Can’t believe I actually just said that out loud. That’s the meaningless formality you say to neighbors. Cashiers at the grocery store. Not people youknow.
Not women who’ve moaned beneath your fingers.
She tips an imaginary hat. “Happy Fourth to you too, sir.”
JJ’s eyes track between us in the succeeding silence. “Beer sometimes makes Gray extra formal,” he comments, trying to save me.
“Formal?” Eliza repeats. “Grayson doesn’t do formal.”
“And what doesGraysondo?” I ask.
Whatever pops into her mind first makes her cheeks even rosier, and I can’t help the satisfaction that slidesthrough me. It only deepens when she tries playing it off. “Grumpy. Standoffish. Rude.” She pauses. “Cocky.”
Maybe she emphasizes the word. Maybe she doesn’t. But she’s regarding me with an unreadable expression, like she’s thinking about the first four letters. Or maybe that’s just me in my own fucked-up head.
Since I’m apparently a masochist, I reply.
“Cocky. Hmm.” I purse my lips in mock thought. “You say it like it’s a bad thing, Boston.”
“I find that cockiness is usually a form of overcompensation.”
“Is it, in this case?”
We both know what the answer is.
Her jaw works as she mulls over her response. This is the closest we’ve gotten to talking about Monday, and she has the chance right now to bring it on home. I’ve practically dared her to, because I can’t fucking help myself.
Kara, where the fuck are you?
Finally, she sucks in a breath and says, “I’m n?—”
“Hey! Grayson, JJ, my guys.”
The deep, boisterous voice shatters the moment. I physically rock back in my seat, not realizing I’d leaned closer to hear her response, as Darian sidles up. His blue eyes are slightly glazed, his face ruddy. The beer in his hand isn’t his first.
Those buzzed eyes land on Eliza, and they beam. “Eliza! Wasn’t expecting to see you here!” He slings an arm up, giving her a side-hug.
My fingers tighten on my bottle when he lingers longer than he needs to. Just like his gaze lingered all the fuck over her when we played pool.
“Amanda invited me last-minute,” she explains.
“Well, I sure am glad she did.” He squeezes hershoulder before dropping his arm and turning to us. “JJ, how was…where was it—” he snaps his fingers. “Canada?”
“Alaska,” JJ amends good-naturedly. “And it was epic. Wild place up there. The training was just as wild, but I learned a lot.”
“Hell yeah.” Darian fist-bumps him, then nods at Eliza and me. “What about you two? How’s working together on the farm?”
“Good,” we reply at the same time.
Jesus, we’re stiff as boards.
“Cool.” Darian gives a sharp nod. “Well, I’m gonna get a refill. You boys want anything? Eliza?”
JJ and I both decline, but Eliza says, “Yes, actually. I haven’t gotten anything yet.”
The way Darian’s face lights up, you’d think she’s made his whole damn night. “Perfect. It’s on me.” His hand lands on her upper back, and I lock onto his palm like a targeting radar. “Come on, pretty lady.”
Acid burns in my gut as he whisks her away. I’m experienced enough to recognize the smolder of jealousy. And I’m self-aware enough to know I sure as shit shouldn’t be feeling it when I’m trying to put distance between us.
