Holding my hands up, I showed her my innocence. “I haven’t done anything.”
“You haven’t moved her off your lap, you mean.”
“Excellent point,” Jamie piped up. “Well made.”
Red looked at me expectantly. “Brute!”
“What?”
“Get heroffyour lap.”
“Why?” I asked her, feigning innocence. “What’s the problem?”
“Because you’re—” She stopped abruptly and looked around self-consciously.
“I’m?” Making her squirm was my favorite pastime.
“Oh, for goodness’ sake.” Red actually stamped her foot. She was adorable. “You’re sleeping with me!”
The attentive cafeteria audience all tittered. Red turned scarlet.
“We sleep?” I teased.
Her mouth twisted as she fought the smile back. “Get her off.”
“Oh my,” I taunted her.
“Ash, can you be serious?”
“Yes, I can. With anyone but you.” I winked at her, and she laughed out loud.
She composed herself. “Okay, you, what’s your name?” Red asked Elise.
“Elise.”
“Okay, Elise? Get off my boyfriend’s lap before you wear that plate of mac and cheese, understood?”
“Boyfriend?” I asked her.
She had the audacity to roll her eyes at me. “Ash, we both know I’m the only person you’re having sex with and have been the only person you’re having sex with for weeks. So, stop playing dumb.”
“Wait, what?” Jamie was now paying attention.
Elise slipped off my lap and turned to face him. “I told you that.” With more dignity than I had ever seen her portray, she walked away from the table.
“Shit, this place needs to sell popcorn,” Gray commented loudly to Jett.
“He’s sitting right beside you, jerkface, but I’m so glad we’re entertaining you.” Red looked at me and narrowed her eyes. “You.”
“Yes, Red?”
“Follow me.”
“Absolutely.”
We walked out of the cafeteria together, and I saw her bite her lip as we walked the halls. Finally taking pity on her, I caught her arm and tugged her into an empty classroom.
“Oh, thanks.”
