Page 34 of Chasing After You
“Leave it down. You ignored my question. What are you arguing about with Henry?” JJ repeats his question, and I roll my eyes, slipping on the tennis bracelet Dad gave me for my sixteenth birthday. It survived the fire since I wore it to work that day, but I’ll eventually need to go to the beach house to get more of my things. The bracelet sparkles on my wrist and is the perfect addition to my outfit, distracting from the bandage on my finger.
“He’s an idiot.” JJ tries to stifle a laugh, and I sigh, brushing my hair one more time. I have to look perfect. “Henry thinks I’m interested in his friend, Quinn. Said it was obvious I have feelings for him, and all I want to do is smack Henry upside the head while telling him how obviously in love with him I am. Instead, I asked him if it bothered him, and he said no. Maybe I’m the idiot for asking a question, knowing the answer wouldn’t be the one I wanted to hear.”
“You’re not an idiot, Mira.Areyou interested in Quinn?” JJ asks, popping more chips into his mouth, crunching loudly.
“Would you stop eating so loud? It’s annoying,” I grumble, avoiding this question. I’m not interested in Quinn, but I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing letting him flirt with me.
“Dude, you will never believe what just happened outside with this girl,” a different voice says in the background, causing JJ to turn.
“Hey, I’m actually on the phone with my sister, can you tell me in a minute?” JJ asks as the phone is yanked from him as a guy with light brown hair fills the screen.
“Your sister is hot,” he says, his eyes growing wide in surprise. This must be JJ’s roommate, Asher.
“Give me the phone back,” JJ complains, but it’s a nice boost for my ego.
“Are you single?”
I laugh shortly, shaking my head. “I’m afraid not.”
“She’s dating Henry Price, which I know you know because you asked me if he was going to come to one of our games this season since he’s dating my sister.”
Asher winks at me playfully. “If you ever decide to dump him, will you promise me I’ll be your first call?”
“Asher.”
“Dude, shut up, I’m hitting on your sister,” Asher says, talking to JJ.
“As amusing as this is, I do have to go. Love you, JJ. I’ll call you later,” I say, hanging up because if I don’t finish getting ready, Henry and I will be late for our reservation.
I slip into my new black stilettos, grabbing the small black purse I bought for the sole reason of matching this dress. I do a little spin, satisfied with how I look, even if I’m overdressed for the occasion.
I feel like I’m going to throw up. Is it too late to cancel?
Henry has his back to me, but he turns at the sound of my heels on the hardwood as I finish descending the stairs. His hazel eyes widen, slowly trailing down my figure, and I clutch my bag to hide the shaking of my hands. Henry’s mouth parts, and he sucks in a sharp breath.
Meanwhile, I’m rendered just as speechless.
He looks good—dangerously good, in fact. Henry’s white button down has a few open buttons at the collar, and his black sports coat fits perfectly, hugging him in all the right places. His chocolate hair is somewhat styled, but it still looks like he’s been running his fingers through it.
I laugh nervously, adjusting my bag as he continues to stare at me. At least I can tell by his attire that I’m not overdressed. “Are you ready to go?” I ask, since I’m not sure if he’s going to say anything.
My question seems to jolt him out of whatever is going on in his head, and I think I’d give anything to know what he’s thinking right now.
“Yes,” he answers, his voice low as he twirls his keys in his hand.
With the way he just eye-fucked me, I would have thought I’d at least be toldyou look nice, Mirabelle, but I guess not.
We’re walking toward the door as Quinn lets himself in, his jaw falling immediately open. “Holy hell, you look amazing.”
Okay, that’s a much better reaction.
I smooth the dress down, smiling brightly at Quinn. “Thanks.”
“Are you two going out tonight?” he asks, glancing at Henry before refocusing on me.
“Yeah,” Henry says, sticking with one-word replies.
“I can go change quick, and I’ll join you,” Quinn says, but now I’m confused. I thought with both of us dressed up, it was fairly obvious we’re going out on a date. I look to Henry, trying to figure out what the right thing to say is, but Henry shakes his head, taking the lead.
