Page 6 of Fighting Fate
Out of the corner of my eye, Milli is stifling a giggle. What's she finding so funny? That text she sent? Or my all-over-the-place reaction? Yeah, I'm rattled, and no, that text was anything but amusing. I was expecting something a bit more...risqué, but she's just talking about Words with Friends.
Who even does that anymore?
Milli does, Miles.
She's always been good at getting a rise out of me, pushing my buttons ever since we were kids. It's like we're both addicted to this back-and-forth teasing that started around puberty.
Mr. Sutton nods at my comment, taking a sip of his scotch. I guess I can be pretty quick on my feet, even when there's a major distraction like Milli around. He glances between me and his daughter, a curious look in his eyes. But what's there to wonder about? He knows we are just friends...If he only knew half of what I think about her, he wouldn't be so quick to label me the "brotherly best friend."
Miles
Giggling at me over there, Baby Sutton?
Milli shoots me a look that's a mix of amusement and exasperation, the kind that says, "Seriously, with the nickname again?" accompanied by her signature eye roll. But what can I do? Baby Sutton just fits her, and honestly, it just sounds right when I say it. It's got a ring to it that I can't resist.
Mills
Actually, I'm feeling a bit of secondhand embarrassment for you. I mean, who knew Miles Chasen could get so worked up over a text about Words with Friends?
Miles
Hey, it's no big deal, Baby Sutton. Not really embarrassed, just...your text got me thinking. Thinking about how we could spice up this evening a bit more...
With you . . .
The thought alone—of us, tangled up, the heat, the whispered words—fuck, it sends my pulse racing and my cock twitching.
Chasen, man, pull it together.
Inhaling deeply, I slide my fingers through my hair, tugging at the strands gently to ground myself in the present. Yet, it's challenging, more so when a quiet gasp close by jolts me back to the moment. A smile involuntarily forms on my lips as I look at Milli, observing her blush deepen to a more vivid shade of red across her cheeks.
Message received, loud and clear.
Looks like she's the one getting flustered now.
Game on, I guess.
Milli - 1 / Miles - 1
We're definitely playing some kind of game here, but what is it exactly?
Cat and mouse?
Just two old friends seeing who can out-flirt the other?
I'm snapped out of my thoughts as Milli slips away from the table, heading toward the restroom. Interesting timing...
Our families are lost in their own worlds. The dads are buried deep in football talk, and our moms? They're off in their own universe, chatting about who knows what. They jump topics faster than a game of hopscotch. And then there's Luke, doing his best Casanova impression with our waitress. Come on, man, at least wait till our parents aren't around.
Without thinking twice, my legs start moving, following in the direction Milli went.
Chasen, what's the game plan here, man?
Honestly? Not a clue.
Stepping into the restaurant's restroom area, I almost collide with Milli.
She seems a bit out of it, so I reach out, steadying her with a hand on her waist. Our gazes intertwine, and, in that moment, the world around us seems to vanish, leaving just the two of us. Our hearts beat in unison, their rhythm silencing all else.