Nemesis(9)

“Jacinta loves watching sports, don’t you, Jacinta?” Sadie tells the table, maybe trying to incite some conversation on my end.

“Uhh, sure,” I say, forcing a smile. “I’ll watch pretty much anything: cricket, basketball, even tennis.”

“That’s hot,” Rob replies, annoying me further with each word he speaks. I lift my vodka and orange juice to my lips, flashing her a look that only a best friend or sister can read, one that clearly says, ‘You’re going to pay for this.’

She shrugs and takes a sip of her own drink, then turns to Ian, giving him her best bedroom eyes. Turning to Rob, who is already watching me, I try to be a better date, even though I already know I’m never going to see him again. Maybe we can be friends, especially if Sadie and Ian end up dating, but probably not, because we can’t even hold a proper conversation—trust me, I’ve tried. Some people you just click with, and others you don’t; it’s just the way of the world.

“So, where are we going after this?” Rob asks, winking at me. “Maybe we could head back to yours for more drinks and a movie, or something?”

I can’t think of anything worse right now.

I look to Sadie, panic filling me, but she’s too busy giggling at something Ian said for only her ears. I ignore Rob’s question, finish my drink and stare longingly into the empty glass. Rob doesn’t offer to get me another one, so I ask if I can get anyone a drink before heading to the bar myself.

When I hear my name whispered by a familiar voice, I turn to my right and look into the green eyes of none other than Cohen himself. He’s wearing jeans with a black V-neck t-shirt, and it’s the first time I’ve seen him in casual attire. Not going to lie—it looks good on him.

“Hey,” I say, automatically smiling. “What are you doing here?”

He lifts his glass of amber liquid in the air. “Came out for a drink with a friend of mine. I saw you before, but I didn’t want to interrupt you on your date.”

He emphasises the word ‘date’, and I glance at Rob, wondering what Cohen thinks of him.

“Yeah.” I grimace, before continuing, “About that. Trust me, any interruptions are welcome.”

“Not going so well?” he asks, calling over one of the bartenders. “What do you want to drink, Jacinta?”

“Vodka orange, please,” I tell him, listening as he orders my drink for me. “It was a blind date,” I admit, puffing out a breath. “I got dragged into it because Sadie apparently really likes his friend, so here I am. The things you do for friends, hey?”

The bartender brings my drink over. Cohen pays for it, and then slides it over to me.

“Thank you,” I say, remembering that I still need to get him back for paying for lunch. “Where’s your friend?”

I look around the bar, seeing a few different men and wondering which one of them is his friend. I realise that if I stay here and chat with Cohen any longer, I’m being seriously rude to Rob, but if I had my way, I’d stick with Cohen all night instead.

“He’s the one in the red shirt,” he says, nodding to a dark-haired man, who is currently talking to a pretty blonde.

“Nice,” I mutter, eyebrows raising. Cohen’s friend looks like a handsome guy, at least from what I can see. Good build. Nice hair. Tall.

“Nice,” Cohen repeats with a hint of a growl in his tone. “Are you checking out my friend right in front of me?”

I grin and say, “I could have been talking about the woman.”

Cohen laughs, putting his glance down and turning his body to me, closing the space between us. “Why don’t you get rid of your date, and spend the rest of the night with me?”

I lick my lips. “That would be kinda rude, don’t you think?”

“But it would save you from a shitty night,” he adds, grinning wolfishly. “I’ll introduce you to Chad… after I tell him to keep his grubby hands away from you.”

“And why would you tell him that?” I ask boldly, bringing my glass to my lips. Arching my brow, I wait for his response. I really hope the red lipstick I’m wearing stays put and doesn’t decide to smudge all over my mouth.

“Because you seem like a nice girl,” he says, lowering his gaze down my body. “And you’re beautiful, Jacinta. I don’t think you have any idea just how much.”

My breath hitches as the words leave his lips. His gaze locks with mine, and a few things pass between us in a silent conversation. We acknowledge our attraction for one another, but we also agree not to act on it.

At least, that’s what I think passed between us.

When he reaches out and cups my cheek with his hand, I realise I might have misunderstood.





Chapter Five


“Jacinta,” Sadie says, coming up behind me, saving me from whatever Cohen was about to tell me. “Can you please come back to the table?” She lowers her voice. “Rob’s just staring at you talking to this guy.” She looks up at Cohen and waves. “Hello, by the way.”

“Hi,” Cohen says, seemingly on the verge of laughter.

She turns back to me, whispering again. “And it’s really awkward.”

I roll my eyes. “I’ll be there in a minute.”