I free myself from his grip and whirl around to face him. “Nice to meet you, Tanner. No, I hope you wouldn’t assume I would dance with someone like that if I did.”
“I just wanted to be sure. Why haven’t I seen you around here?” He takes my hand in his and leads us off the dance floor as another song starts.
“This is my first time here. I came with Jack.”
He stiffens.
We both gaze over at my neighbor-slash-roommate. Natasha is still trying to get in his pants, but Jack’s eyes are narrowed on Tanner. I have no idea what’s going through his head. But I get the sense it’s not good.
“You guys know each other?” I ask.
“Yeah. He knew my dad before he passed. So, yeah. I know Jack.” Something seems off, but I don’t push.
“I’m sorry about your dad,” I say, wondering why he told me that if he just met me.
“Do you plan to start coming around here?” he asks.
“Yeah, I’d like to. I think I’ll make another appearance or two.” I flash a flirty smile.
“Good. I want to see more of you.” His gaze shifts back to me. “How old are you?”
“Nineteen.”Please don’t think I’m too young.
“Cool. I’m twenty. I wanted to check that you were legal.”
I laugh at the thought of him being only a year older than me. His sharp edges and muscled exterior makes me think he’s almost thirty.
“Can I have your number?” Tanner says as he slides a phone into my hand. “You seem like a cool girl, and I want to get to know you more.”
“Yeah.” I type my number into his phone. As I hand Tanner’s phone back, Jack walks up and clears his throat.
“Tanner.” Jack tips his head in acknowledgement. “Jessi, let’s go. It’s late.”
“Can we stay thirty more minutes?” I’m whining, but I’m hyped up by all the excitement around me and can’t help wanting to stay.
Tanner grins. “I can take her home, old man.”
Jack ignores him. “Jessi, please.”
Tanner puts a hand on Jack’s chest and shoves him. “Dude, chill. It’s eleven o’clock. She’s nineteen. She can stay if she wants.”
Jesus.I step in between the two and glare at them. “It’s not a big deal. It’s getting late. I’ll go. Tanner, text me, okay?”
Tanner’s eyes never leave Jack as he says, “Sure, but next time don’t come with the old guy if you want a good time.”
I wait for Jack to throw a punch or cuss him out, but Jack does nothing.
“Come on,” I say, grabbing Jack and marching toward the front door.
From her perch by the pool table, Natasha watches at us, her arms crossed over her chest and her mouth twisted. I don’t bother holding back a scowl. Sonny waves and mouthsCall me. I wave back and give her a thumbs-up.
Once outside, I jab Jack’s arm. “What the hell was that? I was having fun.”
“You think that’s fun?” he fires back.
“What’s your problem? You were with Natasha, so why can’t I have fun too?”
He hands me my helmet, but I fumble with the snaps. “Here.” He clips the strap beneath my chin. Good thing too. I didn’t want to ask for help.
