“This dumbass believed every word.” Stella again. “She’s babbling, making up shit about exuberant dogs, and AJ’s like, oh man, some dogs really need obedience training, huh?”
I sigh too. Why are men so blind when it comes to toxic women?
“Best Christmas I’ve had in years,” Stella says, grinning wickedly.
Our attention is diverted when we hear AJ calling out to his girlfriend. “Hey, babe, get over here!”
Everyone but him notices how reluctant she seems to slide off the arm of Beau’s chair. When she joins AJ, he wraps both arms around her from behind and kisses her neck, and to Tara’s credit, she does tip her head back to meet his lips for a kiss. Then again, she just spent the last hour flirting with his best friend, so…her pity kisses mean nothing in my eyes.
I get up and brush a twig off my shorts, then make my way to the now-solo Beau. When I reach him, he tugs me into his lap and slings an arm over my shoulder. There’s nothing romantic about it, but considering I was having sex with Wyatt only a few nights ago, it sort of feels like I’m doing something wrong.
Beau flashes that beautiful smile of his, the one that never fails to make you take a second look. He truly is one of the best-looking people I’ve ever seen in my life, though I suppose it’s in the genes. His father is basically a male model. His mom is a gorgeous actress. His aunt could stop traffic. Both his sisters are stunning—Ivy is the ethereal fairy-princess ballerina who belongs in live-action Disney movies, and Kate, who’s only fifteen and should be going through her gangly teenage phase, could already sign an exclusive modeling contract.
“You’ve barely spoken to me all day,” Beau complains. “ShouldI be insulted?”
“I mean, it’s hard to speak when our parents are vowing to murder each other over badminton.”
“Yeah, that was intense.”
I feel my skin prickling as if someone is watching me, and sure enough, I find Wyatt’s gaze on me when I turn my head. He’s still talking to Ryder, but he’s got his phone in hand now, typing something.
Seconds later, mine buzzes in my back pocket.
Beau grins when he feels my butt vibrating. “Not gonna check that?”
“Nah. Probably my mom saying they’re going to bed.”
I swipe Beau’s plastic cup from his hand and take a gulp, trying to cool myself. Wyatt’s heated gaze is making me feel flushed. But the beer has been warmed by the fire and only spikes my body temperature.
“So listen,” I tell Beau. “The girls and I had front-row seats to the show, and…you might not want to be so friendly to Tara.”
His forehead wrinkles. “Why? We were just talking.”
“Youwere just talking.Shewas having sex with you in her head.”
Beau snorts. “Come on.”
“Trust me. We all see it.”
“She’s with AJ.”
I tip my head in challenge. “According to Stella, it wouldn’t be the first time Tara strayed.”
“If you’re talking about the Miami thing, they worked that out.”
“By worked out, do you mean she made up a bullshit story and he bought it?”
“Pretty much.”
“Either way, she strayed.”
“Okay, well, if she’s trying to stray with me, that isn’t gonna happen.” He flashes that boyish, all-American smile again. “I’m aclassy boy.”
“Just saying, don’t encourage her. We were all getting bad vibes.”
“Or maybe you’re jealous,” he counters, winking at me. “Want me all to yourself, huh?”
“Yes. That’s exactly it.”
