Page 9 of Cocky Prince
Cali crosses her arms. “Fine, I won’t order another one, but don’t be surprised if you get it for Christmas.”
I take another sip of the margarita dangling from my neck. “I’ve been forewarned, and I’m not afraid.”
If my job depression wasn’t occupying so much of my brain energy, I might feel slightly uncomfortable drinking a margarita out of neck gear and spending time with Jaeger Lang, who once betrayed me—as sweet as he may be now. I’ve come full circle, yet it doesn’t feel as bad as I thought it would.
A warm sensation settles over my belly and limbs as the alcohol works its magic. I grab a handful of chips and dip them in the homemade salsa Mira brought, chatting as I eat and sip from my neck hanger. Mira tries to reach her straw without using her hands. She bumps it with her chin, and Nessa and I giggle as she chases the straw with her tongue. This is exactly what I needed. Good food, good people, and a reason to be silly.
I shove another chip overloaded with salsa in my mouth, and a knock at the door rises above the chatter and low hum of music.
Jaeger strides to the front from the kitchen, where he’s been talking with the guys. He opens the door—to Adam standing on the other side.
What the hell?
First Jaeger, now Adam?
Jaeger and Adam were good friends in high school. Shit.
Adam steps inside and slaps Jaeger on the shoulder. “How’s it goin’?” Adam is tall, but even he had to reach up to slap Jaeger, who reaches nearly six and a half feet.
“Just getting started.” Jaeger shuts the door behind Adam, who is casual in dark denim and a black button-down, the sleeves rolled to his elbows.
I’ve never seen Adam in anything but a suit and tie, and he is so handsome my chest aches. I’m in a room of good-looking men. This place is mancandy heaven between Jaeger, Lewis, Tyler, and Zach. But for some reason, Adam knocks normal standards of attractiveness out the window. As though he’s the new gold standard and no one else compares. I hate that I like the way he looks. It’s superficial; it shouldn’t affect me, especially knowing what I know about him. But despite beauty that has no bearing on what’s inside, I’m drawn to him.
My hands shake, my breath coming out choppy. It annoys me to no end that I lose myself around this guy. It’s worse in this moment than when we’re at work, where I feel a semblance of control. Ironic, given how messed up my work environment is. But when I’m working long hours using my mind to solve problems, there’s an order to things. Ever since Adam stepped into Blue Casino, my foundation has shifted and I haven’t managed to get back my equilibrium. Having him infiltrate my private life too? Unacceptable.
Adam enters the living room and our eyes connect. His forehead furrows—and then his gaze drops to the drink dangling from my neck.
Goddammit.
I pull my shoulders back, challenging him with my eyes to say anything about the neck gear—anything at all—and I will punch him between his perfectly masculine eyebrows.
His mouth quirks at the corner, but he follows Jaeger into the kitchen and takes the beer offered to him. Not a second later, his gaze returns to me, and I promptly ignore it.
Attempting to calm the heck down, I glare daggers at Mira and Nessa, who are wearing twin looks of guilt.
“Shit,” Mira mumbles. “I forgot he comes sometimes.”
“Sometimes?” I hiss.
“He’s friends with Jaeger,” Nessa explains.
But I already knew that. I didn’t think I’d be running into Jaeger, let alone Adam.
“Adam hasn’t been here in a while,” Nessa continues. “He started coming shortly after Cali and Jaeger hooked up a couple of years ago. Honestly, he’s only been here a handful of times, and it’s been months since his last visit. We had no idea he was coming tonight.”
Cali returns from refilling her drink. “What’s wrong? Why don’t you want Adam here?”
Awesome. She must have overheard.
I pound my margarita through the straw, scrunching my face as brainfreeze takes hold.
“Adam works at Blue now,” Mira says to Cali. “But I’m sure Jaeger said something about that. Anyway, Adam sort of works with us—and Hayden. And he is…”
“Hot?” Cali supplies, while taking a swig of her drink, her gaze lazily scanning Adam’s body.
I do not blame her one bit. Ogling should be perfectly legal where Adam is concerned.
Mira twists her mouth. “That, yes. But he’s also…”
