“Chronically single, so no plus-one. Although, I agree with you. I wouldn’t bring anyone to a reunion I wasn’t thrilled about attending myself.”
“But you’re successful enough for Sharon to want to have lunch with you. That’s high school reunion glory right there,” Caden joked as he pointed a finger at me.
“I suppose so,” I said, a nervous chuckle slipping from my lips as I anticipated Jesse’s answer. After a few long seconds, he didn’t offer anything, and I wasn’t about to ask.
“A few people are supposed to head to a bar after this,” Caden said, lifting a shoulder. “Would you guys want to go? I figured we’re all out anyway.” He grimaced as he pushed his plate away. “And you’re good for the night, right, Jess?”
Good for the night? When Jesse replied with a reluctant nod, my curiosity was piqued. What was going on at Jesse’s home? Whatever it was, it was none of my business, and while I wanted to know, I didn’t want to know at the same time. Keeping tonight superficial between us was fine and preferable.
“That sounds more fun than this,” Sabrina said, craning her neck.
“You guys go. I think I’ve had enough reunion for the night.” I stuffed my phone into my purse and stood to peel my jacket off the back of the chair.
“Then I’ll take you home,” Sabrina said, pushing away from the table. “I’m not letting you take a cab.”
“Don’t be silly.” I waved a hand. “Go enjoy.”
Tonight was the first time in a while that I’d heard a laugh from Sabrina that didn’t seem forced. I didn’t want her to put an end to a fun night with an old friend because of me, but I’d also had enough reminiscing and wanted to be alone to process it all.
“I can take you home,” Jesse said, wrapping his hand around my arm. “I don’t want you taking a cab either.”
“I appreciate the offer, but no. It’s out of your way.”
“No, it’s not.”
My head snapped up to Jesse as his brown eyes bored into mine with a determination I didn’t know what to do with.
“You don’t know where I live. How do you know it’s not out of your way?”
“How do you know it is?” Jesse lifted a brow, a smirk tipping his lips. “You don’t mind getting a ride with Sabrina, do you?” he asked Caden.
“As long as she doesn’t.” Caden nodded to Sabrina. “I live not too far from where the bar is. I can walk home from there.”
“That’s fine. I’ll take you and drive you home. I think this all sounds like a great idea.”
I narrowed my eyes at her wry grin.
“Okay,” I conceded. “It’s silly, but yes, thank you for the ride.”
Another smile split Jesse’s perfect mouth, and the victory spreading over his features annoyed me as much as the warmth spreading through my chest.
“After you,” Jesse said, extending his arm in front of me.
“Thanks.” I gave him a tight smile as I strode past him, my skin prickling from his presence behind me. What the hell was wrong with me? I’d sat next to him for the night and managed to hold it together, but now that we were alone, I was antsy. Our history had been easier to ignore with Caden and Sabrina running interference.
“Would you mind if I made a quick phone call first? I’ll just be a minute.”
“Not at all. Do what you have to do.”
I leaned my shoulder against the wall when Jesse stepped away, too curious about who he might have been speaking to with that big of a smile plastered to his face, when I was clobbered from behind with a hug.
“Sneaking out?”
I smiled at Penny’s voice behind me. She’d spotted me on the dance floor, and I’d had every intention of seeking her out to catch up. Trying to appear aloof in front of Jesse had taken all my effort and brain cells for most of the night.
“Are you heading to the bar too?”
I shook my head while my gaze veered to Jesse. His smile deepened, happy to hear the voice of whoever was on the other end. That smile used to be mine once upon a time, but it had belonged to the boy, not the man.
