Page 68 of Finley
Fuck, the guy still has that look down to a fucking art form.
“Seriously, though, you need to stop looking at me like that.”
As the car came to a stop by the curb, Brantley’s lips quirked at the side. “And I said no. Out, Mr. Finley. I believe we have some people waiting on us.”
When Daniel turned to look out the window where Brantley had gestured, he saw Prof—Jordan standing with his back against the wall and his arms crossed, glaring over at Derek, who was several feet away from him with some half-dressed brunette twink draped all over him.
Daniel then looked back to Brantley and frowned. When he shoved the car door open and they got out, Jordan spotted them immediately, pushed off the wall, and headed their way. With his hands planted on his hips and his eyes narrowed, he came to a standstill opposite them and looked like he was two seconds away from exploding. His face was the same shade as a ripe tomato, and when he took in a deep breath, Daniel wondered if he was about to breathe fire.
“How nice of you two to finally show up.”
“Sorry. The traffic—” Brantley started, but Jordan’s arm flew up, palm raised.
“Save it. I don’t want to hear it. Did you perhaps neglect to mention something this morning at breakfast,Brantley?”
At the high-pitched tone Jordan had said Brantley’s name, Daniel looked at Brantley, saw the way he was biting his lip, and knew he was trying his hardest not to laugh.
“What, you mean in between you ordering for me and taking every opportunity to poke fun at me? Nope, I don’t think so.”
Derek was now facing them, not paying any attention to the guy hanging off his muscular arm, and a smug smile curled his lips as his eyes trailed a blazing-hot path down the back of the fuming man.
Huh…
Jordan took a step forward. When he was close to being nose to nose with Brantley, he asked, “You didn’t think to mention that someoneelsewould be coming with us tonight?”
Obviously, Brantley had a death wish when he answered, “Who? Oh, you mean Derek?”
If steam could’ve come out of someone’s ears, it would’ve happened to Jordan. As it was, Daniel wasn’t shocked in the least when Jordan balled his fists, grunted, and then stamped his foot—for real, he stamped his fucking foot.
“Do not expect me to entertain that barbarian tonight. Got it?”
Brantley raised his hands in surrender. “Got it. I didn’t think it would be such a problem.”
“Yes you did,” Jordan said. “Otherwise, you would’ve mentioned it.” Finally over his tirade, he spun around on the heel of his boot and marched toward the line, straight past Derek, who was now watching the exaggerated swing of the guy’s hips.
Okay, sothatwas an interesting development. It seemed as if Derek wanted a little spice in his life.
BRANTLEY LOOKED TOWARD Daniel.He was staring over at his friend, who was pulling a pack of cigarettes from his back pocket and strolling away in the opposite direction of the crowd. Both of them had a little investigatory work ahead of them, it seemed, because while it was no surprise for Jordan to be overdramatic in public, itwasunlike him to leave before he had seen the reactions to his performance.
“You might want to get over to Derek,” he suggested. “He looks like he’s about to hit the road.”
Daniel glanced at him and agreed. “Yeah… That was all rather unexpected. You sure you don’t know what it’s about?”
“I have no idea. But I’m thinking I should go in and find Jordan before he drinks more than he can handle. You don’t want to see him in a mood after several tequilas.”
He started to walk toward the door. Then, at the last second, he stopped and looked back to Daniel, who was watching him.
“I’ll catch up with you over by the tables. End of the bar. And Finn?”
Daniel raised an eyebrow, and when the side of his mouth quirked, Brantley’s heart thumped a little harder.
“Since you like the number so much…you have ten minutes. Then be inside. I’ve waited long enough to be this close to you again. I’ll be damned if I wait longer than that.”
Before Daniel could reply, Brantley headed for the door.
“HEY! DEREK! WAIT up,”Daniel said as he jogged over to his friend.
Derek glanced over his shoulder and brought his cigarette to his lips. “Nah, I’m just gonna head home. You better get inside. I’m sure yourboyfriend is waiting on you.”