Page 18 of Beta Team-The Saviors: Part One

“It’s a cinematic masterpiece,” I argue. “The dumb blonde going to Harvard for a law degree and being an amazing lawyer?”

“What? Like it’s hard?” Tyler mimics in a high-pitched voice, and Ari collapses back on the couch.

“I give up,” Ari declares.

“Don’t give up, Gramps. You have so much to live for,” Tyler replies, slapping Ari on the shoulder.

Meeting them and seeing some of their dynamics makes me feel better about this.

I just hope it doesn’t blow up in my face once we’re in California.

7

ARI

We make it back to California at almost closing time for High Flyer. I’ve had one thought, and Jason consumed it. Just that little taste of him has me wanting more.

I park behind the building and watch the alley door for him to exit. When he does, he looks disheveled, and I’m out of the truck in a flash, making my way to him.

“What’s wrong?” I demand, scaring the shit out of him.

“Holy shit, Ari.” He grabs his chest and blows a breath out. “Warn me next time.”

“I said I’d be waiting for you.”

“Yeah, but that didn’t mean you’d materialize out of thin air. And nothing’s wrong. It was just a busy night.”

“I missed you,” I say, pulling him into my arms.

“You can’t say shit like that and expect me not to get attached.”

I pull back with a frown. “What does that mean?”

“I know what this is, so we have to keep it simple.”

“Simple?”

Jason turns around and locks the door but I don’t miss the look on his face. “Yeah. Simple.”

“Where is this coming from?” I know he got quiet on text earlier, but I just figured he was busy at work. Is he second-guessing this? Whatever this is.

“You don’t want a relationship with me, Ari. You’ve made that perfectly clear. So you can’t text me all the time, tell me you miss me, or sleepover.”

I back him up until he’s pressed against the side of the building and brace my hands on either side of his head. “I’ve not said one goddamn thing about not wanting a relationship, so don’t put words in my mouth. The only thing I’ve said is I want you all to myself before the guys find out. Which, by the way, they already kind of know. I don’t know what is going to happen in the future. All I know is you’re all I can think about.”

Jason’s eyes stay locked on my face, and I can tell he’s searching for that hint of deception. He won’t find any. “Me too.”

“Then why are you trying to mess it up before it even starts?”

“Because I’m scared, okay? There are so many things already working against us.”

I grab his hand and lead him to my truck. He looks just as surprised as he did the last time when I opened the door for him. He slides in, and I shut the door, collecting my thoughts as I walk to the driver’s side. I get in, shut the door, and stare out the windshield. “We do have things working against us,” I agree. “You have every right to be scared, but don’t make it all out to be me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry.” I turn to look at him. “Just talk to me. We were fine. What happened?”

“It’s going to sound stupid.”