“Totally,” she shouts with a huge smile. Mira fans herself with her hands. “I need a drink. I’m so hot.”
“I can go with you.”
She pats my chest and grins. “You don’t have to do that. I’m a big girl, Griffy. I’ll be right back.”
And before I can protest, she slips through the crowd and heads for the bar. I watch her the whole way. Just to make sure no assholes try to grope her ass or anything. Because I look out for all of my female friends when we’re out. Especially at places like this.
“You good?” Sebastian asks. His head cocks to the side as he studies me.
“Yeah, man. I’m good.”
“How’s living with Mira going?”
Does he really want to have this conversation in the middle of a club? It’s a little loud for a heart-to-heart. “It’s good. She’s cool. Honestly, it’s been fun having a roommate again.”
Bash nods, but he doesn’t say anything. Just kinda stares at me.
“What?” I ask him.
“You sure you can handle this?” His attention goes to Mira. She’s at the bar now, and some suit with a five o’clock shadow has his hand on the small of her back as he leans in to say something. Mira throws her head back and laughs.
My stomach flips, and I scowl. “Handle what?” I ask Bash with a little more bite than I intend.
“Living with a beautiful woman you’ve always been attracted to.”
I tear my eyes away from Mira and the suit so I can glare at my friend. “I’m not attracted to Mira.”
Navarro’s lips twitch as he raises one dark eyebrow. “Oh, no?”
“No.”
“Then why do you look like you want to punch the guy talking to her?”
Idowant to punch the guy. It’s unnerving. And stupid. Mira’s my friend, and she is definitely not interested in me that way. She’s always been fun and a bit flirty, but she’s done nothing to make me believe she sees me as anything other than her brother’s best friend. I have no claim on her, and no right to judge who she flirts with or hooks up with.
God, the thought of her hooking up with the asshole in the suit makes my stomach turn. What the hell? If I didn’t know any better, I’d think I was jealous. Which I’m not. At all.
“Just looking out for my friend,” I tell Sebastian. “Her ex was a dipshit, and business bro over there looks like a dipshit too. I don’t want her getting hurt again, that’s all.”
“Is it?” Sebastian watches me. “Or are you afraid to admit to yourself that you like her?”
“I don’t.”
He lifts one shoulder. “Wouldn’t blame you if you did. She’s a cool chick. Not to mention, beautiful.”
“She’s Maddox’s sister,” I say, stating the obvious. He knows what I mean. She’s off-limits.
“I know. But if you really liked her and weren’t only trying to get in her pants, I don’t think Madds would be as pissed as you assume.”
Sebastian has always been the levelheaded one of our group. He’s like a big brother, or maybe even the team dad. Lots of guys go to him for advice, and normally, he’s spot on. But not with this. Because Maddswouldbe pissed. And even if I did like her that way, I’m cursed. All I’d do is ruin our friendship and pave the way for Mr. Right to sweep Mira off her feet when things between us fizzled out. And for some reason, that thought fills me with all sorts of rage.
“I’m not trying to get in her pants, and I don’t like her beyond friendship.” I clap Bash on the shoulder. “You’re way off base on this one.”
The suit still has his hand on Mira’s lower back. She’s facing him now, and they’re smiling and flirting with each other. My grip on Sebastian’s shoulder tightens.
“Sure.” His shoulders shake as he chuckles. “Sorry for saying anything. I’m obviously wrong. You don’t feel anything for Mira. Nothing at all.”
“I don’t.” Dropping my hand from his shoulders, I try to sound casual when I say, “I’m thirsty. Want another beer?”
