Page 32 of Under My Skin

“Funny meeting you two here,” Cameron says animatedly. “What a coincidence.”

“Yeah, what a coincidence,” Reid repeats. “Lizzie, how are you? You look amazing.”

Brian and I both say hello, albeit Brian’s greeting is laced with a lot more annoyance than mine. Not at Reid, obviously, but what the hell is Cameron doing here?

Is he seriously playing the big brother role again and thinking he’s here toprotectme?

I know I’m already reaching my tipping point after the car ride from hell, and I don’t want to finally snap in front of everyone, especially him.

“Well, enjoy your night, guys,” I say while looping my arm through Brian’s to pull him through the doors and make a hasty retreat. I’m now in the worst mood possible and wish the ground would swallow me whole. I have been insulted more than once, and now I have to sit through a meal knowing that Cameron is here—and definitely watching us.

Just my luck, right?

Fuck my life.

15

CAMERON

My blood pressureis steadily rising the longer I have to witness the nonsense that is Brian taking Lizzie out on a date.

I almost lost my shit when I watched that stupid fucking douchebag not get the door for her and leave her behind as he walked to the restaurant on his own. There’s not a chance in hell that I wouldn’t have my hands on her every possible second if I were her date tonight.

I would take every opportunity she gave me, even if it was just brushing shoulders with her while walking inside. I’d make it clear to everyone that she was here with me.

As she walked in, I saw Lizzie’s outfit and had to grind my teeth to nubs to hide my reaction. Her boobs look incredible in that top, showing off that creamy skin, and her curvy ass is accentuated by her skirt. Her brown hair is flowing down her back. The perfect combination of modest and sexy.

The only problem is that she covered up her freckles with makeup. I can still see the dusting across her chest and shoulders, but it isn’t enough. She is gorgeous every day, but she’s not Lizzie Montgomery without her freckles. They’ve become one of my favorite things about her.

“Yeah, she’s really gonna believe that this is a coincidence with you looking like you want to undress her and punch Brian’s throat at the same time,” Reid chimes in. “Was this really the best plan you could come up with?”

Reid is right. Why did I think it was a good idea to ambush their date? Oh, I know, because I’m not going to let Brian claim what’s mine.

“Funny meeting you two here,” I blurt out as they walk in.Fuck me. Seriously?“What a coincidence.”

“Yeah, what a coincidence,” Reid says, and I’m going to kill him for that later. “Lizzie, how are you? You look amazing.”

I’m trying to think of a way to pivot the evening into my favor when Lizzie loops her arm through Brian’s and wishes Reid and me a good night. I didn’t really have a game plan coming into tonight, only that I would save Lizzie from an evening with Brian and convince her to spend it with me instead.

“So…what are we doing? Are you buying me dinner or something? I feel like I deserve it,” Reid jokes.

“Fuck. I don’t know. Just give me a second.” I’m frustrated by all of this, and I’m about to throw her over my shoulder and carry her out like the caveman Reid is accusing me of being.

“Either go after her or leave her alone. All you’re doing is torturing the both of you and this isn’t fair to her.”

“Sometimes I wonder why we’re friends.”

He’s right, though.

We walk in behind them, and I overhear the hostess talking about how busy tonight is but that their table should be ready soon. When they turn around to move to the waiting area, Lizzie is staring at the ground and refuses to make eye contact with me.

The hostess tells us the same thing she told them, so we follow once again. The long leather bench is currently seating a group of three on one side and Lizzie and Brian on the other, leaving a gap in the middle. Before I get a chance to do anything about it, I see Brian jump up with his phone in his hand, letting Lizzie know that he has to take the call.

Reid gives me a look.It’s now or never.“I’m gonna grab a drink at the bar while we wait.”

With a much emptier bench now, there is plenty of room to sit, but, since I’m going to take every opportunity I can get to be close to Lizzie, I sit to her right, trapping her between the wall and me. I can hear her intake of breath, but she still won’t look my way.

“You look beautiful tonight, Lizzie,” I say in a hushed whisper.

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