“No,” I lied, “just got here,” I forced a smile. Jay grinned at me and slung his arm over my shoulder.
“You want to get some dinner?” He asked as we walked out of the yard.
“Sure.” I smiled up at him and as we were about to turn out of the yard, I looked over my shoulder. Tattoo Neck was resting against the garage door still wiping his hands on that cloth. He held my gaze, nodded and turned back into the shop.
Jay and I had dinner at ‘The Kitchen’ and it was good. Afterwards we wandered the Mall eating ice cream from one of the boutique stalls.
“Wanna go to the bar?” Jay offered. I shrugged, he grinned and pulled his phone out of his back pocket.
“Yo”Yo? Seriously?“Yeah, Mall, Pine Street?” He finished the call. How the hell was someone supposed to know what that meant?
“Pick up in ten.” He grinned and started leading me out of the mall.
“How did they know where to get us from on those three words?” I asked incredulously. Jay merely laughed at me. He tossed his napkin from his ice cream into the trash as we exited the main mall. He grabbed my hand and pulled me into a fire exit.
“We have approximately eight minutes, what do you think we should do to pass the time?” His eyes sparkled with mischief. I flushed scarlet and was about to suggest something inane when his lips caught mine and effectively silenced me.
His kiss was deep and sensual, my arms wound round his neck and he tilted me back slightly. His hands which were wrapped round my waist travelled south and settled comfortably on my ass. He pulled me into him more and I groaned into his mouth as he pressed into me. His lips left mine and travelled along my jaw and down my neck. My heart was racing. Featherlight kisses were placed along my jawline and then with a muffled curse his lips captured mine again. I was pressed against the door as his hand travelled up my side, his thumb brushed just under my breast and I jerked in response.
Jay broke the kiss, he tilted his head back slightly, his eyes were dark with desire. “You’re gonna kill me,” he muttered and with a loud exhalation he took a step back.
My face was flushed and my pulse beat erratically. Ihadto stop making out with Jay in public places.
Jay walked out to the kerb and left me to cool down then a few minutes later he came back for me and led me out just as a beat-up truck pulled up. I noted one of the guys from Colton’s the other week and with a nod we both got in and headed to the bar on the outskirts of town.
As we entered, I noticed immediately that the bar was crowded and there were so many people calling out to greet Jay, he shouted back his greetings. He grabbed my hand and pulled me to the back of the bar to the pool area.
I noticed Tattoo Neck had already set up court and was being fawned over by women who were obviously delusional or gluttons for punishment. His grin was evil when he saw me. I tensed, ok so he didn’t like me but that didn’t mean he needed to intimidate me too. Or at least I didn’t need to let himseethat he intimidated me.
I looked around for signs of Matt or the others, it was unlikely that they would be here. I checked anyway, however I didn’t recognise anyone. I tightened my grip on Jay’s hand and he pulled me into his side in answer. I think he picked up on the fact that I was uncomfortable. He nuzzled my neck and it didn’t really calm me, I didn’t like being put on display.
“I’ll go get drinks, you want the usual?” He asked his eyes focusing on my lips and as he dipped in for a kiss. I shied away, flushing and nodding. He chuckled at me and released me. It was funny how ‘the usual’ had become pear cider. If you had asked a few weeks ago myusualwould have been a Diet Coke or soda water. I looked around as I waited, I should have gone to the bar with Jay rather than remain standing here.
A pool cue was thrust into my hand, I yelped in surprise. Tattoo Neck stood in front of me.
“What?” I muttered. His grin was savage.
“I drew last time with your buddy. I wanna see how good you are,” he stated with a savage grin.Yeah, this isn’t a good idea.
“I’m ok, let’s just say you win.” I handed the cue back. His eyes flashed a challenge and he placed the cue back in front of me. He grabbed my left hand and turned it over, I went to pull away, but he held tight. His thumb rubbed the underside of my wrist. It made me immensely uncomfortable and I had no doubt that was his intent.
“Play me,” he stated.Asshole.We now had a lot of attention. This guy wasn’t stable, I decided, he looked slightly manic but completely calm all at the same time. This is why he kept me on edge, I thought. He was completely unpredictable and I suddenly realised this is how Colton and the guys would have gotten caught up with him. Colton was clever and cold, but he wasn’t a raving lunatic and you just can’t predict insanity. I knew I was being harsh but looking into the void of his eyes I doubted I was being overly harsh.
I yanked my hand out of his and his grin was feral. I grabbed the cue, more for security than anything else. If all else failed I could whack the fucker across the side of the head with it.Ok Elle, let’s calm downI cautioned myself.
I’m pretty sure Tattoo Neck knew exactly what I was thinking, as he started to laugh.Definitely on the crazy kool aid.
“Let’s toss for the break,” he winked at me and I rolled my eyes, the innuendo had not been lost on me. My mother was Scottish I knew slang from both sides of the pond.
He won the toss and I failed to hide my smirk. “Fitting,” I murmured.
He snorted as he set the table up. Jay returned just as his brother took his break shot.
“What you doing darling?” He asked me quietly as he set the drinks down. I grabbed my cider and drank a few gulps before answering.
“Your brother bullied me into playing pool,” I answered loudly. Tattoo Neck laughed at me. I was under no impression he was laughingwithme.
Jay turned to his brother. “What you doing?” Did he look nervous? This did not bode well for me if even Jay was nervous.Get a grip Elle, he isn’t the devil. He’s just a guy. I admonished myself.