Page 21 of Face Off

“Well, which one of us is suddenly busy?” I asked. For the past few years, he and I had been best friends. We hung out together almost every day and were the team’s designated bachelors. We partied and enjoyed the perks of being young, rich, and famous until he met Jessica.

I couldn’t blame him. If I had the option between a beautiful woman and his ugly mug, it wouldn’t even be a choice. The irony that he was somehow upset over it wasn’t lost on me.

“You know you’re always welcome to hang out with us,” he countered.

Yeah, him and Jess and Parker and Vivi. The happy couples. No thanks. I didn’t need a constant reminder of everything I didn’t have.

“That’s fine occasionally, but being the third or fifth wheel isn’t my idea of fun.”

His shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry, man. You’re right. How about we do something this weekend?”

“Not tomorrow.” Chloe stepped between us. “Team dinner at my place.”

“Fine.” Lance acted like it was such a hardship. Like it wasn’t something we would’ve wished we’d been invited to just a few months ago. Things were different now. Lance and Parker, and even Mitch when he chose to, were automatically included in things. I was still the man on the outside, straddling the line between being in and ignored.

Up until recently, that was fine. I thought myself as too young, too busy, too involved with my career to waste time thinking about settling down. Then one by one, my friends changed. They found love while I continued down the same path I’d been on since I was eighteen.

I was only barely able to admit to myself that I was jealous. A growing piece of me wanted what they had.

But now wasn’t the time. There was too much riding on me to be at my best. I couldn’t afford to lose concentration right now. Not with my entire future in the balance.

“Is everyone coming?” Parker asked, joining our group.

“Yeah. I want to introduce Holly to the gang.” Chloe grinned and glanced out of the corner of her eye to the woman that likely had no idea what was in store for her. Once Chloe, or anyone from the Pride, decided to take someone under their wing, it was too late to change their minds.

Holly was about to have her privacy invaded and life changed, thanks to the meddling of my friends’ wives.

“Oh no.” Lance’s eyes went wide. “You found your new project?”

“Don’t call it that.” Chloe swatted at him. “You know everything we do comes from a place of love.”

He shrank back and nodded.

“I don’t hear you complaining about how we may or may not have used our influence in getting Jess to date you,” she continued.

“You’re right.” He put his hands up in surrender. “I appreciate you choosing to use your powers for good.”

“Exactly.” She grinned. “Now, go get your pictures done so we can all go home.”

Parker saluted, and Lance hurried away, leaving me alone with the mastermind. She was watching me with an expression I couldn’t identify.

“What?” I asked.

“Why are you still here?”

I shrugged. I didn’t owe her an explanation. I could be here if I wanted, but refusing to answer her wasn’t worth the pain that would come.

“I saw you watching her.” She stepped closer. “I know you’ve already been warned away, but I’ll tell you again. She isn’t someone to mess around with. She’s not the type you use and toss away when you’re bored.”

And that was what the team thought of me. They weren't necessarily wrong, but I didn’t need to be reminded. Plus, Holly was different. She was a part of the team. I would never do that to her.

“Got it.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I hope so.”

I was ready to leave. If hanging around was drawing attention, I should just head home. I was about to when I heard laughter.

“I’ll give you another piece if you smile.” Holly was standing next to George, dangling a piece of candy between her fingers.