“I put a lot of my money into the gym, equipment, classes, and instructors. It’ll be a while before I start seeing a return on all that. The Sterlings coming there help boost the reputation of the place, and it brings in a lot of new clientele. So if Kode says he can help me out on the return thing sooner, I’m all for it.”
“It’s not all about money,” Cody mumbles, taking a long sip of his beer.
“Didn’t say it was,” I tell him, grinning. “But I’d like to be self-sufficient, since I don’t plan on taking over Dad’s business and my trust is almost depleted. I also want to pay Dad back for his investment.”
“You’re already self-sufficient. Your personal training gigs alone pay all your bills and keep you sitting pretty with all the cool toys.”
“And I’ve scaled way back on my client list because of the gym,” I remind him.
He blows out a breath. “We’re getting off topic. The point is, what are you doing here with Bo, when you thought you came here with Bora? I get that she’s hot and she’s from a rock legend, but you don’t act like you around her.”
My eyes move back to Bo, and I catch her looking away from us. She looks tense all of the sudden, even though I don’t know why.
“Still playing it by ear,” I tell him absently. “What’s going on with you two? Did you say something to her?”
He shrugs, which is not an answer I like.
“Just trying to find out her angle. Chicks that are too good to be true are usually a guy’s undoing. Looking out for you, man. That’s all.”
Frowning, I turn back to Bo. When I start to ask Cody what he said to her, he’s gone, and I blow out a breath while sitting down in one of the massive patio chairs. This is sadly the longest I’ve ever been around a girl I wanted without fucking her, but Bo isn’t aggressive like I’m used to.
I’m used to girls who are ready for what I am and take control. I like those girls, because no games are involved. I feel like I keep waiting for all the pieces to fall into place on the board before I can make my next move with Bo. I’m not used to feeling like I’m chasing a girl.
It’s… unsettling.
“Hey,” Dustin says, grinning as he comes to sit by me. “Vince is fucking awesome. I take back what I said about Mick being my favorite.”
I roll my eyes, because I don’t think Vince is awesome. I’m sick of seeing his ass cheeks hanging out of his man panties.
“Bo’s great too. Lucky bastard,” Dustin goes on, watching her in a way that I don’t like.
Why does it seem like I’m getting jealous so much? Really hate this feeling.
“Eyes off my girl,” I tell him.
He chuckles while shaking his head and looking over at me. “Right. I’ll just wait until you two part ways.”
I bristle, but it’s so subtle he doesn’t notice. I shouldn’t be getting so pissed.
“Since when do you pick up my leftovers?” I ask, trying and failing to keep the edge out of my tone.
His eyebrows go up. “Since you got a smoking hot, super sweet, epically nice, and incredibly rich girl that I know you won’t keep. You don’t do the serious thing, and Bo is a serious kind of girl.”
Rolling my eyes, I go back to watching Bo, but my hands are in fists when I look down.
“You’re actually getting pissed,” Dustin says, sounding way too damn amused. “Maybe I’m wrong.”
I flip him off, and he snorts out a laugh. “Fine. Fine. Give me the green light on your sister and I’ll keep my hands off Bo when you fuck things up with her.”
“Way to be a friend,” I mutter dryly, causing him to laugh again.
My lips twitch, because I know what he’s doing.
When Bo looks back at me, she smiles that shy smile, and I decide to force the game pieces into place. Bo wants me. Time to do something about it instead of waiting on her. Otherwise, I might actually punch Dustin for making the move I should have already made.
I’m sick of chasing. After tonight, she’ll be the one chasing me.
Chapter 31