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It’s no surprise that Dax would say some wise shit like that. “Maybe you’re right.”
“I am right. But it’s okay if it takes you a while to sort it all out. There’s no rush to any of this, and anyone who tells you otherwise is full of shit, okay?”
“Okay,” I say, smiling.
“Now how about we grab something to eat? Maybe head over to Crave after and dance some?”
“I’d be down for that.”
“Down for that? You’re basically my hostage for tonight, and don’t you forget it.” He winks. “And let’s invite some of the gang out and make tonight epic.”
A jolt of excitement races through me.
Because I know what would really make tonight epic.
Dax stops by the restroom before we head out, and I text Ty.
ME: What are you up to after work?
I’m not expecting a reply right away, but it’s like he’s been waiting for a text because he responds quickly.
TY: No plans yet. Why?
ME: You should meet Dax and me at Crave.
20
Ty
There’s so muchheat in my chest, I can barely stand it.
I was so distracted throughout my shift, constantly checking my phone before Lance’s text came through:You should meet Dax and me at Crave.
As soon as my shift was over, I rushed back to the frat and changed, then got my ass over to the bar.
I shouldn’t be so worked up. If Dax and Lance were vibing, surely he wouldn’t have invited me. But even the thought that they’re still hanging when I want Lance all to myself again has me hurrying in, nearly getting tackled by the guy checking IDs at the door. Once I get that out of the way, I go right for the dance floor. I know how Lance and Ash are at parties, and my intuition is proven right when I catch him dancing with Dax.
Lance has a smile stretched across his face, and Dax leans close and whispers something. As Lance’s smile expands into a grin, my cheeks get as hot as my chest.
I want to be the reason he’s smiling like that.
And there’s a fear in the back of my mind—one I considered on the way over. That Lance invited me out because they clicked so much, he felt bad about what he promised me. Maybe he wanted to tell me right away that our deal about giving me his ass is off. I could see Lance wanting to tell mesomething like that in person.
No, it’s mine. I’m the one who showed him how good he could feel. I deserve it, not Dax.
It’s a selfish thought I hate myself for having.
Lance owes me jack shit.
Intellectually, I know that, but what’s happening to me right now is visceral, primal. I swallow, bracing myself as I work up the courage to not act like a total creep, before approaching the guys.
Dax notices me first, and he offers that familiar smile. He’s always a fun-loving guy, but I can tell he’s having an even better time tonight…because of Lance? Because he knows what they might do later?
When Lance turns to me, he’s still smiling, and his eyes light up in a way that’s enough to make me question all my wild, intrusive thoughts.
“Hey, man, what’s up?” Dax asks.
“He’s mine,” I blurt out. Like at the auction, the words spit right out, as though I don’t have a fucking filter.