Lifting his glasses, he yawned. “I’m kind of wiped, so was thinking something low key like pizza at our place.”
“Perfect, low key it is.”
Carson looked behind me. “What do you think, Tanner?”
“What’s that?” Just the sound of his voice had butterflies taking flight in my stomach.
I didn’t look back.
Carson nodded. “We’re all going to head back to Spence and my condo, order pizza, and just chill. You up for it?”
Tanner was looking in my direction when I peeked out of the corner of my eye at him. “You cool with me tagging along, Easton?”
“Yeah, for sure.”
He didn’t need my permission, but I guess he was being cautious. “Great, I’m in.” He smiled and sat down, facing my direction.
“Awesome. I’m starting to get hungry. Should we head out?” I needed to move; I was feeling antsy.
We all agreed and gathered our gear before taking it back to our place and then heading to their condo to order a shit ton of food. Tanner seemed to get along with the guys really well. He fit ion our group better than anyone that had tried before. Usually, they felt left out and tried too hard; for Tanner, it was natural.
I caught him watching me a few times throughout the night, but only because I was watching him as well. I couldn’t keep my eyes off him. I could barely follow along with any of the conversations going on.
“You all right, East?” Sadie’s voice broke me out of my trance.
“Uh, yeah, sorry. Just a little full from all the pizza I scarfed down.” I flopped back against the sofa cushion dramatically and patted my stomach.
“I feel you. I bet I gained ten pounds tonight.”
We both laughed. I felt the same way, I could probably pass for six months pregnant.
“I hate to cut the night short, but I have a meeting early in the morning.” Tanner stood and looked at me. “I had a great time.” He shook the guys' hands, and the girls got up to hug him.
I hesitated but got up. “Let me walk you out.”
“Sounds good.” He followed me as I led him outside; we stood there for a minute. “Thanks for letting me tag along today, Easton. I really appreciate it.”
“I’m glad you came. Seems like you fit right in with the crew.”
The smile that graced his face was beautiful, and I wanted nothing more than to reach up and kiss him and then climb him like a tree. Instead, I bit my lip and refrained.
There was a moment of silence before he stepped forward and seemed to waver for a split second but then pulled me in and enveloped me in his arms. I didn’t hesitate before wrapping my arms around his waist and breathing him in.
After a few minutes, he pulled back slightly and looked down at me. “Goodnight, Easton.” He leaned down and touched his lips to mine in a featherlight kiss, but he withdrew before I could take it any further.
I groaned lightly, and Tanner smiled.
“Night, Canadia.” I pecked him on the cheek and turned around with a little pep in my step and headed back upstairs. I wanted to tell them every detail of what happened, but instead, I kept my thoughts to myself.
When I walked back into the condo, I was met with dead silence and four pairs of eyes staring back at me.
“What?” I knew exactly what they were staring at, but fuck them. If they wanted to know something, then they needed to ask, at least.
“Don’t what us. What happened?” Leave it to Rhian to pipe in first.
I rolled my eyes. “What do you think happened? I walked him out and fucked his brains out in the front foyer?”
“Shut up. You know what I mean,” Rhian said exasperatedly.
“No, Rhi, I don’t. Nothing happened. I walked him out, and we said goodnight.” I shrugged. “Sorry to disappoint.” There went my good mood. I wasn’t sure why I was so irritated.
Five minutes ago, I wanted to shout it from the rooftops, and now, I was annoyed that they were asking. Tanner had me fucked up in the head.
Sixteen
Surprise
Tanner
We all sat in the darkness on Easton’s back porch, waiting for Rhian to come home from work. She walked in the front door and dropped her stuff in the kitchen before grabbing a beer from the refrigerator.
“East, Sade, you here?” she called as she looked around. She came to the back door, and we all jumped up and yelled, “Surprise!” scaring the ever-loving shit out of her.
She clutched at her chest as she seemed to try to calm her breathing. We walked inside and Rhian smacked each one of us in succession. “You guys scared the fuck out of me.”
I handed her a gift bag containing her birthday present, hoping it would ease her racing heart after our scare. “Sorry, happy birthday, Rhian.” I kissed her cheek, and she thanked me before I went and took a seat on the sofa.
Everyone took turns giving her hugs and presents, and then we all sat around while she opened them.
“Thank you, everyone. I love everything, but you’re still all assholes.”
“You should’ve seen your face, though; it was priceless.” Spencer was cackling, but Rhian was giving him the I’m going to beat your ass later glare.
“Cake anyone?” Easton asked as she got up and walked toward the kitchen. “I made it myself.”
Everyone grumbled, and Easton laughed. “I swear it’s good.”
She cut us each a slice, and I took a bite. As I was chewing, I looked up and noticed everyone staring at me. “What?”
“Nothing. Just wanted to see if it was disgusting before taking a bit of our own; that’s all,” Sadie said before digging into hers. Everyone else followed suit.
“This is great, Easton; I didn’t know you could bake.” I was a little surprised in a good way.
She shrugged. “I can’t really, hence why everyone is so hesitant to eat it, but I made sure to follow the directions perfectly this time.”
“Hey, Tanner, you got any free days over the next couple of weeks? We were thinking a guys’ night out.” Spencer looked over at Rhian, who rolled her eyes.
“What do you say?” he continued.
“Sounds great.” I felt like things were starting to fall into place. I just hoped Easton didn’t feel like I was invading her space too much. I knew she’d invited me each time, but I didn’t want to scare her off.
Things had been going pretty good lately. I was settling in at work, and my new place felt more like home now that I had everything unpacked and put away. Today was a little stressful for us all, so when Cody suggested drinks—even though it was a Wednesday—I was one hundred percent on board.
As we walked through the doors of Barangas, I sensed Easton before I saw her. Once my eyes met hers, the room seemed to stand still. She smiled and waved.
“Go grab a table, guys. I’ll be right over.” I didn’t look at them as I started toward Easton. “Hey, beautiful, what time do you get off?” I kissed her cheek.
“Unfortunately, I close.” She looked over my shoulder. “You guys here for food or just drinks?”
“With the day I’ve had, I could use a few drinks, but maybe some food before that would be smart.”
She reached out and ran her hand down my cheek. “Aw, a bad day at the office?”
“That’s an understatement, but now that I’m here, I feel much better.”
Her cheeks flushed. “I’ll grab some menus and be over in a minute to take your drink order.”
“Sounds good.” A better idea was to bend her over on the rooftop—now that would be the best stress reliever. Visions of that night invaded my thoughts, and I had to adjust myself before walking back to the table.
Easton noticed and chuckled. “You all right there, big guy?” She winked.
I pulled her in close and whispered in her ear, “I was just thinking about the night we fucked on the roof and what I’d give to be doing it again right now.”
Her breath hitched, and I pulled back to look at her. She was breathing ha
rd, and her eyes were heavy-lidded. She was just as turned on as I was.
“So, the big guy is not all right since that’s what’s on his mind, too.”
She looked down, seeming shy and chuckled softly. “Well, now that’s all I can think of, too,” she said quietly. “Go sit down, you asshole. Now I have to work in this state.” She turned me around and pushed me toward the table.
Easton came by with the menus and took our drink order before leaning over and whispering in my ear, “Hope he’s settled down for you.”
My dick swelled again at the mere mention of it coming off of her lips, and I’m sure my face turned beet red as thoughts of her flooded back in.
She stood up straight without even cracking a smile. “I’ll be right back with your drinks, folks.”
Sweet as pie, I rolled my eyes internally at how her voice contradicted what she’d just whispered in my ear.
“Cheers, everyone,” Jane said as she lifted her wine, and we all clinked our glasses.
We enjoyed our drinks and some food before one by one, my co-workers took off, some having families to get home to. Cody said goodbye, leaving just Jane and myself. I was instantly on high alert. As she started brushing her leg against mine, I moved my leg away, leaned back away from her, and smiled uncomfortably, hoping she’d get the point.
I started a conversation about work and tried to keep it professional. Easton walked by to serve another customer, but it didn’t slip my attention that Jane watched her out of the corner of her eye.
As soon as Easton was within earshot, Jane said, “Let’s get out of here and go back to your place.” She then proceeded to run her hand up my thigh.
I jumped up out of my seat, knocking back the chair. The entire restaurant seemed to stop. I was embarrassed and apologized to the folks around me. I picked up my chair and made sure to put it back a little farther away from Jane.
In almost any other situation, I would’ve put her in her place. But she’d put me in a horrible place. I had to work with this woman, and I didn’t want to make things awkward, but I made certain that I didn’t lead her on. If I hadn’t wanted to stay to talk to Easton, I would’ve said I had to leave.
Despite my efforts to ensure she knew my interest didn’t lie in her, Jane was still trying to be seductive. I wanted to roll my eyes at the ridiculousness of it all. Jane was an attractive woman; there was no question there. But she wasn’t picking up any of the hints I was throwing down. I kind of felt bad that she was so oblivious.
I noticed that Easton had started to slam things around, and I’d hoped it had to do with what Jane had said. There was no way Easton hadn’t heard it. Jane had said it loud enough for half the bar to hear. The scowl on Easton’s face told me she was pissed, but I prayed she didn’t get the wrong impression. I would have sworn I was making some headway with Easton prior to tonight and didn’t want this to derail things.
“I should get going. Walk me out?” Jane’s voice sounded angelic, but the look in her eyes told me otherwise.
I hesitated, but my manners got the best of me. Reluctantly, I let her lead the way. I stayed back as she climbed into her car so there was no mistaking that my intention was only her safety. “See you at work tomorrow, Jane.” I didn’t give her time to say anything else before I traipsed back toward the bar. I wanted to talk to Easton.
I walked up to the bar and waited for Easton to come back from her tables, but I got the distinct impression she was avoiding me. She hadn’t even looked in my direction and went from table to table without a break.
Rhian and Sadie walked in and sat down beside me, immediately asking what was up with Easton. I didn’t know what to tell them, so I just shrugged.
Seventeen
Where’s He Going?
Easton
I was being childish, but when I saw her run her hand up his thigh, I wanted to gouge her fucking eyes out. Rationally, I knew he wasn’t mine and I shouldn’t be acting like this. I also knew that his reaction meant he wasn’t interested, but still, I couldn’t help myself.
Tanner was waiting for me to come to talk to him. I couldn’t avoid him forever, although I’d done a pretty decent job up until this point. I took a deep breath and went behind the bar to make a couple of drinks.
“There she is,” Tanner said with a huge smile. “Busy night?” He knew damn well I wasn’t busy.
I was positive he knew I’d heard what had gone on between them. “Yup.” Was all I said.
“You seem real fucking chipper tonight, what’s up?” Leave it to Rhian to cut to the chase.
I wasn’t going to bring her up to speed with Tanner sitting next to her. “Nothing, I’m just busy.”
She looked around the dining room and back to me with an arched brow. “I call bullshit. Four tables is not a busy night.”
I shrugged and kept busy behind the counter as the coffee brewed for one of the tables. “They’re demanding assholes. What do you want me to tell you?”
“All right, I’ll buy it. Is that why you’re slamming shit around?” She never stopped.
“Jesus, Rhi, give it a rest,” I snapped.
Tanner stood. “I’m going to head out.” He thumbed toward the door.
I nodded without responding.
He leaned over the bar slightly. “Are you sure you’re okay, Easton?”
I looked up to concern filled eyes, and my mood softened slightly. “Yeah,” I lied. “Just want this shift to end.” I smiled, although it was forced.
“All right, I’ll text you later?” It came out as a question, and I hated that he had just asked for permission to contact me, but fuck, I was annoyed as shit.
“Yeah.”
As soon as he left, I dropped off drinks to one of my tables and came to sit with my girls. I slumped down with a sigh, and they both waited for me to spit it out. “What the fuck is wrong with me?” I grunted out my frustration.
Sadie touched my shoulder gently. “What’s up, girlie?”
“I totally got jealous tonight.” I looked at both of them. “Me! Jealous!”
They both giggled.
I did not see the slightest bit of humor in my words. “What do you bitches find so funny? I’m losing my ever-loving mind here.” What was Tanner doing to me?
“East, it’s fine. You just have feelings for him, and jealousy is normal. What happened?” Sadie used that soft, motherly tone which usually made me want to slap her, but it was helping ease my irritation this time.
“That bitch from the club—the one that was trying to dance with Tanner—was here tonight.” I explained what happened, and they both sucked in a breath.
Rhian took a sip of her beer. “I can’t believe you didn’t pop the bitch.”
“Dude, I wanted to so bad, but I’m at work. Plus, I don’t have any claim on him. Tanner isn’t mine.”
“Wow, you couldn’t be any more fucking wrong. The sun must be frying your vision and your brain. I know your gorgeous ass is used to guys fawning over you, but you are one blind bitch if you think that boy isn’t yours. He’s head over heels for you, just like the first time I saw you two together. He’s a goner.” Rhian’s expression didn’t falter. She was dead serious.
I rolled my eyes. “Get the fuck out of here.” I pushed her shoulder.
Neither one of them even cracked a smile.
“She’s right, East.” Sadie shrugged.
I dropped my head to the bar, banging it a few times. What was I going to do? This was such a new territory for me. I wasn’t sure how to navigate these waters.
I went back to work without another word. My shift was almost over. Then I could go home, soak in the tub, and hope the day melted away.
The girls must have sensed my wandering thoughts as they kept their comments to themselves the whole walk home.
The bath was hot just the way I liked it. I relaxed beneath the steamy water and closed my eyes as I rested my head on the ledge.
I heard my phone buzz beside me and opened one eye to pe
ek at who it was. Canadia flashed on the screen. I slumped back and ignored his call. A few seconds later, I heard it vibrate again. This time it was a text. I picked it up and swiped the screen open.
Canadia: Where you at?
I set the phone back down without responding, but another one popped up a minute later.
Canadia: I know you’re there; your read receipt is on ;)
Me: Haha, sorry. I’m in the bathtub.
Canadia: Mmm, is that so?
Me: Yup
Canadia: Pics or it didn’t happen!
Laughing, I took a pick of my toe sticking out of the bubbles
Canadia: Damn, that’s all I get?
Me: I don’t think your girlfriend would appreciate more.
I regretted that text the moment I hit send. I hated this jealousy shit.
Canadia: My girlfriend?
Me: Forget it.
Canadia: Nah, I don’t want you thinking that anything is going on between anyone else and me.
Me: It’s cool.
Canadia: Are you….jealous?
Me: Fuck that. Nothing to be jealous about. You’re free to date whoever you want.
Canadia: For real?
I was digging myself a deeper hole with each text I sent. I wasn’t cool with him dating anyone else, but I also wasn’t ready to admit that just yet—or commit to him myself.
Canadia: You there?
Me: Yeah
Caught Inside Page 12