CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
We ran into Leo with yet another change in female companion at the movies.
Movie night was the first night Elan and I kissed. It was some kiss. It had all the heat and panty-melting appeal needed to have me going back for more. Obviously, it was the same for him, because we’ve been making out for weeks now.
But Leo? I still get the glares, the silent stares, the looks I can’t comprehend. Leo, Lenny, Jack. Why did he have to come into my life? Why does it bother me so much that we can’t be friends? Why does it bother me he has a revolving door of girls?
I know the answer to the last one. It’s because what was special to me was nothing more than another notch on his bed post. Giving up my V-card meant a lot to me. To him, just another point on his score card.
I want to hate him. But then I remember how kind he was, and I know he’s that way beneath this asshole exterior. I’m so confused by him.
But I’ve got Elan and he’s got me. We make a pretty great pair.
“Hey, Foxy,” Elan greets when he takes his seat next to me on the picnic bench, then he leans in and gives me one of those toe-curling kisses.
“Damn,” Audrey says, fanning herself.
“That’s so hot,” Isla agrees.
We break the kiss and I’m a little dazed. “Hi yourself, Hottie E.”
Audrey put on five pounds and declared we would only go out to lunch twice a week. Works for me.
“So, are you two like, a thing now?” Isla asks.
Elan and I look at each other and shrug. We still have the ones we both want but being together is pretty great. We talk about everything—including Leo and Gianna. I wish she could see Elan how I see him. I wish she’d give him a chance. Yeah, I’d be alone, but he’d be happy, and she’d be so damn lucky.
I wink at Elan and he smiles, his dimple winking back.
“You’re such a hottie, Elan,” I purr.
“You’re so foxy, J,” he replies.
“I’m going to throw up if you don’t quit,” Audrey tells us. We all laugh.
Asecond movie night out is the perfect idea. It’s some action movie with a tall, dark, and dreamy actor.
Everything is going great until I have to pee. Drinking all of that soda was a bad idea, but with the salt and butter on that popcorn, who could resist?
I sigh in relief as I do my business. It’s been a really weird day. Did Elan and I say we were a thing? Or did we just shrug it off?
I finish washing and drying my hands. When I step out of the bathroom, I get a sense of déjà vu. There stands Leo.
I come to an abrupt halt.
“What can I do for you, Lenny?”
“Stop calling me Lenny, for one.”
“I like it. I’m keeping it,” I declare.
He nods. “I really didn’t expect anything different.”
“So, what do you want?” I ask, wondering just what the hell he’s going to do now to mess with my mind. Isn’t it bad enough he does it from afar?
He crosses his arms. Hmm. Defensive. Interesting.
“You and Elan look pretty cozy.”
