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If Mia understood where I was coming from, she’d know I’m not treating her like a child. Like Jonathan, I worry about her. But the difference is I worry because I want to love her.
She continues, looking to the other guy, “I’m going to hand my friend her drink and go to the bathroom.” She turns back to me as he nods. “By the time I get back, I expect you to be gone. Are we clear?”
I sidle closer, my face inches from hers. “Whatever you say, baby girl.”
With a growl, she huffs off. I watch her fine ass sway. Damn, she’s even hotter when she’s mad.
“What’s the deal between you two?” the other guy sounds curious, but I don’t care about answering his question.
I turn my attention to the cockblocker. “How do you know Mia?”
“What has she told you?”
He’s answering my question with a question? Cagey… I don’t like it.
And as much as I hate to admit it, I know jack shit about the people currently in Mia’s life. Sure, I knew a pretty good amount from the past, but that was the past. If I want to win her over, I have to know what—and now whom—I’m dealing with.
“I’m going to take your silence as a ‘nothing at all,’” the perceptive bastard says before extending his hand. “I’m Vance.”
Reluctantly, I shake his hand. “Jake.”
Personally, I’d rather beat the shit out of him, but I have to make nice, especially since I have no clue what this guy means to Mia. The best thing I can do now is figure out my opponent—so I can eliminate him as competition.
“How long have you known Mia?” I try not to snarl the question.
“A while. Mia and I have a good relationship.” His smile isn’t smug…but it isn’t comforting, either.
A guy would only use the word “relationship” if he was referencing someone he’s dating. And if that’s the case…
Fuck. Why didn’t I know she was seeing this schmuck?
Despite my rising annoyance, I manage to play it cool. “I see. You two must be pretty close.”
He nods. “I’d say so.”
“How close?”
Vance smiles slowly. “You know… Close.”
The bastard isn’t budging. He knows I’m prying him for information. Time to get more specific. “Do you two go out often?”
Before he can answer, Mia returns. “Um, didn’t you agree just a few minutes ago to leave?”
I inch closer to her until she lifts her chin to meet my gaze. I remain silent, despite her hot, angry glare. Damn her plump lips are right there. So close. All I have to do to kiss them right now is lean closer and bend…
I don’t.
“So you’re not going to say anything?” She crosses her arms over her chest. “Then this conversation is over.”
I start to see red. My hands curl into fists. I may have lost the battle, but I will win the war. I just need to go back to the drawing board. Vance is an unexpected wrench in my plan…but only for now.
Chapter Eight
Mia
“Should I fuck him?” Jocelyn discreetly asks me in the car when Vance looks down at his phone.
“Not when you’ve just met him.” I shake my head.