Page 34 of Love or Leave

It made him even more homesick. And somehow it got worse when he came around the corner to the gigantic kitchen-slash-dining-slash-living area, where a Christmas tree was set up by the fireplace and totes of ornaments and decorations were stacked in the center of the room, waiting to be used.

"Hi, Antonio," Chelsea said as she stepped toward him and gave him a hug. "Sorry about the mess. I wasn't expecting to have everyone over."

Antonio shook his head with a smile. "Doesn't bother me at all."

He moved through the group, greeting all his friends, then took a seat on a stool next to Max and thanked Adam as he passed him a beer.

A second later, the front door opened, and Cara walked in. He could hear her steps getting closer until she stepped into the room and said hi to everyone.

She was clearly far more at home here than he was. She moved around the room, saying hi and giving hugs to everyone, but when she came to him, she awkwardly paused, unsure what to do.

"Hey," he said, just as awkwardly, trying to remember how they were supposed to act with each other.

"Good to see you again, Antonio," she said, then turned and dropped onto a dining chair.

He told himself not to smirk.

"Where were you tonight?" Max asked.

Antonio panicked for a moment before realizing Max was asking Cara.

"On a date," she said.

Antonio forced his poker face.Stay calm, stay neutral.

"Ooh, tell us everything!" Willow said.

Cara looked around at all the faces. When her gaze connected with his, he tilted his head quizzically and leaned in. Her beautiful eyes danced with amusement.

"I met this guy at golf and he asked me out."

"Is he dreamy?" Adam asked, getting a laugh from everyone.

"In fact, he is," she said. "His name is Jalen, and he seems cool and he's easy to talk to, and I really like him."

The smile that had been playing on Antonio’s lips from Adam's teasing faltered, as a surge of jealousy moved through his chest, squeezing.Was she really that into Jalen?

He mentally shoved the question aside. Of course she was. Why shouldn't she be? The kid seemed nice enough. And she'd been thrilled when he'd asked her on a date. Just because his life was in the shitter didn't mean she shouldn't be happy.

He took a deep swig from his beer and looked up. Cara was staring at him, her eyes intense, as if trying to read his mind, but he quickly looked away.

"Did you have a good time?" Willow asked.

Cara cleared her throat. "Yes, I did."

"So you're going to see him again?" Max asked.

Cara nodded.

"Hmmm…" Natalie said, drawing the attention of the room. "I always thought we should set Cara up with Jake from your hockey team."

Jake?

Antonio's shoulders tensed.Why would they set her up with Jake?

Max scowled. "Why do we have to set her up with anyone?"

Natalie rolled her eyes. "I just think he's cute, and they're around the same age."

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