*
So Tori hadmet someone?
Hearing her drop those words with that goofy little smile on her face had been like a punch to the throat.
There was no denying she liked this guy. When he thought of how she reacted when talking about Ryan, compared to this mystery dude? There was an ocean of difference.
James picked at the food on his plate, not super-hungry anymore. The thought of Tori giddy over another man made him a little cranky.
Theresa, his law school friend, was off chatting with other people at the party. They’d both realized pretty quick there wasn’t a lot of chemistry outside of the classroom.
Friends? Yes. Potential lovers? Not so much.
Fortunately, they’d driven separately, because he fully intended to take advantage of the after-party that involved a hot tub and beer.
Hopefully, it wouldn’t be too much of a crowd. Though, some he could handle more than others.
His attention drifted to Ryan again.
That tool better not be staying.
From all appearances, his cousin hadn’t bugged Tori too much. Any time they spoke, it seemed friendly enough.
And Tori sure didn’t seem stressed or worried.
“Hey, bro, we’re going to take off.”
The voice from behind him had him turning. One of his old high school friends, Dale, stood with his wife.
“We bought you a congratulations plant.” The wife grimaced. “And, of course, forgot it at home. We’ll have to make time to bring it to you soon.”
“Oh, thanks, guys. No worries. It’s a sweet gesture.”
Not to mention he had about five other plants and bottles of liqueur from other guests sitting on Kris and Blake’s kitchen counter right now.
One by one, the partygoers trickled out as it approached eight o’clock, until it was just Blake and James cleaning up.
That hot tub was starting to sound more and more amazing.
He took another sip of the IPA and realized he was already a bit buzzed. All the celebrating with friends made it easier to get to that point.
Blake came up and slapped his shoulder. “You’re crashing here, right?”
“Yeah, I probably should.”
“Good. We’ve got two extra rooms ready. You’re welcome to claim one.”
“Thanks, man. Already tossed my bag in the one downstairs.” James glanced around the empty house. “What happened to the after-party?”
“Oh, they’re already out back. You should get your suit on and join them. I’m going to run upstairs and change too.”
“All right, see you outside.” James went down to the guest room to change into his swim shorts.
The sound of female laughter drifted in through the window.
How many people had stayed? The hot tub was big, but he couldn’t imagine more than six fitting in there.
Maybe others were chilling on the patio set.