Page 33 of The Rookie

“I’m not drunk,” I reply, waving him off. “Just...hydrated.”

Jake snorts. “Right. Because hydration involves glaring at Griffin Knox like you’re about to murder him.”

“I wasn’t glaring,” I say, probably too quickly.

Jake gives me a look, tilting his head toward the dance floor. “So why, exactly, don’t you want to dance with him?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “He’s my best friend’s brother. Little brother. I don’t like, ahem, younger guys.”

Jake glances at him on the dance floor. “How tall is he? Like six-five? How is he ‘little,’ exactly? He’s like a year younger. That’s barely anything.”

“Okay, you know what, Jake?” I say, a little defensively. “It’s not like that.”

“Uh-huh. Sure it’s not.”

“Never has been, never will be.”

Jake hums thoughtfully, swirling his drink like he’s deep infakecontemplation, but I can see the barely-contained smirk tugging at his lips.

“Besides,” I add, crossing my arms. “He’s not my type.”

Jake snorts. “Six foot five with great abs—and actual dance moves, surprisingly—aren’t your type?” He raises an eyebrow. “So what, pray tell,isyour type? I’ll wait.”

I scoff, grabbing the fresh drink the bartender sets in front of me. “You’re not helping.”

“No, I’m genuinely curious.” He leans on the bar, grinning. “What is it? Scrawny IT guys? Mysterious loners who wear leather jackets and quote Nietzsche? Mathletes with strong opinions on the stock market? Personally…I actually do have a thing for scrawny IT guys.”

I roll my eyes. “You are such a menace.”

Jake gasps, clutching his chest. “How dare you? I am asupportive friendasking important questions about your love life.”

I take a sip of my drink. “Right. And I’m a princess waiting for my fairytale ending.”

“Iknewit. Youdohave a thing for Griffin.”

I choke on my drink. “Oh my God—drop it, Jake.”

He laughs, all smug satisfaction, raising his glass in a mock toast. “Denial. Classic first stage. I think everyone but you twosees your chemistry. It’s really something else.” Jake leans back in his stool. “Anyways, you’re over here stewing, and he’s out there living his best life. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were jealous.”

“I’m not jealous,” I say firmly, taking another sip. “I just had a breakup yesterday. I’m taking it easy tonight.”

“Hey, I get it,” Jake says, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Been there, honey.”

I glance back at the dance floor, where Griffin is now twirling his partner again, her dress catching the light as she laughs.

It’s ridiculous how easy he makes it look. The charm, the confidence, the stupid, effortless way he can make anyone feel like the center of the universe.

It’s also ridiculous how much it bothers me.

“Okay, fine,” I say, setting my drink down. “Let’s dance.”

Jake blinks, clearly surprised. “Wait, really?”

“Yes, really,” I reply, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the dance floor.

“Should I be worried about your motives here?” he asks as we weave through the crowd.

“Absolutely not,” I say with a grin. “This is purely about having fun. No ulterior motives whatsoever.”

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