I think about the possessive way Sasha always draws me to him when other men are nearby. He wouldn’t like me dancing with Trick.
Zoe moves to stand near Connor. She slides her arms around him, hugging him from behind. I see her lips move as she whispers,I love you.
He turns his head and says, “Come.”
She kisses his offered mouth, then moves back to the stove.
I finish my sauce and pour it into a sauce boat. Then I take a glass of the fresh, icy sangria that Trick’s poured for me. The guys talk as they carry things to the dining room.
I catch Zoe’s wrist. “Is there something going on between you and Trick?” I whisper.
She shakes her head. “Something did happen one night. When I had to make amends for bad behavior. But C was in control of it.”
“Be careful,” I whisper.
Zoe smiles. “It’s not like that, I swear. It was just that one time. He wouldn’t initiate anything on his own.”
“Seems like he might,” I say.
“No. The dancing and whatnot, it’s just fun and games. Trick flirts with everyone.”
“He doesn’t flirt with me.”
“Well, he flirts with everyone who doesn’t have an Anvil looming over her ready to throw any man who gets too close across the room.”
“You really don’t think it bothers C, when Trick gets flirty?”
“No. Anything I do that bothers C leads immediately to my ass being turned as red as my lipstick. Also, C wouldn’t hesitate to tell Trick to back off. C doesn’t let things stew. He settles them straight away.”
“I guess I’m just used to men being so possessive. Berto was so jealous and angry when men got too close. Frank tried to control everything I did. It’s hard to wrap my head around C being so relaxed.”
She squeezes my arm. “You didn’t mention Anvil. He’s just as possessive as Frank or Alberto. Honestly, I think he’s more so.”
“No.”
“His eyes follow your every move, Rach. More than Frank’s or Alberto’s ever did. Why does he need to watch you like that in C’s kitchen?”
I shrug.
“I like him a lot. I like you guys together. I really do. But I don’t think it’s healthy for him to be that stalker-y. Why’s he still acting like that?”
“Habit?”
“Well, I hope he eventually chills.”
“Zoe!” C calls from the other room.
She jerks and then shakes her head, sending her curls flying. “Speaking of controlling men!” she huffs. But then she picks up her glass, exits, and sails into the dining room with a smile. “Yes, my love?” she asks, batting her lashes.
He cocks a brow. “Sit yourself down, little girl. We’re ready to eat.”
“Of course,” she says, brushing her lips over his stubbled jaw.
I sit across from Sasha. I try to decide if he’s watching me excessively. It doesn’t seem like it to me. It’s just the way Sasha has always watched me. And frankly, I don’t have to steal many extra glances to figure it out, because I realize that I always try to catch glimpses of him too. Only now it’s easy to look at him without pretending that I’m not.
The food is amazing, and we all eat and chat. The guys have a way of ribbing each other that makes Zoe laugh and me smirk. It’s great. Really great.
The peanut sauce is so hot, though, that it makes my eyes water. I’m not the only one who notices. Sasha’s unbuttoned the collar of his shirt, and Trick says, “Jesus” and guzzles sangria.
