“I thought you were going out with Meredith tonight?” I ask him.
“I did.”
“Funny, I don’t see her.” I turn in a circle, pretending like I’m looking for the gorgeous blonde that’s been out with Jack the last few weeks. It’s possibly the longest amount of time I’ve known him to spend with one woman.
“I dropped her off when I got the call from Midnight.”
“Everything end up okay with that?”
“Nothing that won’t blow over.” He clears his throat. “Speaking of Midnight, can we keep that between us.”
“You haven’t told anyone else that you’re—？”
He gives his head a small shake before I finish the sentence. “Only you and Declan know.”
Jack owns the place, though his involvement isn’t public knowledge. It’s just one of many investments he’s made, so I’m surprised he’s kept it private.
“Sure, but why?”
“Just until I’m sure I’m not going to sell. If I do, then it won’t matter, and if I don’t, then I’ll tell everyone.”
I nod my agreement.
“Meredith said you’ve been blowing off Kennedy since you started playing again.”
“I’m not blowing her off.” As soon as I say the words, I wonder if they’re true. Fuck, maybe I have been. “I’ll text her tomorrow. I don’t think it’s going to work. It shouldn’t be this complicated to just set up a single date, you know?”
“It’s only complicated if you make it that way. She’s home tonight. Call her now.” He turns to face me. “Unless there’s some other reason you haven’t called.”
Slowly, his gaze roams around the room and lands on Bridget.
“Fuck you.”
He chuckles. “Thinking of blowing up your career and making a move?”
The reminder of what’s at risk has me gripping the can in my hand a little tighter. “No.”
Both of his dark brows rise like he isn’t buying it.
“No,” I repeat with more force. “But she reminds me of what it could feel like. Excited, hopeful, a little crazed but in a good way, you know? When’s the last time you felt that way about someone? Do you feel that with Meredith?”
“Insane? You’re asking me if I feel insane when I’m with Meredith?” He shoots me a disbelieving look then shakes his head.
“In a good way,” I emphasize again.
“Feeling insane is a good thing?”
“Yeah. It’s like everything inside of you is on fire and at the same time you’re so aware of every thrum of your pulse in a way that you usually don’t notice.”
“You sound crazy, I’ll give you that. Whatever floats your boat. Just make sure Gabe doesn’t find out.”
“She’s not interested anyway, so it doesn’t matter.”
“You sure about that?”
When I look over to where she’s dancing with Everly and Grace, she’s staring this way. A hint of a smile pulls up her gorgeous lips and then she looks away.
Jack claps me on the shoulder. “I’m out of here. I’ll see you in the morning. And uh, try to get the crazy out of your system before then.”
Jack heads out and I linger back a few minutes longer. Get her out of my system? I don’t think that’s possible. Not sure I even want to. I’ve dated enough to know that what I feel for her isn’t common. If there’s a chance that she feels it too, then I don’t want to ignore whatever this is between us. We can figure out the shit with Gabe if it gets to that point, right? He’s an asshole but it isn’t like they’re together anymore.
Slowly, I make my way across the room toward her.
Everly is hanging on Grace, nearly taking her friend down. Maybe I should have given her that lecture on drinking after all.
“I think it’s time for some water,” Grace says.
“Ash!” Everly lights up when she sees me, then frowns adorably. “Why aren’t you out here dancing with us?”
“I’m here now.”
“Grace is making me take a break.” She glares playfully at her best friend.
“Seems like a good idea.”
“I’m fine,” she insists, then stumbles.
I step up on the other side to steady her. “You all right, Little Sharpie?”
“Totes fine.” She shrugs away from me. “Stay here and keep Bridget company.”
“I’m coming with you,” Bridget says.