Page 23 of Love Sick

He shakes his head. “You appear to be managing fine on your own.”

“Oh, but I need a big strong man to help me…”

Snorting, he holds the door to the patio open for me. “You’d eat me alive if I tried.” As I brush past him, he adds, “Like a black widow.”

Nose in the air, I march toward our friends. “False. I am a beautiful and peaceful butterfly.”

His flat disbelieving stare nearly yanks out a laugh when we reach the table, but I manage to hold it in.

“Sorry I’m late.” Julian seats himself. “Sapphire made a scene at the hostess stand.”

Outrage swells as I settle across from him. “I did not! You—” I take a cleansing breath. “You know what? Not today, Julian.”

Alesha laughs. Kai gives me a side hug. I can barely pay attention to them.

Does Julian takepleasurein driving me mad?

The lift at the corner of his mouth does something weird to my insides. I’m choosing to interpret it as wrath. Or—offense? Whatever it is, it’s very…warm.

He pulls out his phone and grimaces.

An evil grin spreads over my face. “Someone bothering you, Julian?”

His head jerks up, sudden understanding painted over his expression. “Did you give her my number?”

The giggle is too hard to suppress. I’m Ursula cackling at Ariel’s stupidity. Bellatrix Lestrange celebrating Sirius Black’s death.

He bristles. “You are—”

“A genius?”

He scowls. “The worst.”

The others sit quiet, stares ping-ponging between us.

“Just block her number, if you hate it so much.” I shrug.

His lips part, and he shakes his head. “That is unbelievably rude.”

“Rude? Since when do you care about being rude? You—”

Alesha pats the table. “Now, children. Let’s get along tonight. Eat some queso.” She leans back in her chair to catch the server’s attention, lifting her Mambo Taxi and holding up three fingers.

A genuine smile flashes on Julian’s face. “Did you just buy me a drink?”

Why don’t I ever get smiles like that?

Because he hates you.

Oh yeah…

I don’t want his smiles, anyway.

“Who said I’m buying?” Alesha laughs at her own joke.

I turn to Raven and Kai, forcing myself to focus on something else. This stupid guy has hijacked my thoughts tonight, and I want them back. “What are you guys on again?” I ask.

“Clinic,” says Raven.

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