Page 30 of Hidden Plays
JJ tucked himself into Miguel’s side. “I’m heading to the combine in the spring, so I can enter the draft.”
I touched the edge of the bruschetta plate. I didn’t feel like eating anymore. In fact, I wanted to leave. “Hey, sorry to interrupt your brief reunion, but are we done here?” I slipped my wallet out of my pocket. I had cash, and thirty bucks should cover my portion of the bill and then some.
“Yeah, we’re done.” JJ threw me a quick glance and then gave Miguel a warm smile. “I can have Miguel take photos for me.”
“Sure.” He didn’t need me here anymore for his little charadewith his friends. I tossed the thirty bucks on the table and stood. “Here’s my half of the bill.”
“Photos? Why do you need photos taken?” Miguel wrinkled his brows.
“It’s a long story. We don’t need to get into it.” JJ rested his hand on Miguel’s thigh. “But it’s great to see you.”
Okay, I couldn’t watch any more of this. “Uh, bye.” I stepped away from the table. Did he even notice the money? The knot in my gut twisted. Fuck, I did not like seeing JJ with that guy. “You’ll be okay, right?”
“Yes, I’m in excellent hands.” JJ waved me off, keeping his gaze fixed on Miguel.
With a huff, I strode out of the restaurant and into the parking lot, grinding my molars. Why was I so angry? Because he discarded me, just like that. JJ didn’t care about me. He was using me only to keep his friends off his back.
Stopping at my Honda Civic, I opened the door, climbed inside, and stared at the steering wheel. Did I think I’d connected with JJ? He’d changed something inside me, but I had to ignore it. Especially now.
I glanced toward the squat building housing the wine bar. Would he go home with Miguel? Maybe they’d restart their relationship. The ache in my chest pounded with my heartbeat. What the fuck was wrong with me? Why did I care? I was off the hook. My life could return to normal, and I could stop questioning myself.
Gripping my steering wheel, I started the car. I’d send a few more texts to JJ, and it would be over.
SEVEN
JORDAN (JJ)
The next morning, I was in a great mood after deciding to cut Holden from my private life. I’d started catching feelings, and that was no good. He’d made it very clear last night he was unwilling to explore his sexuality and, besides, a curious straight guy was trouble I didn’t need. I waltzed into the weight room with Casey.
Holden stood at a leg machine, holding his iPad to his chest. As his gaze found mine, he knitted his brows.
My breath caught, and my heart flickered against my will. Damn it, I had to keep my distance from him. It was the only way.
Casey backhanded my chest and gave me a toothy grin. “Hey, wonder what Holden is going to make you do today?”
“Don’t know and maybe I’ll do my own shit.” Holding my head high, I strode past him and onto a treadmill.
Stepping behind me, Holden said, “Hey, after your warmup, come see me.”
“Yeah, whatever.” I started the machine, and the running belt came to life. I increased the pace until I was at an easy jog.
Casey ran next to me. “So how was the date last night? I was in bed before you got home.”
“It was great.” I glanced at Holden, standing next to my machine, focused on me. If Holden just wants to stand there, I might fuck with him a bit. “I, uh, got laid last night. That’s why I was so late.”
“Dude, about time.” Casey lifted his hand, and I slapped it.
Holden’s jaw muscle bulged, and he swung his head, his knuckles turning white.
“So, I guess you really like this guy.” Casey pumped his arms as he increased his pace.
“I do, and I think I’m in love.” I peeked at Holden, worrying his lower lip. He shouldn’t care about what I did last night, so why was I lying to Casey about it? My mind was so messed up. I wanted Holden to be jealous. But he couldn’t be.
Dropping his iPad to his side and fisting his free hand, Holden paced away from us.
After my five minutes, I strolled to Holden, now seated on a bench by the leg press machines and spotting our second-string wide receiver. “Okay, what are we doing today?”
“I’m working with Marks right now. How about you start with the resistance band routine I gave you?” He glared at me, his lips pressing into a thin line.
