“We were having a welcome party for Riley.” April releases one of her hands to point at me and Chance quickly scoops an arm around her waist to keep her upright.
While everyone at the table is paying attention to Chance and April, I twist my head around, seeking out Nat as naturally as I breathe oxygen.
He’s still looking my way.
My heart slams into my ribs and I turn around so quickly that my head sloshes.
Did he come with his teammates?
Or is he here… because of me?
It would be too arrogant of me to assume that he came to The Tipsy Tuna for a drink because he’s upset about me cutting him off. But I wouldn’t be too disappointed if that was the case…
Again with the delusion, Riley.
I know I shouldn’t give in, but Nat is as irresistible to me now as he was when he lived next door.
Turning slowly, I peek at Nat again.
His entire body is facing this direction. And what a body it is. I lick my lips, visually tracing the lines of his shoulders which look like two mountains on either side of his neck. His arms are the size of boulders but for someone with such obvious strength, he’s incredibly gentle and warm.
Nat looks like he’s sitting on the edge of his seat, like he’s ready to spring up at a moment’s notice and come over. After everything I told him today, after the way I was so cold and practically threw him out on his ear, I want him to.
Even if it’s just as a little sister, I want to be around him. To stare into his green eyes for a second and chat about my day and listen to one of his corny jokes and laugh my head off because he’s especially funny when he’s trying not to be.
While I’m staring longingly at Nat, someone at the table behind us gets up and I see who he came to The Tipsy Tuna with.
It’s like a cold bucket of water came out of nowhere and doused me.
I whip around instantly and tuck my head against my chest.
He’s here with his ex.
Maybe I could have called their meeting at Phil’s Donuts a coincidence or a conversation to clear the air. But what are they doing at The Tipsy Tuna together at night?
I squeeze my glass so hard that I’m afraid it’ll break.
“Let’s get you home, Tink.” Chance McLanely sweeps the rest of the table with an appraising glance. “I’m going to call Kinsey and Renthrow too. You ladies shouldn’t be driving.”
“I’m not driving!” Cordelia exclaims, raising her hand.
“She rides a motorcycle!” April shrieks. “Isn’t she cool, Chance?”
“Very cool, sweetheart. Come on. Let’s go.”
“Bye, April!” Delia waves.
“Love you, bestie!” Rebel presses a hand to her mouth and pulls it back with a loud ‘muah’!
I give a restrained wave, as my stomach churns.
Nat is here with Layla and they look so good together that I think I might throw up.
“Should we call it a night too? This is already past my limit.” With a little laugh, Rebel points at the few mugs around the table. “You can tell that we aren’t great drinkers. We didn’t even have that much.”
When I close my eyes all I see is Layla’s long legs pressed against Nat’s. Her arm draping against his. His green eyes sparkling for her.
“Yeah,” Delia says, “we should probably?—”
