Page 35 of Things We Hide from the Light
“Good idea,” Naomi agreed.
“Boy like that’s not gonna stay single for long,” Liza J warned Stef as she slipped a slice of salami to Waylay.
“He’sveryhandsome,” Amanda agreed.
Everyone turned to look at me expectantly. “He is gorgeous,” I agreed. “But only if you’re into relationships and monogamy.”
“Which I’m not,” Stef insisted.
“Neither was Knox,” I pointed out. “But look at him now. He’s sickeningly happy.”
Naomi looped her arm over my shoulder and I barely managed to hide the flinch at the unexpected touch. The engagement ring on her finger glittered in the light. “See, Stef? You too could be sickeningly happy.”
“I think I’d rather just be sick.”
I slid out of Naomi’s affectionate embrace and headed for the meat tray.
Waylay stuffed a pilfered salami into her mouth when Naomi wasn’t looking. I could almost hear my mother’s voice in my head.
“You’re still avoiding processed meats aren’t you, Lina?”
“Do you really think it’s a good idea to drink alcohol with your condition?”
I took a defiant sip of my beer, sidled up to Waylay, and chose a piece of ring bologna.
“What? I’m hot and gay, so me dating the hot, bisexual barber is a foregone conclusion? Gays and bis have to have more in common than just being gay and bi,” Stef sniffed.
“I thought you said he was the most attractive man on the planet with a voice like melted ice cream that made you want totear your clothes off and listen to him recite his grocery list?” Naomi mused.
“And didn’t you also say the whole small business entrepreneurial thing he has going on was intriguing because you’re tired of dating fitness models?” Amanda added.
“And aren’t you both huge fans of luxury fashion brands, Luke Bryan, and environmentally friendly energy solutions?” I prodded.
“I hate you all.”
“Don’t date him because he’s bisexual, Stef. Date him because he’s perfect for you,” Naomi said.
Knox and Nash entered, both looking vaguely pissed off. To be fair, that was how they usually looked after a conversation with each other. Nash looked tired too. And hot in his jeans and flannel—yum.
Damn it.I’d forgotten that I wasn’t finding him attractive anymore.
I focused on the fact that he’d done his best to humiliate me with Nolan and embraced my inner female rage.
He had a beer in one hand and was holding the shivering Piper in the other. She was wearing a ridiculous pumpkin print sweater. They both looked as if this was the last place on earth they wanted to be.
“Evenin’,” he said to the room, but those blue eyes landed on me.
I glared at him. He glared back.
A new wave of pandemonium broke out as the women rushed Nash to get a better look at Piper. Knox waded through it and kissed Naomi on the cheek before making a beeline for the meat tray.
“Hi, pretty girl,” Naomi said, gently greeting the dog. “I like your sweater.”
“Who is this sweet little thing?” Amanda crooned, gently stroking Piper’s head.
The dogs outside, sensing a potential new friend, pressed their noses against the deck door and whimpered pitifully.
“This is Piper. Found her in a storm drain outside town yesterday. Who wants to foster her?” Nash said, still looking pissily in my direction.
