Page 115 of Taking Sides

“I’m not into him. Promise,” Hannah says. “I love Travis so much. I can’t imagine being with anyone else. Ever. He’s it for me.”

“She’s just really into staring at other guys . . . or rather, Conrad.” Ruby lets out another small laugh.

“We’re good,” I assure her, then stare a little harder at Conrad. “He really, really is ridiculously hot, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, it’s sort of unreal,” Ruby says. “And he has no idea, like zero, that women want him.”

Conrad meets my gaze again and this time the way I’m looking at him has his lips quirking into a knowing smirk. My body heats with desire, and my cheeks are hot.

“I think he’s starting to realize,” I say. At the very least he knows I want him.

After the poker game is over, the eight of us head upstairs to the back deck. The night air is cold, but Conrad wraps his arms around me and holds me on his lap to keep me warm.

Danny and August brought a deck of cards out and they’re playing war while the rest of us absently watch and talk about random topics. We’ve covered everything from hockey to horoscopes.

“I like your friends,” I say to Conrad as Nick breaks up the circle to put his son, Aidan, to bed and grab fresh drinks for everyone.

“They like you too.” He pushes a windblown strand of hair behind one ear. “So do I.”

A shiver runs through me.

“You want something else to drink?” Conrad asks.

I shake the bottle of the nearly full beer. “No. I’m not feeling it tonight.”

“Are you worried about Landon? Victor?”

I nod because I am worried about both of them, but that isn’t it. I rarely drink anymore, and I think the two beers I had last night didn’t settle well with me amidst everything else going on.

“Want something else? Water? Soda? Tea?” He looks like he’s about to list off twelve more options.

“Water would be great.”

“Be right back.” He takes his empty and my full beer and heads inside.

As I’m taking my seat again, Travis clears his throat and regards me with a serious expression. “So, Whitney.”

My already upset stomach lurches with anxiety. I’m expecting him to bring up Victor, maybe ask me what I think of the play or tell me how much he hates him.

He folds his hands together at his waist. “What are your intentions with Shep?”

“Excuse me?” A startled laugh escapes my mouth.

Travis’s lips pull into a goofy half smile. “You two have been seeing each other for a couple months now. Is it serious? Is he the one?”

Hannah smacks at his chest lightly. “You can’t ask her that.”

Ruby giggles from her other side, knowing full well that the two of them already asked me the same sort of questions. Hannah gives me a wink as Travis gives me a slightly apologetic smile.

“I only want to look out for my guy. He’s obviously in love with you, and if you don’t feel the same, then I need to think about how I’m going to be a better wingman for him in the future.”

A flash of jealousy hits me at this completely made-up, ridiculous scenario. Despite everyone smiling and laughing at Trav’s question, they’re watching me closely for my answer. Even Danny and August have temporarily paused their card game.

“If you decide to play wingman and set Conrad up with someone else, then I may have to borrow your wife to kick their asses.” I smile sweetly as my man steps back outside.

Everyone bursts into laughter.

Conrad stops and looks around the circle. “What’d I miss?”