I look behind me and catch Bowen’s eyes on me in the mirror before they quickly look away.
“Oh, not the first drunken disaster I’ve experienced.” She laughs. Even her voice is pretty. “What’s going on?”
“We’re having a friend night at my house,” Noah answers. “Bo here has a hot date.” He glares at me. What the hell did I do?
“Ooh.Nice, Bowen! Good for you!” Amira smiles. “You look amazing. He’s a lucky guy.”
Yeah . . .so lucky.
“Why don’t you two come with us?” Noah smiles.
“What?” Bo and I say in unison.
“You sure?” I ask.
“Amira, with a dress that pretty and a figure that gorgeous you look like you need to be seen. And Cam, you look . . .”
“They’re probably busy,” Bo says softly.
“I’m not. I don’t have many friends here anyway. I’d love to if it’s okay with you two?” Amira asks us.
“Uh, I’m fine with it.”
“Me too,” Bowen says tightly.
“More the merrier.” Noah leans in saying something to Bo, who then rolls his eyes but shrugs. “Oh, and Amira! The six-foot-tall, broad-as-hell tattooed man with the gorgeous resting bitch face is mine. So hands off!” Noah says quickly. “Very taken. No fluttering those gorgeous brown eyes at him.”
Amira laughs, shaking her head. “I’ll do my best. What do you say, Cam?”
“Oh, Noah doesn’t have to worry, I don’t think I’m Jamie’s type.” I force a smile.
You know what, fuck it. Maybe Bo has the right idea. We both need to move on, and this is perfect. Amira is perfect. “That sounds great.”
So, so great.
Walking into Noah’s house, I follow them and take my shoes off at the door. In the living room, Jamie’s sitting on a plush gray chair and drawing. “Oh, hey.” He lifts his head up, kissing Noah as he walks by, and sees us. Then his eyes land on Amira. “Oh, uh . . .” He stands, straightening out the red T-shirt he’s wearing.
“Uh-uh, no preening for the pretty woman!” Noah glares. “Your boob days are over!”
Jamie sighs, walking over to me. “Hey, Cam.” He shakes my hand. “Bo . . . Sawyer and Hunter should be here soon.”
“And Mark,” Noah reminds him.
“Yes, and Mark.” Jamie blinks. “So excited,” he says flatly. “It’s nice to meet you . . . ? I’d tell you to run, but you’ve already crossed into the danger zone.” He reaches for Amira’s hand, giving it a soft shake.
She laughs. “Amira.”
“She owns a gallery downtown,” I say.
“Bo says you’re quite the artist.”
“He’s incredible,” Noah confirms. “And taken. Did I mention taken?”
“Are you drawing? I’d love to see some of your work?” Amira smiles.
“Yeah, sure. Uh, yeah. Sorry. I’m a little embarrassed. I haven’t painted for like five years and I’m a bit rusty. Trying to get back into it, really. Follow me.” Amira follows Jamie down the hall.
“Leave the door open!” Noah yells out. “Cam, your hot date better not steal my man. I just got a boyfriend and I am holding on with both hands.” He shakes his head. “My book boyfriends and girlfriends will not cut it after this. That man has ruined fantasy for me.”
