I glance at the door again as Gabriel walks in. A tall redhead strolls over, wrapping herself around him.
Well, shit.
My heart drops to my stomach, and I wish I had better control of my face because I’m pretty sure it’s fallen.
JT clocks my disappointment. “Oh… shit. You were looking for Gabe?”
“No? No. I?—”
“It’s okay. I won’t tell anyone. But for the record, that’s Lily. I don’t think he’s interested these days, but that doesn’t stop her.”
“These days?”
“Yeah, I mean he used to screw around with her, but I don’t think he has in a while.”
“I don’t care.” Obviously, I’m lying, but who wants to be the little sister pining over her brother’s best friend who won’t ever give her the time of day?
“Okay.” As if he doesn’t believe me, he adds, “If you say so.”
“I do,” I bite.
He throws his hands up defensively. “Want to play pool?”
“Uh…” I shake my head. “I don’t really know how.”
“That’s okay, I’ll teach you.” He stands. I thought he was tall before but, holy shit. He towers over me. “Maybe it’ll distract you from staring at that dipshit.” He nods toward Gabriel.
Turns out JTisa really good friend. He’s spent the last hour trying to teach me to play pool. I’m horrible at it, but I’m having so much fun I don’t care. My cheeks burn from laughing so much.
“Okay, new plan. You’re naturally terrible, so maybe just cheat.”
“What?!” I whip my head around.
“I mean, I think you’re a lost cause. Knock a few inwhen no one’s looking.” He laughs. “That’s the only chance you’ve got.”
I shove his shoulder. “You’re terrible!”
“No, my dear, you are terrible. I’m trying to help you.” He places a hand on my lower back and guides me toward the bar. “Let’s let someone else have the table so they don’t have to be subjected to watching this anymore.”
I’m stopped by a hand around my upper arm.
“Can I talk to you?” a familiar voice says.
Gabriel stands slightly behind me, glaring daggers at JT who grins like a child.
“I guess.” I let him lead me back to the hallway by the bathroom.
He’s pissed.
I yank my arm away from him.“What the hell is your problem?”
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“What do you mean?”
“With JT.”
“Uh, playing pool? What’s it look like?”
