I don’t know what just happened, but I think he sensed my hesitation and backed off.I’m glad of that, but at the same time, I’m not.I should tell him I have a boyfriend—if I still have a boyfriend; that’s still up for debate—but he hasn’t asked, or made an overt pass that would force the conversation.To say something now would be presumptuous.
We walk back to our friends.Gen’s folding her towel, and I look past her to find that the barbecue pit is occupied.The people we’re meeting must have shown up.
Jaeger’s quiet as I grab my towel and start folding it up.He’s got to know I’m attracted to him, but I can’t tell if his flirting is merely a wingman maneuver to keep me occupied while Mason talks to Gen, or if he’s seriously interested.
Mason looks over.“Cali, I was just telling Gen about the party we’re having next weekend.You guys should come.”
Gen glances up while putting away her things, and smiles.It’s not a tight smile, flagging me to come up with some excuse.It’s friendly and warm.Happy.
This could be a good opportunity for her and Mason to get to know each other.“Sure.I’d love to go,” I say.
Gen grabs her beach bag and swings it over her shoulder.We say goodbye to the guys and make our way to the barbecue pits.
Halfway there, I glance back.Jaeger and Mason are jogging down the beach, passing the pretty brunette Jaeger was flirting with earlier.She’s off to the side, smiling his way.
I don’t know why I care.It’s like some sick torture I’m putting myself through.I shouldn’t be attracted to him, but I am—and I can’t help feeling jealous over another girl who’s able to flirt freely with him.Which makes me feel terrible, because no matter what’s going on with Eric right now, I don’t want to be that kind of girlfriend.
The barbecue isin full force, and I discover through conversations that a handful of Nessa’s friends are from the local Washoe tribe.One of the guys, Zach, is even a dealer I recognize from work.I continue to chat with Gen’s new friends, all the while keeping an eye on her over by the barbecue.
Why?
Because Lewis—the guy she had the spark with last night—is freaking hot as hell.And his girlfriend, Mira, is here with him.She’s a bombshell with shiny, long dark brown hair, and she’s been sending eyeball darts Gen’s way for the past hour.
No joke, there could be a catfight.Gen’s at the barbecue talking to my dealer buddy, and Lewis, who’s six and a half feet of deliciousness—he might actually tower over Jaeger—walks up.
This is so much worse than Gen indicated.Lewis wants her and she has no idea.
Lewis has been playing it cool for the past hour, but he’s been watching Gen when she’s not looking.Not good.
I glance at Lewis’s girlfriend.Oh yeah, Mira has her eye on them.Nothing gets by that chick.She’s sipping her beer and standing very still, glancing at Lewis in between fake smiles with Nessa, who’s chattering on about who knows what.
Tossing more chips on my plate at the picnic table, I mentally prepare to intervene if necessary.
Zach steps away and Lewis hands Gen a hot dog.He leans down and says something in her ear, touching her shoulder.Gen’s chest rises, her body leaning toward him.I’m convinced I can see actual sparks.
Casino Real World has infiltrated the beach.
I glance at Mira.She’s not even pretending to listen to Nessa anymore.Nessa’s eyebrows pull together and she follows Mira’s glare.Shit is about to go down.
Gen’s frozen in place, her chest rising and falling too quickly.She glances up, her expression serious as she meets Lewis’s eyes.They stand like that for a few seconds.Mira looks ready to wrestle Gen to the ground, and I’m a breath away from breaking up the eyeball sex Gen and Lewis are having, when Lewis’s mouth kicks up at the side and he walks away.
Damn, and I thoughtmysituation sucked.
Eyes wide and unblinking, Gen scans the area and sees me.She says something to Zach, who reappeared a second ago, and hightails it to my side.
“I have to leave.Now.”
“On it,” I tell her.
We thank Nessa while Lewis sips his beer to the side, subtly watching Gen.
Oh, yeah.Gen definitely needs to stay away from this guy.She’s no match for him.With high cheekbones, a straight nose, masculine full lips, and a smooth tan complexion, he’s tall, dark, and delicious, and he wants her.No woman could fight that kind of attention.
Gen squeezes my hand and I glance over.Lewis has her in a staredown.
Damn, I wouldn’t be able to look away either.
I haul her toward the car.When we’re far enough away, I ask, “You okay?”
