Chapter Eleven
Blake’s jaw clenched, and he bit back a harsh laugh. He’d asked her out in those twenty minutes? The man moved fast.
“Oh yeah? So, what’d you say?”
She looked slightly surprised. “Well, I said yes, of course.”
Of course? There was no “of course” about it. This was a big fucking decision.
“You’re attracted to him?”
It took a moment before she admitted, “He’s cute.”
So that would be a yes. Girls loved Reggie because he was the nice guy. The guy you knew wouldn’t cheat on you. A romantic at heart. The one who’d bring you flowers for no reason. The guy that made you sandwiches after sex and sat around watching cat videos with you.
“Well, then.” He tried and failed to keep his tone neutral. A hint of hardness threaded in. “I guess you’ve found your guy.”
She lifted her gaze to his, and there was a silent question in her eyes. An invitation for him to shoot Reggie down. A chance to speak up and stake a claim first.
The blood in his veins pounded harder.
“What do you think of him?” she prodded.
I think I want to rip Reggie’s fucking head off.
He forced himself to draw in a deep breath.
Take your ego and emotions out of it. Look at the situation practically.
It about killed him, but he finally managed to give an honest reply. “I don’t think you’ll find a better guy than Reggie.”
Her gaze had shimmered with nervous anticipation, but now it held the faintest bit of disappointment.
Or maybe he just wanted to see that.
She dropped her gaze to the red shoes swinging by the straps from her fingers. “I’m going to be honest, Blake. I kept hoping you’d change your mind and sleep with me.”
The breath caught in his throat, and his pulse went into double time.
“And last night, I literally dreamt about what it would be like if you were my first.” She glanced up at him, and there was a hint of embarrassment in her eyes. “Bringing you the pie was just an excuse to see you again. I really didn’t think I’d be open to anyone else.” She paused, and her tone changed. Almost with surprise. “But then…”
But then Reggie.
What the hell was wrong with him? He should’ve been thrilled things had worked out this way. That he wouldn’t be hanging on to his self-control by a thread anymore. That he wouldn’t be tempted to break the Bro Code.
Kristen had chosen someone.
She paused and shook her head before looking up. Now there was a wistfulness in her eyes. Probably meant she was imagining her date tomorrow.
“What I’m trying to say is I guess fate had it all worked out. Maybe I met you so I would ultimately meet Reggie.”
Nope. He would absolutely not give fate a big fucking high five on this one. This was bullshit.
She placed her free hand on his arm and gave him a grateful smile. “And I want you to know that I appreciate you looking out for me the last couple days. You’re a good guy, Blake, and James is lucky to have you as a friend. And so am I.”
Friends. She’d firmly settled him in the friend category now. It should’ve been a relief, but the touch of her fingers on his arm burned through his uniform, heated his blood, and made his dick stir.
“Hey, maybe we can even go hiking Wednesday like we talked about.” Her bright smile was extra grating. “I mean if I’m up for it. I could be a little sore—”