I watched her take another sip, and I chuckled. “You know if I had a brother, I would not be okay with you sleeping with him.”
Jade smirked. “And that is why I’m the cooler friend in this relationship.”
We both laughed, and I felt myself relax. I was relieved she was understanding about this, even if she didn’t know the entire truth.
“What are your plans for dinner?” Jade set her wine glass down. “I am child-free, and Brandon is taking Ilsa out for daddy and daughter night, so I plan to have a meal with more liquor.”
I smirked, remembering the many times we sat together and watched TV in the dark, all the hours we spent talking about life and trusting each other because we had no one else. It all changed so much when she married Brandon, but she was still the same person she was before.
We ended up going out to eat at a small joint that served good appetizers. Its business had a long bar and a few booth tables. We slipped into a booth, and Jade ordered food and drinks right away.
I leaned against the booth’s leather and sighed, taking in the smell of grease and liquor. The place was packed with people talking loudly, but I was happy we had a small area to ourselves.
“Here are your martinis.” The waiter dropped the drinks off, and Jade took a sip of hers. “Thanks, Frank.”
“Your food will be out in a few minutes.”
I took a sip of my drink and glanced around the space. My eyes froze when I spotted Kaleb at the bar with Westley. They were both eating and having a beer.
I stared at them, taking in Kaleb’s arms that were bulging each time he took a swig of his drink. I took in his smile as he laughed with Westley. I hated how I still yearned for him when I knew better. I wish I had gotten over my crush.
I shook my head and looked at Jade. “How is the training coming along? Are you getting better with your magic?”
Jade nodded. “I am, but it’s complicated. I still have so much to learn. The others have been extremely helpful. I’m learning to control my fire, and in a couple of weeks, we’re going to start on spells.”
“And how has the hunting been going for the guys?”
Jade frowned, “It’s been hard. I know that it’s frustrating, Brandon. They know they are out there, but they can’t find them. I’ve not been able to really feel them, so it’s just confusing for all of us.”
I glanced across the space back at Kaleb. I noticed a woman was standing near them now. She was wearing a tight black skirt that clung to her hips tightly, but only covered her ass just enough. She had on a plunging V-neck and showed her breasts off. I chewed on my cheek, seeing that she dressed that way to show off and catch a man’s attention.
She was talking to Kaleb, who was nodding as he spoke with her. I felt my stomach stir when I saw the way she stood. She was bent over slightly, giving Kaleb a clear view down her dress.
“So, besides your fake relationship, what is new?”
Jade and I talked. I told her about the shelter, and she told me about Ilsa. Our food was dropped off, and we slowly ate. I continued to look at Kaleb every few moments. I hated that I did it, but I couldn’t stop myself.
The woman moved closer every few moments. She was practically leaning on him at this point. Kaleb kept giving her a soft smile, not pushing her off of him. I chewed on my fry and looked back at Jade.
Jade grunted, irritated. “Who do you keep looking at?”
Shit.
She looked over her shoulder and searched the space, but I saw a smirk form on her face. She turned back to me. “You’re staring at my brother, aren’t you?”
“No, I’m not.”
“You have always been a terrible liar.”
I rolled my eyes as I watched the gal rake her hand over Kaleb’s chest. His hand reached up, stopping her, and then his eyes found me. I felt my heart stop beating, and my face grew hot. I swallowed, needing air.
“I’m going to the bathroom.”
Jade laughed as I pulled myself out of the booth and headed for the bathrooms down the small hallway. Inside, I splashed some water on my face, trying to calm myself down.
I don’t care what he does. If he wanted to let women touch him, then fine. It didn’t matter to me.
But it also wouldn’t look right if we were dating and someone was touching him. We needed to discuss this. If we wanted this to work, he couldn’t just allow other women to do what they wanted.
