As we continue the tour, Cassidy’s flirting shifts into overdrive. He constantly touching me—a hand on my arm as he pointsout a feature, fingers brushing mine as he hands over some paperwork. It’s blatant and unmistakable, but to my surprise, my body isn’t responding at all. No quickening pulse, no flush of heat. Nothing.
I sneak a glance at Jesse, who seems uncharacteristically quiet. His jaw is set, and there’s a tightness around his eyes that wasn’t there before.Is he… jealous?
Before I can ponder that question further, Jesse’s phone rings. He frowns at the screen. “Sorry, I need to take this. It’s the office.” He steps away, leaving me alone with the attractive, young Realtor.
The moment Jesse’s out of earshot, Cassidy’s flirting hits a new high. He steps closer, invading my personal space. “So, Martin,” he purrs, his voice low and sultry. “I would love to take you for a drink sometime. I live in Hillcrest, and there's an amazing new place right in my neighborhood that just opened up, that I'm dying to try.”
His hand trails down my arm as he licks his lips suggestively.
I’m about to firmly shut him down when I hear footsteps approaching. Jesse rounds the corner, his expression darkening when he sees us.
Chapter 5
Jesse
Ifreeze in my tracks, the sight before me sending a surge of heat through my body, and not the good kind. Cassidy, that slick, pretty-boy, is leaning in way too close to Martin, his hand resting on Martin’s forearm. Martin’s polite smile doesn’t reach his eyes, but Cassidy doesn’t seem to notice or care, and his intentions are crystal fucking clear.
“So, there's this new place—”
I clear my throat loudly, interrupting him and purposely inserting myself between them as Martin takes a step back from the younger man.
Slimy little prick.He looks like one of those smarmy asswipes from some stupid real-estate reality show,Gazillion Dollar Listingor whatever the fuck. His overly coiffed hair and his perfectly capped, white teeth ooze counterfeit confidence, making my skin crawl. He’s eyeing Martin like he’s some kind of prize, and my jaw ticks audibly as I grit my teeth.If he thinks he’s going to have Martin for dinner, he’s got another think coming.
Cassidy straightens, shifting his gaze to me, letting his eyes drag over my body. He darts his tongue out to moisten his lips, and I have to conceal a visible shudder.Ick.
“I was just getting to know Martin here a bit better. We were discussing dinner plans. Maybe you’dbothbe interested in… dinner.” His tone is suggestive, making me want to throttle him.
Not fucking likely.
“No, I don’t think that will work.” I can’t keep the edge out of my voice.Who does this little fucker think he is?And seriously, talk about unprofessional. “Actually, I don’t think this building is quite what we’re looking for. It doesn’t have the right feel for our project,” I say, crossing my arms and staring him down like I’m some kind of gunslinger, daring him to make another move.
This behavior isn’t like me. Normally, I’m the king of avoiding confrontation at almost all costs, but something about seeing this guy hit on Martin right in front of me makes my blood boil.
Martin looks at me, a flicker of amusement in his eyes.
Cassidy blinks, his demeanor changing abruptly.Yeah, you little son of a bitch. You see how it is now? Keep it in your pants, motherfucker.
“Oh, of course, of course,” he stammers, glancing between Martin and me, suddenly unsure of himself.“Well, we can always keep looking. I’m sure we can find something to suit your needs.”
“Thanks for your time,” Martin says amicably. “We’ll be in touch if we have any questions.”
“Of course,” he repeats.
We make our way quickly to the exit, and I watch like a hawk as he extends his hand to Martin. A low, possessive growl escapes my throat when the handshake lasts a half second too long, and I catch Martin’s eye. He looks like he’s trying to hold back a laugh, his green eyes twinkling.
Cassidy doesn’t even bother extending a hand to me, which is probably best for his safety since I’m liable to tear his entire arm off. Instead, he gives me a watery smile and directs a halfhearted wave in my general direction before hightailing it in the direction of his white BMW like his ass is on fire.
We walk back to my car in silence, the sun beating down on us, tension thick in the air. My mind races, trying to make sense of my own behavior.Where the hell did that come from?I’ve never reacted like that before with anyone, not even Andrew.
A knot forms in my stomach as my ex’s face flashes through my mind.All those years and I never knew. Never suspected.For the billionth time, I ask myself how I could have possibly been so blind. Anger and shame wash over me as I slide behind the wheel of my car.Has Andrew’s betrayal turned me into some kind of possessive, jealous asshole?The thought makes me sick.
But mixed in with all the confusion is an unfamiliar feeling. I think I feel… powerful… Strong… I survived that confrontation, even though I hate shit like that. But I wasn’t about to lie down and let myself, or someone I care for, get taken advantage of. I didn’t want that guy flirting with Martin, but at the same time, it looked like Martin wasn’t into it. So maybe it wasn’t all jealousy. Maybe it was… protective. I don't want Martin to get hurt. Don't want him falling for some smooth-talking pretty boy who’d just use him and toss him aside. But what if I read the situation all wrong? What if Martin was interested in Cassidy and I just cockblocked him? That would make me nothing more than a jealous asshole.
“Jesse,” Martin says, placing a gentle hand on my forearm. “You alright? You seem a tad off.” I realize we're sitting here roasting in the hot car as I'm staring into space, my mind spinning with these unwelcome thoughts.
“Oh, no, I’m fine,” I say, clearing my throat, pressing the car's Start button and cranking up the air-conditioning.
“So, um… what did you think?” I ask, not sure if I’m asking what he thought about the building or about whatever just happened with Cassidy.
