Page 47 of Overtime
“Yes. I’m going, and I have a name,” she says shortly, flashing a reassuring smile at me when I give her a questioning look.
I look over at Colt. “You coming, Farm Boy?”
“Would love to.” I ignore the sarcasm in his voice.
TWENTY-FOUR
Colt
The only tablethey have in the place is a U-shaped booth we all have to squish into. These tables were definitely not made with guys our size in mind, and Joss’s warm body’s pressed against mine. I can feel every little move she makes—every breath, every laugh, and her fingers graze my leg more than once in accidental contact. Between that and the agitation I feel over Tobias’s attitude, blooming jealousy, and the constant reminder that she’s not actually mine to claim—I’m grumpy as hell. I also probably need food. Really hunger is probably an underlying problem for most of the people at this table.
“So what’s the state of the Drew situation?” Joss asks Harper pointedly.
“I don’t know a lot, haven’t spoken to him or anyone related to him since Alex told him to leave us alone. Just the bit that I’ve heard from a couple of mutual friends we still have with him. Although, most of them have cut ties too. Apparently, he’s selling the place he just bought and our old house to try and create some cash flow.”
“My lawyers are going after him for multiple breaches of contract but that’s going to take a while to work itself out in the courts. I guess he’s trying to lawyer up with the money,” Alex adds. “Frankly, I don’t give a fuck what happens to him as long as he stays away from us.” Alex shrugs, and Harper wraps her hand around his arm.
“Apathy is the best revenge.” Harper smiles up at Alex.
“Agreed.” Joss holds up her water glass in a mock toast.
Seeing Alex and Harper happy makes me stupid. They give me the smallest, silliest glimmer of hope. Because if they could make it work after all of those years apart, after she was married to his best friend, then maybe Joss and I have a chance in hell.Maybe.
Except then I look to my right and Tobias is leaning over and whispering something to Joss, and the soft giggle that floats out of her a second later makes that bloom of hope return to simmering jealousy. I’m tempted to drag her out of this place, only I’m the calm and collected one so I can’t afford to overreact.
Tobias looks up and his eyes lock with mine, a devious grin spreading across his face when he sees me. He has the decency to pull away from Joss though, leaning back and draping an arm behind Scarlett. Her eyes flicker over him and the little twitch of irritation over her lip reminds me of what we’re more likely to end up as—mortal enemies who make all their friends worried they’re about to cause a scene.
“Do you want to split one of these pizzas?” Joss leans over to me and interrupts my thoughts, her hand on my thigh to get my attention.
“Sure. What do you want?”
“Whatever you want is fine. I can pick the toppings I don’t like off.”
“Sausage and green pepper?”
“That’s perfect.” She grins at me.
I stare down at her where her fingers linger. “Pretty sure that’s cheating.”
“Seating in here is tight. I don’t think it can be helped. Might have to sit in your lap if Scarlett and Tobias don’t take things down a notch,” she whispers. “Not that I would complain.”
My heart flickers with hope again as she grins at me, and I try to ignore it this time. I could find peace if I just tried to keep logic on my side rather than lust.
The restof the dinner is quiet. Mostly discussions about the nonprofit and the state of the museum, and a little shit-talking between the guys about next week’s game. A few fans come up to greet us just as we’re wrapping up, and we sign autographs, much to Joss’s amusement. When we go to leave Tobias wraps her in a bear hug and spins her around.
“Thanks for taking nudes of me, gorgeous. Can’t wait to see what they look like when they’re ready. Try not to fall in love with me too hard though, okay?”
“Oh fuck. Too late.” She frowns and her palms rest on his chest a little too long for my liking.
“Colton, are you parked back by the studio?”
I nod, still listening to Tobias and Joss.
“Would you mind if I walked back with you? I just don’t want to walk alone this late.” Scarlett looks at me and I nod again, even though I hate the idea of leaving Joss with Tobias.
It’s stupid jealousy on my part. I know that neither of them would act on it, but the easy way she flirts with him and touches him when I want her for myself is wearing on what little resistance I have left. And I’m half certain she’s doing it on purpose for that reason alone.
When Tobias hears Scarlett ask me to walk with her he turns to her, and she glares at him.
