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With a frown, I search the throng. “What?”
“I’m surprised you haven’t noticed.” He points out the lead actress who was cast as Veronica. She’s gorgeous with long, golden-blonde hair. Rumor around the theater is that she was sleeping with our director. I can’t say whether it’s true or not. She flirts with everyone.
I watch as Sara meanders from one group of people to the next, soaking up adoration and accolades as she goes. As pained as I am to admit it, she was fantastic. She hit every mark, had the audience laughing, and belted her way through the show.
It only takes a second to realize that Mike is right in his assessment of the situation. It’s like her sights are locked on a target. And that target just so happens to be Carson. A hot bolt of jealousy slices through me before I can stomp it out. It certainly isn’t new. I’ve spent years watching girls hang all over him.
“Uh-oh, looks like Sara the shark is going in for the kill.”
Before I realize it, I’m on the move, pushing my way through the crowd as Mike’s chuckle echoes in my ears.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Carson
Someone needs to tell me what the hell I’m doing here.
I lift the bottle of water to my lips as my gaze locks on Elle as she talks with Mike.
I really need to stop hovering over her, acting like Elle belongs to me.
Like she’ll ever belong to me.
She doesn’t.
And never will.
That’s just the way it is.
End of story.
The only thing Asher was spot on about is how pissed off Brayden would be if he caught wind of the situation.
“Hi.”
I blink and realize that someone has snuck up on me while I wasn’t paying attention. I’ve spent the last thirty minutes by myself, hanging out in the corner, watching Elle like a creepy stalker. Am I aware that I’ve jackhammered to an all new low and should probably seek out immediate treatment?
Yup.
I shift and take a discrete step away from her. “Hey.”
“I’m Sara.” She flips her long, blonde hair over her shoulder in a practiced move.
“Carson.” I clear my throat and force myself to add, “Nice to meet you.”
“I know who you are.” She sidles closer, invading my personal space for a second time. “I’m a huge Wildcats fan.”
“Oh. Well, thanks.”
She grins, revealing bright white teeth. “This party seems to be winding down. Any interest in getting—”
“Hello. Am I interrupting anything here?”
My gaze cuts to Elle as she slips her arm through mine before giving the other girl a pointed stare.
“Oh...hi.” Her lips sink at the corners as her attention drops to the hold Elle has on me. “I take it you two know each other?” The blonde doesn’t seem pleased by the notion.
She presses closer. “Yup, Carson is an old family friend.”
Sara’s blue eyes light up at that bit of information. “So...you’re not together?”
My brows rise. There’s not a hint of coyness in this female.
“Sorry, Sara.” Her voice turns frigid. “He’s not available.”
The other girl glances at me with a raised brow as if looking for confirmation. I shake my head once.
“Hmm. That’s too bad.” She gives me a full-on pout before running one long fingernail up my chest. “After that performance, I could have gone for a fuck with a hot guy. Maybe next time.”
With a little wave of her fingers, she saunters away without a backward glance.
I can only stare as she disappears into the crowd before looking at Elle with raised brows. Her arm is still looped through mine. “That was kind of frightening.”
She snorts, and the tension filling her muscles dissipates. “Sara is like a barracuda. She’ll chew you up and spit you out before you even realize it happened.”
Damn. “I don’t doubt it.”
Now that I’ve been saved, we fall into an awkward silence as she releases her hold and steps away.
Avoiding eye contact, Elle glances around. “Where are Brayden and Sydney?”
“They took off about thirty minutes ago.”
Her brow furrows as her gaze resettles on mine. “How come you didn’t leave with them?”
I shrug, realizing the innocuous question is a veritable minefield that needs to be carefully navigated. “I wasn’t sure how you were getting home and didn’t want you walking by yourself.”
“Oh.” The air between us intensifies as she glances at her fingers. Color slowly seeps into her cheeks. “Should we talk about what happened the other night?”
Hell no.
That topic is more dangerous than the previous one.
“No reason to.” My voice comes out sounding gruffer than I intend. “It was a mistake that won’t be repeated.”
The flush staining her face drains away as her wide gaze jerks to mine. “Do you really think that?”
Even though the music is loud, and the incessant sound of chatter presses in on us from all sides, her whispered words are perfectly clear.
“Yeah, I do.” It takes effort to force the lie from my lips.
