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One time, when I was in middle school, I had this science partner who was semi-nice to me. We were hanging out during class and laughing about something. Then he suddenly leaned in, and I legit thought he was going to kiss me. All he did, though, was pull a candy wrapper out of my hair. So, not only did I embarrass myself by puckering my lips, but I also apparently had a candy wrapper in my hair for most of the school day.
Story of my life.
“We’re not flushed,” Jaxon lies, and it’s completely obvious.
Hunter makes a big show of rolling his eyes. “Bro, I know you’re lying, but whatever. I’ll let it drop for now, but only because we have a slumber party to plan.” He strolls into the room and plops down onto the sofa that’s across from us. “Later, though, I might make us play a game of truth or dare and make you fess up.” He grins, eliciting a sigh from Jax.
Hunter’s smile broadens, and then he slides his gaze to me. “That goes for you, too, beautiful girl.” When my cheeks warm, Hunter looks all too pleased with himself. “You’re blushing.”
“And you’re driving me crazy, BFF,” I retort, trying not to squirm, knowing it will only encourage him more.
He chuckles, his eyes crinkling around the corners.
He’s so gorgeous. Not that I’d ever say that aloud, but in my mind, I’m going to tell myself it over and over again.
His cheeky smile turns into a curious one and, oh my God, I’m so worried he’s going to ask me what I’m thinking. Thankfully, he doesn’t.
“So, what’s the plan with the drinks.” Hunter changes the subject, reclining back in the sofa and resting his arms along the armrest.
“She likes coffee flavor the best, so I was thinking this.” Jax slants forward and shows Hunter the screen of his phone.
Hunter glances at the screen then arches a brow. “You know we have none of those things, right?”
“I figured.” Jax leans back into the sofa. “We could always get Benton to pick us up some stuff.”
Hunter glances at a clock on the wall. “That might work. It’s getting late, though. And, at this point, we’ll definitely be going to school late tomorrow, if at all.”
“That’s fine with me,” Jax replies then turns to me. “Only if you’re cool with it?”
I shrug. “I already said I was … But, who’s Benton?”
“Zay’s brother.” Jax's gaze flits toward Hunter, and the two of them trade a funny look.
I look between the two of them. “Why are you guys looking at each other like that?”
Hunter stares at Jax for a beat or two longer before tearing his gaze off Jaxon and fixing his eyes on me. “It’s nothing really. We just …” Hunter wavers, chewing on his lip ring. Well, I guess it’s more like he’s sucking on it. “Benton is still part of our fathers’ world, so he can be kind of sketchy sometimes.”
“He’s not completely awful,” Jax stresses. “And, to be honest, we’ve all questioned if he actually wants to work for our fathers or if he has a hidden agenda. But, whatever the reason, he’s still part of that world, so if we meet up with him, it’s best to make the visit brief in order to avoid any of his shit drifting into our lives.”
“Okay.” I dither. “Is Zay going to get pissed off that you guys are having him buy us booze? I mean, maybe it’d be better if you just found someone else who’s twenty-one.”
“Benton’s not even twenty-one. He’s barely twenty.” Hunter props his boot-clad foot onto his knee. “He just has connections.”
“Oh … How does he get alcohol for you, then?” I wonder. “Does he have, like, a fake ID?”
Jaxon shakes his head, wisps of his hair falling into his eyes. “No, he just has connections at bars because his father owns most of them.”
My lips form an O. “So, Zay’s dad owns all the bars in town? That’s impressive because, when I went exploring the town, I noticed there’s a lot of freaking bars here.”
“There’s underground ones, too,” Hunter informs me. “They’re not really underground, but they’re not visible to anyone just wandering around town. You have to know where they are to find them.” He rises to his feet. “But, trust me; you don’t want to even know where they are, because the only people who hang out there are corrupt, evil bastards.” He digs his phone out of his pocket. “Anyway, enough with the heavy talk. We’re supposed to be having fun tonight, so let me see if I can get a hold of Benton, and then we’ll get this little party started.” He grins, but I can tell a hint of nervousness resides in his eyes as he dials Benton’s number, wandering toward the doorway with the phone up to his ear.
I turn to Jax, who looks a bit anxious himself, as Hunter walks out of the room. “Are you sure we should use this Benton to get our alcohol? It kind of seems like you guys are suddenly getting nervous.”
Jax promptly shakes his head. “Nah, we’ll be fine. I promise.”
If that’s the case, then why is he bouncing his knee up and down? Then, to add to my confusion, he suddenly gets to his feet.
“I’ll be right back, okay?” With that, he exits the room, heading off in the direction Hunter did.
Awesome. They’re clearly keeping something from me.
I guess it doesn’t really matter. I barely know them …
Right?
