Page 23 of Gorgeous

I ignore him. It’s the only way to deal with this type of taunting from Theo. I’ve learned this over the past year and a half. Most days, we all take it in stride and pop off with something equally demeaning, but since Breck’s arrival an hour ago, I’m on edge and need the physical release. Instead of a nasty remark, I punch Theo’s arm as hard as I fucking can.

“Now is that any way to show your feelings, Jameson? If you’re going to act out about it” —he rubs his upper arm, a shitty grin still wide on his asshole face—“I’ll let you kiss me on the cheek.”

Before I can rush him and throw his ass down on the gravel, Anniston steps in front of me. “Don’t let them burn the place down, okay?” On her tiptoes, she places a feather kiss to my cheek. I chance a look at Breck who’s been standing off to the side watching this shit-show transpire. She looks away quickly but I catch her glaring at Anniston before she does.

That’s interesting.

Anniston makes her rounds, hugging each of the guys and spouting off last minute orders. I watch Breck the entire time. She never takes her eyes off the ground.

“Okay, time to get on the road, Ans. All your goodbyes are getting my dick hard,” Theo says, knocking into my shoulder, pulling my attention away from Breck. “Fuck her. For the whole two weeks,” he whispers into my ear.

I glance at Breck to see if she heard his crude suggestion, but she’s still finding something highly interesting on her shoes. Theo continues, “Get her out of your system, man. Screw that whole celibacy shit right into her pussy. Fuck her and chuck her.”

Sighing, I ignore his comment. “Try not to be too big of a dick while you’re away, Theo. Commander packed enough restraints to keep you immobile for days.” He scoffs but I continue, “That’s if you’re conscious after she plows you from behind with the strap-on I saw stashed in her suitcase.”

It’s total bullshit, but by the way his brows lower and his asshole grin morphs into a frown, I feel pretty proud of myself. I clap him on the shoulder, “Enjoy the honeymoon. Drive carefully.”

I walk away with a chuckle catching a low “Uh huh” from Theo.

“All right. Come on, Ans. You better go before we all get diabetes from your sweet goodbyes.”

Anniston pulls away from Hayes, tears evident in her eyes, and launches at me hard, wrapping her arms around my neck. I hold on to her easily but then she whispers, “I love you. You know that, right?” I nearly lose my grip as a weird noise bubbles in my throat and my stomach clenches with something like cramps.

“I … I know. I love you, too,” I say, sounding like a chain smoker.

Anniston’s smile is wide, displaying her perfect teeth. She gives me a kiss on the cheek before Theo yanks her from me. “Goddammit, Ans. One more second and I’m gonna come in my pants. Let’s go! It’s tradition to blow the groom in the rental car, and I’m tired of waiting.”

He swats her ass and tosses her over his shoulder, intent on putting her in the car with no more interruptions, except to holler one more parting asshole remark. “Behave, boys. And keep it wrapped. We’re too young to be grandparents.”

I can’t stop the laugh that bubbles out.

This motherfucker. I might actually miss his ass.

Nah.

I flip him off and wave at Ans buckled into the passenger seat until the car disappears out of the driveway. Then I turn to Breck and politely ask, “Can I offer you a ride home?” Her mouth falls open as if she’s shocked that I would ask such a thing thirty seconds after Theo drove away with the commander.

It’s best if Breck realizes I’m an asshole now. I’m giving her the option to leave before she thinks any less of me. I almost want her to stay with her pouty bottom lip that has me ready to snatch the back of her hair and bring her face to mine just so I can bite it back into a smile.

But I can’t.

I’m not a man that deserves her attention.

It’s best if she leaves, for my sake and hers.

When I realize Breck has still not answered my question and it’s grown quiet amongst all of us, I chance a look at Vic who just shrugs at me. He’s no help. I let out a sigh, suck in my resolve, and raise an eyebrow into my don’t-fuck-with-me face, and repeat, “Can I offer you a ride home, Breck?”

From here it looks as though she’s on the verge of tears, but I can’t be sure because she flips me off, turns on her heel, and storms inside. The only sound as the five of us stand here is the screen door bouncing off the frame.

“That was harsh, dude.”

I glare at Hayes who has no business giving me etiquette advice. How many times has he made women cry by leaving them before he tossed the condom in the trash?

“Aren’t you late for work? I thought I heard Theo say you were scouting a local high school prospect today.”

Theo and Hayes started up a professional baseball scouting agency when Theo retired from the big leagues. The new job keeps Theo in the game but not away from Ans for very long like they both wanted. With Theo and Hayes staying busy, Ans and I have had time to grow our foundation the way we’ve always envisioned, including the new barracks to house additional veterans. We’re trying to grab high-risk guys recently discharged from the military and build skills they need to transition into civilian life before they end up on the street. It’s a brilliant system and we’re anxiously awaiting the new space.

Hayes nods his head in agreement and chuckles. “I sure do, boss. See you bitches later.” He claps Mason on the shoulder as he makes his way to the porch. “Make sure major gets his shower time.” He makes a jerk-off motion with his hand and then cuts me a grin over his shoulder. “Otherwise, you’ ll have one hell of a day.”

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