Page 71 of Don't Look Down
Pure excitement fills her face. “Yas, Sky! Spence has mentioned your affinity for margaritas. You’ll be my drinkingbuddy. Make sure you have a designated driver, sweetheart, because it’s on.”
“Oh, hell yeah.” I’ve been looking forward to it ever since he invited me, but I’m honestly more excited now. I hate how much I like her, but I guess it’s a good thing since she’s there to stay.
When I back out of Landon’s driveway, my eyes land on her car. She’s staying while I’m leaving. It feels oddly symbolic.
And even though I’m buzzing with how much I enjoyed lunch with them, I can’t help feeling slightly deflated. It’s obvious they’re a lot more involved than he’s said.
My chest tightens, stomach twisting into a knot. I take a few deep breaths to steady myself.
We’re just friends, Sky. How can something be lost if you never had it in the first place?
25
Landon
March
After Sky left yesterday, Savannah was on my ass. Giving me the third degree. She’s relentless. She insists there’s something between me and Sky.
No matter how many times I told her we’re just friends, she wouldn’t listen. She says I’m lying to myself.
I am.
It’s clear as day to me and anyone who knows me. But although I might feel like there’s the potential for something more, it won’t happen.
It can’t.
I didn't tell her any of this. Just deny deny deny.
She even sent me a text a little while ago, telling me to give Sky a kiss for her. The thought of her lips on him curdles my stomach with unfounded jealousy. She just said it to get a rise out of me.
The fact it worked is maddening.
Savannah’s observant blue eyes had met mine over Sky’s shoulder yesterday. My expression must have been a dead giveaway of the territorial feelings I was experiencing. I shouldn’t have cared one way or the other when he kissed her platonically on the cheek.
But it had infuriated me. I wanted to step between them, beat my chest and tell her Sky was mine. I’m going to have to find a way to tone it down a notch. He’s going to be meeting a lot of people tomorrow. It’s a traditional Hispanic greeting, and a lot of my teammates have Hispanic partners. Logically, I know the probability is high I’ll see him press his lips against a few more people.
Just the thought makes my blood pump faster through my veins.
It’s such an unexpected feeling. This irrational jealousy. The possessiveness I feel.
Tonight should be much easier.
When I arrive at Sky’s for dinner, two cars are already parked side by side in the narrow driveway. One is Leigh’s. Looks like he showed up a little early. I bet the bastard did it on purpose to sneak some one-on-one time with Sky. The other car in the driveway is unfamiliar, so I’m not sure how successful he was.
I park at the curb in front and grab the red wine I bought, before making my way to the door. Addy lets me in and relieves me of the wine bottles. They should pair well with the beef Sky said he’s making. She’s dressed casually in skinny jeans and a fitted tee.Good call.I’d spent longer than I care to remember picking my outfit for tonight. I’d settled on something casual, but nice.
It’s not like this is a date. I’m wearing a dark green V-neck tee that mom and Savannah insist enhances the color of my eyes, with my comfiest, and oldest, pair of jeans. Chucks complete theoutfit. They’re not on for long, though. I kick them off at his front door, next to a few other pairs of shoes.
The rich, delicious scent of meat, garlic, and onions hits my nose, and I moan loudly. “Oh my god, what’s he cooking?”
“Right? I’m dying. Sky’s a great cook. He’s makingropa vieja. Have you ever had it?” Addy asks.
Shaking my head, I answer, “No. And correct me if I’m remembering elementary school Spanish wrong, doesn’t that mean old clothes? Nothing in the name sounds like a beef dish.” My face is scrunched in confusion.
Her giggle is immediate. “You’re not wrong.”
“Why would anyone think that’s an appealing name for their dish? It doesn’t sound appetizing at all, but whatever it is sure smells fantastic.”