Page 64 of Don’t Be A Stranger

I snort. “Is Beth dancing on tables now?”

“Oh, no.” Moose grins. “That was your girl.”

Wait, what now?

I’m already standing up and draping the washcloth over the foot of Stone’s headboard.

“Yeah,” Moose chuckles. “They snuck into the club and now they’re drunk and Summer thinks she has a career as a table dancer.”

I don’t think I want to know how that ensued. Or maybe I do.

“Let’s head out then before she starts getting dollar bills thrown at her,” I joke, although I’m not sure I like that idea very much.

“Really quick question though.” Moose stops me from walking out of Stone’s room. “Does this mean she is your girl then?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I said ‘your girl’ but I didn’t attach a name to that sentence. You just kind of filled in the blanks.”

I chuckle but the back of my neck begins to warm up and I’m worried that he can now see every thought in my head. “Yeah, well they were easy to fill. Who else would you be talking about?”

Moose shrugs and steps aside. “True. It’s just…interesting.”

“Get in the car,” I sigh, exasperated.

“Aye-aye, Captain.”

***

Calling Summer and Bethany drunk would be an understatement.

They’re plastered.

I don’t know what encouraged them to do so. When they said they were having a girls’ night, I assumed that meant grabbing dinner or something. I didn’t think it would lead to Moose walking out of the club with Bethany over his shoulder and Summer singing her heart out while holding onto his other arm to keep her balance.

I would’ve gone in with him but considering I’m not twenty-one yet, I was quickly shooed away.

Behind Moose is another guy who seems sound of mind, but not Ava and Jeanette who are on either side of the guy. I’m starting to think I should’ve tagged along ’cause their night seemed a lot more fun than cleaning out carpet stains.

I push myself off my car, on a mission to help Moose out. And to be in closer proximity to my bright-eyed Summer-girl.

When Summer spots me, her entire face lights up even brighter. I didn’t know that could be possible.

“Jaejoon!” She stumbles over her heels but Moose is quick to catch her.

Man, maybe I should be more active. How can he carry Bethany so effortlessly while still making sure Summer doesn’t faceplant onto the uneven pavement.

My pace quickens and Summer all but falls into me, her arms wrapping around my neck. I’m convinced she’s about to kiss me and I’m fully prepared to let her. In front of everyone or not. But she doesn’t and I shouldn’t feel this disappointed.

She buries her face in the crook of my neck and hums against my skin. “I missed you, Jaejoon.”

I don’t know why she feels inclined to use my Korean name, but I don’t mind hearing it as much when it’s said in fondness rather than scolding.

She pulls away just enough to look at me in the face and smiles.

“I missed you too,” I whisper.

“You good with those two, man?” Moose turns to look at the guy walking with Ava and Jeanette.