Page 82 of Claimed By the Rockstars: Part One
"But also fucking," Jamie adds helpfully. "If you want. Eventually. After the board games. And dessert."
"Jamie," Orion says, voice strangled.
Jamie waves a dismissive hand. "Aaaanyway, some people have issues with scars, and I need to make sure potential...friends... are comfortable with that."
"Scars is the understatement of the century," Orion mutters.
Jamie spins on him, eyes flashing. "You’re hot as fuck, and if you talk about yourself like that one more time, I'm going to rub tuna oil all over that beautiful body of yours and feed you to Cheeto."
Orion lets out a long, half-hearted sigh.
“What happened to Cheeto being harmless?” I ask dryly, distinctly aware of the lazy tiger lifting his head to watch us boredly.
Jamie flashes me a bright smile. “He is, unless you’re covered in tuna oil. Are you?”
“No?”
“Then we’re good.”
I glance at Rex again. He's moved to examining a collection of vintage medical instruments hanging on the far wall, but his shoulders are tight enough to snap.
What the fuck is his problem?
"The mask should be ready in about two weeks," Jamie continues, oblivious to whatever silent war is happening across the room. "I'll text you when it's done. Or Rex can pick it up if you're busy."
"I'll come get it myself," I say quickly. "I'd like to see how it turned out."
I don't actually care, but I give Rex the sweetest, most grateful, hopeful smile I can possibly muster up so he gets to feel like shit about it if he's up to something. And I know he is. The fact he won't meet my eyes is further evidence of that.
Jamie's face lights up. "Great! And maybe we could grab coffee after? There's this amazing place in town that makes the best lavender lattes?—"
"We need to go," Rex announces abruptly, already heading for the stairs. "Now."
Jamie and Orion exchange glances. Orion's brow furrows and his eyes track Rex's sudden exit with what might be amusement or concern. Hard to tell with the mask. He shrugs at Jamie.
"Well!" Jamie says brightly, clasping his hands together. "Thatwas subtle."
"About as subtle as a brick to the face," I mutter, then louder. "Thanks for... all of this. I really appreciate it. It was nice meeting you."
"Anytime!" Jamie grins. "And seriously, let me know if you want to come over. No pressure. Just games and good company."
Orion nods, green eyes crinkling. "It was a pleasure."
"Thanks. And same," I say, meaning it. "Thanks for not being actual serial killers."
Jamie laughs so hard he has to lean against the workbench. "The bar isso low!"
I'm still grinning when I follow Rex down the endless spiral staircase. He's several steps ahead, taking them faster than he probably should given he fell on me. His boots echo sharply off the stone.
Is Rex…jealous?
No. There's no way Rex is jealous.
Rex hates my fucking guts.
Chapter
Twenty-Two
