Page 73 of A Little Jaded
Her gaze stays locked on the silk in my hands. “Not sure where else I would go.”
“I’ll probably be late,” I add, tugging at the fabric again so I can start over.
Stepping toward me, she removes the tie from my hands. “Here.” Her movements are slow but methodical as she wraps one end around the other, then slips the end into the gap,creating the perfect knot. Her hands find my chest, smoothing the tie down. “There.”
When she starts to move away, I grab her wrist to hold her in place. “Where’d you learn to tie a tie?”
She swallows and tears her attention from my face, staring at my hand wrapped around her wrist instead. “Drake’s dad wasn’t around much. He would get frustrated anytime he had to wear a suit or whatever, so I learned how to tie one for him.”
I nod slowly and let her go. “Well. Thanks.”
“No problem.” Her tongue darts between her lips, and she clears her throat as she steps back. “Are you…excited for tonight?”
I scoff. “Not the word I would use to describe how I feel about this.”
“And what word would you use?”
“Obligated.” It slips out of me before I can stop it, and her eyes widen. She recovers quickly, though. Part of me wonders if it’s a defense mechanism. If it’s something she’s had since childhood or only a learned behavior after spending time with Drake.
“I’d say you should take it as a compliment,” she replies. “Being so reliable, Reeves doesn’t even have to question whether or not you’ll bail him out when he asks.”
She’s right. Reeves and I might not always see eye to eye on shit, but I’d do anything for him. For any of my family. My friends.
“I have a feeling you do it a lot,” she notes. “Bail people out.”
“I don’t mind,” I murmur.
“That’s because you’re a good guy, Everett. I’m sure your date for the evening will think the same thing.”
When she starts to turn away, I stop her. Again. It’s like I can’t help it. “Raine…”
“Have a good night, and don’t worry,” she adds. “I’ll be here.”
Then she walks away, and I stand here doing nothing but watching her leave.
A few minutes later, I enter the family room. She isn’t there. Not that I thought she would be. Still. I feel like shit. And even though I try convincing myself it’s because I’m missing a game for this, I’m not an idiot. I know the real reason, and she’s hiding in her room, unwilling to watch me leave the house under the pretense of going on a date with someone who isn’t her.
But if this isn’t real, why does she care?
And why do I?
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
RAINE
Everett left an hour ago for his date. I keep telling myself the only reason I’m bothered is because if Drake finds out, it’ll ruin everything. If only I believed it.
Ev likely won’t be home until after midnight, and neither will the rest of the guys since there’s an away game today, leaving me with nothing to do but twiddle my thumbs.
With popcorn popped, I prop my bare feet on the coffee table when my phone buzzes. Again. Finley created a group chat with me and the rest of her friends. I didn’t think it would have much traction, but ever since we hung out at the cabin, it’s basically been buzzing nonstop. Especially today.
Finley
Aaaalright, ladies. Drew pissed me off again, so I want a girls’ night out with zero men. What do you think?
Ophelia
I think there isn’t a chance in hell Everett lets Raine out of his sight.