Page 81 of My Undead Heart

“I thought you weren’t dating.” Jared lifts a brow and his lips curve up with a slight smile that says “Gotcha!” As my best friend of almost twenty years, nothing gets by him.

“We’re not.” I defend even though we kind of are. But it’s all on that stupid bet. Nothing more.

“And you’re not friends with benefits either?” Rae scrunches her lips and shakes her head, “Wait. I’m confused.”

I throw up my hands. “Why does everything need a label? I’m not interested in dating or a fuck buddy. He knows this. He’s still hanging around. I can’t tell if that makes him crazy or persistent.”

“If he’s still around, I say go with it.” Jared pats my hand.

“But if he’s trying to mind fuck me ...”

Rae reaches for my other hand. “Don’t give up on him, Mia. I’m just saying tread carefully.”

Jared winks. “Like a baby tiger.”

“A cub.” Rae grins.

Jared laughs. “They’re so cute how they fall on their faces.”

“That’s me, all right.” I snag my hands back from these crazies.

“And we love you.” Jared blows me a kiss.

Our waiter comes by and we settle up the check. I’m thankful this conversation is over, though it leaves me more confused than before. I hate games. Is that what Matt’s doing or am I seeing something that’s not even there?

“What’s on the rest of today’s agenda now that Mia’s schedule opened up for us?” Rae snuggles into her scarf as we step outside the restaurant.

“I don’t care what you bitches do. I’ve got myself a hot date with a hot thing. I have to go prep.” Jared claps his hands together.

“Mmm... Tell us more,” Rae says.

I bump my shoulder against his. “This your lawyer?”

“Paralegal, and yes. There’s a big difference between those two, Kitten.” Jared practically scolds.

“Oh, my God!” I groan into my hands so I won’t roll my eyes.

“Day drinking at your place.” Rae wraps her arm around my shoulder and sings out into the city, earning us a few funny looks.

Jared shakes his head. “You two can drink but don’t get her in trouble, Rae-Rae. She can’t handle your pace.”

My brows pull up with his accusation. “What? You calling me old? I can hang with your little sister.”

He frowns. “No, I’m calling Rae a sloppy drunk. She has been known to encourage unwise decisions when alcohol and life choices intersect.”

“You don’t have to worry about us, big bro. You just go have a good time with your man.” Rae slaps his shoulder and proceeds toward the bus stop.

“Behave!” Jared shouts.

“Yes, Dad!” Rae yells back.

He flips her the bird and then steps in for a hug. “I’m serious, Kitten. Don’t have too much fun without me.”

“We won’t.” I laugh and wave good-bye before jogging to meet Rae. She’s a good twenty feet ahead and when I finally catch up, I’m out of breath. “Slow down, Speed Racer.”

“Sorry.” She links her arm in mine. “I’m cold. This jacket is more for show than purpose. Where to next, your place?”

“Yeah, I’ve got a bottle of wine waiting for us.”