Page 61 of Sweet Hate
“Planning on joining us again anytime soon, Verona?” I look up, startled to find Lucas cocking a brow, staring down at me.
“What?” I really want to be alone with my thoughts. I need to figure out how to convince Haven to give us a shot while she’s here.
“I volunteered as tribute to give you a lap dance. What does it look like?”
“Not now, Lucas.”
“No? Is the excitement of two lap dances in one night too much for you?”
“What the fuck man?”
“I’m the one who should be asking you that question, Verona. For a minute there, we all thought you’d finally pulled your head outta your ass and claimed your girl, but judging by how she tore out of here faster than a Tasmanian devil, I’m willing to bet that’s not the case. So, what the fuck man?”
His sharp blue eyes stay focused on me as he straddles the chair opposite, crossing his arms over the back.
Sighing, I hunch forward, dropping my head into my hands.
“I don’t know what to tell you, bro. I don’t know what to fucking tell you.”
“Did you kiss her?”
“No, she kissed me to get Keely off my back.”
“Didn’t look like that’s all it was to us.”
“Didn’t feel like it to me either.”
“So, what are you gonna do about it?”
That’s the million-dollar question right there.
But why is Lucas asking me this shit? Wouldn’t me screwing this up make it easier for him to make a move?
Dammit, it was bad enough seeing him draped all over her before. Seeing it now with her taste fresh on my lips, the memory of her grinding on my lap…I won’t survive that. Or one ofus won’t, and I’m pretty sure murder will flush my chance at becoming captain straight down the toilet.
If I told him how I feel, would he respect the bro code? Although I guess, hetechnicallyasked her out first. But she turned him down, so I’m not sure that counts. Right?
Growling in frustration, I tug at my hair again. I’m just going to say it.
“Fucked if I know. But I need her.”
“No shit.”
I look up at him, a devious grin slowly spreading across his face.
“What’s that look for? Aren't you interested in her? You’ve been flirting with her nonstop since she got back,” I clench my hand, trying to keep my tone calm. Starting a fight in here would probably be frowned upon.
“What the fuck? No, bro!” He looks at me incredulously. “I was just trying to get you there.”
“Sorry, what?”
“Verona, you’re not this dumb bro. You just needed a little help removing the stick from your sphincter where she was concerned.”
“Lucas, that’s bullshit. You asked her out before graduation, for fuck’s sake.”
He laughs out loud, rocking back on the chair.
“Uh-huh, and who found the balls to kiss her in a utility room a week later? I. Got. You. There. I’ve known your dumb ass since we were four years old. Do you think I'm blind? You were half in love with that chick from the first day you met her. If I hadn’t made a move, we’d all still be waiting for you to make yours.”
