Page 71 of Ice Me Out
If this relationship was real, I would totally take Jamie up on his offer to go home and lock ourselves in one of our bedrooms.
But I doubt he really means it, so I giggle, playing with a strand of my hair to hide my embarrassment. “That would be rude, babe. We can’t just leave Connor alone. He hasn’t even started eating his dinner.”
Connor’s eyes leave my lips and come up to meet my gaze. The corners of his lips curl up in the beginning of a smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Oh, don’t stay on my account.”
He sounds like he disapproves of me and Jamie. Could it be jealousy, or does he dislike me that much? He was kind when we first met, but I know he was against letting me stay at their place, just as much as Keene.
I swear to God, if Luke hadn’t said that he’s sure that who kissed me at the party is definitely one of his roommates, I would have bet my money on any other Cove Knight on Candace’s kiss list.
I realize that I’ve been staring at Connor for much longer than it’s appropriate. God, he’s gorgeous. Even if it pains me to admit it.
“Excuse me, guys,” I get up from Jamie’s lap. “Too much Diet Coke. Time to visit the restroom.”
I walk away, feeling like I’ve said something wrong. One of Dad’s countless rules was to never discuss bodily functions in public. Even when last year he had decided that the balanced diet each of us was following wasn’t enough, and we all needed to lose weight. He put every single person who lived in the house on a smoothie diet. That wouldn’t have been so bad if the “smoothies” his chef prepared for us weren’t a horrible concoction of green vegetables and soluble fiber that messed with everyone’s digestive system.
For weeks, the conversation in the house was about how many times each of us had to interrupt a training session or filming a video to run to the bathroom.
He finally took us off that diet after one of my dance partners’ stomachs started playing up during a live stream and the guy didn’t make it to the bathroom. It took someone shitting themselves live for my father to go back on one of his business decisions.
Chapter17
No Judgement
Bex
In reality, I didn’t have to use the bathroom. I just need a break from the tension at our table.
I’m glad to find the bathroom blissfully empty and lean against one of the sinks, staring at my reflection in the mirror that spans almost the entire length of that wall.
My face is flushed, as if I’d been running. Not even thinking about Dad’s green sludge helped me calmed down after I let myself imagine being between Connor and Jamie.
I splash some cold water on my face, glad that I listened to Jamie and didn’t bother with more than a swipe of lip gloss; even that is gone though, after the way Jamie kissed me.
I stare at myself. My eyes look huge and shiny, and my lips are curling up in a little smile.
It’s crazy how much difference a few days can make in someone’s life. A week ago, I thought I was going to marry Kurt. Even if I didn’t love him. Even if the way he looked at me creeped me out. My father controlled every aspect of my life. From my friends and relationship, to my clothes and appearance, to what I was and wasn’t allowed to eat. I just put lasagna on my plate today. Without even thinking about the calories. Just because it looked good. Granted, I haven’t eaten more than a few bites yet, but I blame it on Jamie. When he’s near me, I could forget how to breathe.
As if summoned by my thoughts, Jamie enters the bathroom.
“Hey.” He stands behind me, heat radiating from his tall, muscular body.
I turn around to face him. My body is trapped between the sink and Jamie, just like earlier at home.
“What are you doing here?” I gasp. “This bathroom is not coed.”
Jamie’s smile widens. “We’re the only ones in here, and I made sure to lock the door when I came in.”
I think I understand why he’s here. “Oh, I get it. Did people see you following me?” It makes perfect sense that he wants to be seen, to cement the fact that we’re “together” in front of as many people as possible.
To my surprise, Jamie shrugs. “Maybe. Who cares?”
“But then, why?—”
The pad of his thumb runs over my bottom lip, silencing me. “Connor said we should get a room, and I agree. You looked awfully tense out there, and I know just how to relieve some of that stress.”
Oh.
When Jamie kissed me, I understood why he did it. People have to see us together for our relationship to be believable. But if no one sees us, does that mean that Jamie wants me, anyway? I guess it makes sense, since he can’t hook up with anyone else, or the whole ruse will be over and his entire career will be at risk.
