And Delilah isn’t pulling away.
My stomach tightens.
I know I should let it go. I should turn back to the very attractive, very willing girl in front of me and let Delilah do whatever the hell she wants.
I don’t even know why I care.
But suddenly, my body is moving before I can think.
I cockblock myself by stepping away from volleyball girl, barely registering her confused “Hey, where are you going?” as I cut across the room.
Delilah sees me approaching, but she doesn’t move. Jared doesn’t either.
Big mistake.
I step in, smooth as hell, slipping an arm around Delilah’s waist like I own her.
Like I have any fucking right to. I hover my hand behind her so I’m not actually touching her.
“Jared,” I say, flashing him a sharp grin. “Didn’t realize you were still here, man.”
He frowns. “Yeah? Why wouldn’t I be?”
I pull Delilah tighter against me.
“Because Delilah’s leaving.”
Delilah stiffens, but she doesn’t push me away.
Jared’s eyes flick to where my hand is on her hip.
I see the exact moment he registers what’s happening.
He lets out a dry laugh, eyes narrowing slightly. “Oh. I see how it is.”
Delilah finally speaks up. “Jared?—”
“No worries,” Jared interrupts, smirking slightly as he steps back. “Didn’t realize I was stepping on someone’s toes.”
I say nothing, just watch him walk away.
And then Delilah shoves me off her.
“What the hell was that?” she demands, stepping back.
I shrug, completely unbothered. “Getting rid of an asshole. You’re welcome.”
Her eyes flash. “I don’t need you to swoop in and save me, Hawkins.”
“Yeah?” I tilt my head, stepping into her space again. “Then why didn’t you push me off?”
She huffs, crossing her arms. “I was stunned by the sheer audacity of it all.”
“Bullshit,” I say easily.
Her jaw clenches. “You’re insufferable.”
“You didn’t want him,” I point out. “If you did, you would’ve pushed me away immediately.”
