suddenly and leans into me, bringing her lips close to my ear.
“They think it’s her birthday instead of mine. So just play along. I don’t want to embarrass him.”
I frown in response, but she gives me a pointed look before tugging me along to the table again. I pull her chair out when we reach the table, and for her part, she gives me an adoring smile as she sits down.
We’re not half bad at this routine, probably because in recent history we’ve watched Xander and Harper replay it like a broken record. They’re sickeningly in love and we’re just two sad single souls who look morose in comparison. But at least we can mimic the appearance of it.
“Thank you,” she says softly, and I grin knowing it’s probably killing her a little to say it.
“Of course, gorgeous.” I lean over and kiss her cheek before I look up at the rest of the table and conversation resumes as I sit down.
A few minutes later the rosé champagne and glasses arrive, while Carter’s girlfriend lets out a little squeal. The server works to fill everyone’s glass as she makes her way around the table. Once she’s finished, I raise my glass.
“To my birthday girl, who’s so incredibly patient when I’m late and looks absolutely fucking stunning this evening.”
I nod to Scarlett and smile because there’s no way I’m letting this guy ride after he embarrassed her. Xander coughs, and I hear Carter’s girlfriend whisper something to him before they take their drinks.
