Page 67 of James
“She’s stunning, too,” I add, not so subtly.
“Sasha,” he warns.
“What?” I ask, batting my eyelashes.
“Play your shot,” he says.
I do.
He wins.
***
The drive home is filled with tension. We make it halfway home when he decides to speak.
“Were you ever gonna tell me you were engaged before?” he asks through clenched teeth.
“Why does it matter? It doesn’t affect us in any way, James. Besides it was a stupid mistake I’d rather not relive,” I tell him, looking out the window.
“Okay, I get that, but I don’t appreciate hearing shit from your ex that I didn’t know about you.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry,” I say.
“Your ex is a fuckhead,” he says, telling me something I already know.
“I know.” The atmosphere seems to clear up, the thickness dissipating.
“Good,” he says, placing his hand on my thigh and gently squeezing. I guess that's him forgiving me.
“James?”
“Yes, Sasha.”
“I love you,” I tell him, looking at him from the corner of my eye.
“And I love you,” he says in a gentle tone. His thumb rubs my thigh in a circular motion.
“Are you going to show me just how much, when we get home?” I ask him, using my most seductive tone.
“Do you even have to ask?” he rasps back, flashing me a look so heated I only know one thing.
We need to get home, and stat.
***
As I listen to Nikki attempt to sing a Mariah Carey song, I decide to go on after her. It’s a smart move when you think about it, because anyone would sound good after her. I love that she doesn’t care what anyone thinks. I choose ‘Scar’ by Missy Higgins, and sing my heart out. I can see James watching and listening intently, it’s been a long time since he has heard me sing. I have a good voice - at karaoke level, not a professional one. James cheers the loudest when I’m done, and I walk towards him, reveling in his scent and warmth as he wraps me in his arms.
James doesn’t sing, I know this for a fact. Apparently Kade doesn’t either, but Layla tells me Chase has a lovely voice. She could be biased, of course.
“I forgot how beautiful your voice is, that was amazing,” James says into my ear, talking loudly so he can be heard over a random person singing. I thank him and return my attention to the screen. Tee walks over to me and slaps my ass.
“Wanna order some food?” she asks. I grin. Of course I do, and she knows it.
“Club sandwiches and battered prawns?” I ask, reciting our usual. She nods and goes to find a waiter. Tee sang ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ by Bon Jovi when we first arrived, and she was awesome. For some reason, she only sings songs by male artists. She’s weird like that. Tonight she's dressed a little different, in a cut out style yellow dress and black knee high socks. It’s a little disconcerting seeing her in stiletto pumps as opposed to her kick-ass boots, but she looks sexy. With her height, my cousin could easily be a model. Morning Alliance left for a concert, but if Sax was here, I think he'd be salivating right now.
The food arrives and is delicious, nothing like tasty food to top off a night out with your friends.
“You could leave some for the rest,” James jokes. I scowl at him and take another bite of my club sandwich.