Page 30 of If You Say So

Without a thought, I move my hand to cover Nate’s thigh in a possessive manner. It doesn’t take long for any of us to take note of what I’ve done.

Nate stiffens, and my entire body lights with a desire so strong, it takes me by surprise. It’s been a long time—too fucking long—since I really touched him.

His muscles jump beneath my palm, and I relish the feeling. Nate feels good under my touch, natural.

Jay’s eyes flick to where my hand rests and the spark in his eyes dims.Good.

Nate shifts and my hand falls away as he adjusts himself in his chair, pulling it closer to the table and resting his elbows on the surface. His gaze slides my way and our green eyes collide. His brow is raised in question, a smirk tugging on his lips.

I arch my brow in return, daring him to say anything.

He doesn’t, and we let the moment go.

I don’t want to think about the jealousy that was racing through my veins or the way I want to lean over and press my lips against Nate’s, telling the entire room he belongs with me.

I don’t want any of that on my mind tonight. I’m supposed to be having fun, enjoying myself, and that’s just what I plan to do.

“Ah, Laura, there you are!” Elliott calls from the end of the table. She’s pulling out the game board and setting it up while Carsen sorts through the money.

I pause mid sip of my vodka and soda and turn in time to see a beautiful redheaded woman come strutting down the hallway and into the kitchen. She’s dressed in a simple pair of jeans and a navy t-shirt. She takes a seat next to Nate and beams his way.

“I don’t think we’ve met.”

“Nate,” he says politely.

“Laura.” Then she leans around him, a genuine smile plastered on her face. “And what about you?”

“Blake.”

“Ah,” she says. “I’ve heard about you two. Elliott speaks highly of you both.”

Nate and I exchange a glance, confused, because there’s nothing good about us lately and we both know it.

“Attention!” Our nearly drunk hostess claps her hands to gain our attention. “Game play will begin in five minutes. Refill your drinks while you can.”

A scuttle of chairs scrapes across the floor, but I stay seated.

Nate reaches down and grabs my glass, knowing exactly what it is I’m drinking, and heads to the counter to replenish it. Laura follows, and Jay stays by my side.

“You not drinking?” I ask to make conversation.

“Not really my thing. Besides, I’m the DD tonight.”

“I’m not usually a drinker myself, but tonight called for some liquid courage.”

“To deal with your man?”

I snap my attention his way. “Huh?

He nods toward Nate. “That sexual tension—I assume you’re needing the booze to deal with it.” My eyes widen at his observation and he laughs, his straight white teeth flashing my way. “You have no idea how palpable it is, do you?”

“We’re, uh, we’re not together.”

“Oh? Did I misread your hand on his thigh earlier? Are you two not dating?”

“Not so much.”

“Huh.” He settles back into his chair, folding his arms over his chest. “That’s surprising. I could have sworn I was right in having you pegged as gay.”

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