Bad Rep (Bad Rep, #1)(46)

“Sounds good Gio.  But only if you promise to be naughty.” I dropped my voice into a seductive whisper, never taking my eyes from Jordan.  Something sparked in his deep blue eyes and I swallowed hard.

“Hell yeah!” Gio hooted, pulling me out of the kitchen before Jordan could react.  Was I imagining the hurt look he gave me as I was pulled out into the living room?  What the hell did he have to be hurt about?  Stupid boy with his stupid girlfriend.

Okay, leading Gio on to make Jordan jealous was definitely one of my more idiotic ideas.  Because once encouraged, the boy just wouldn't give up.  I danced with him for one song, but when I declined a second he wouldn't take no for an answer.

“Gio, give it up.  I'm done dancing with you!” I told him harshly, shoving him in the chest as he tried to mash our bodies together.  He was wearing way too much cologne and it made me dizzy.

“But you told me to be naughty, Mays.  I ain't shown you nothin' yet.”  He licked his lips and I tried to back away again.  Suddenly a hand came around and pulled Gio by the upper arm.

“I believe she said to back off, Gio.  Now stop being a f*cking rapist and get the hell out of here.”  Of course it was Jordan.  Who the else would come riding to my rescue while his drop dead gorgeous girlfriend looked on with obvious confusion?

“Dude, what's with the cock block?” Gio asked, his face going red and I worried there was about to be a fight.  Both guys were obviously inebriated.  And if I knew anything, it was that alcohol and testosterone did not mix.  I wedged my body between them, facing Gio.

“Cock block, really?  I don't think your cock is getting anywhere near me.  So don't worry about it.” I flicked my hands in a shooing gesture.  Gio's eyes narrowed.

“Whatever, bitch.”  And he stormed off.

“I need to go teach that shit some manners,” Jordan growled, ready to go after him.  I grabbed a hold of Jordan's arm to stop him.

“Jordan.  Chill out.”  He stilled and looked down at me.  We stood there staring at each other for a minute and I realized I was still holding onto his arm.  Feeling self-conscious, I dropped my hand and wiped my clammy palm on the skirt of my dress.

“Thanks,” I said a little shyly.  Jordan gave me cute half smile.

“Anything for you, Mays,” he said quietly and I had to seriously suppress the urge to jump up and down.  This boy was my complete undoing.

“Thanks for helping out our girl, Mays.  But I think she could have handled herself.”  Olivia said a little cooly, appearing beside us.  I took a quick step back, making sure there was an appropriate amount of space between Jordan and me.

Olivia, flanked by Milla, was looking at me in a way that made me anxious.  I had to defuse this situation and fast.

“You're right.  I could totally have taken him.  But guys like Jordan have to step in and ruin our female empowerment, right?” Okay, so my attempt at lightheartedness was going down like a lead balloon.  Jordan gave me a funny look.

“Well, thanks again, Jordan,” I said one last time and then got the hell away from all of them.  I found Gracie in the back corner of the room, tangled around her date.

“Gracie, could you help me find the bathroom?” I asked her, looking away as I saw her tongue fly into the guy's mouth.  I stood there awkwardly for a few minutes before calling her name again.  She finally pried her lips from Eric's, a trail of saliva connecting them.  That was just nasty.

“What?” she asked shortly.

“Can you help me find the bathroom please?” I asked nicely.  I had to pee, but more than that I needed some girl talk.  If I didn't unload some of this bullshit going on with Jordan I thought I might explode.  And I trusted Gracie.  I knew she'd listen and not gossip behind my back later.

But I had caught her at a very bad time.  She gave me the look of death.   “I think you can find it yourself.  Later, Mays.”  She gave me a very pointed look before returning to the full examination she was giving Eric's tonsils.  Sighing heavily, I made my way to the staircase.  I figured going upstairs would be the best bet at getting some quiet.

I just needed a moment to get my whirling thoughts straight.  Jordan was wreacking havoc on my head and my heart.  One minute I was determined to do the right thing and stay away, the next he was making that very resolve next to impossible.

I hurried up the stairs and found the bathroom.  I splashed some water on my face and took a dozen deep breaths.  I can do this!  I am not a slutty backstabber!  I chanted to myself.

When I thought I had composed myself enough to return to the party, I opened the door.  And ran smack into Jordan.  My hands flew up in front of me and I braced myself against his chest.  His hands came up and gripped my upper arms, holding me in place.

In my wedged sandals, I was almost at eye height, and it was nice to look at him without getting a crick in my neck.  I tried to move to the side to let him by.

“It's all yours,” I said, motioning to the bathroom.

Jordan didn't let go of my arms. Instead he pushed me backwards so I had to stumble into the bathroom.  He flicked the light on and closed the door behind us.  I backed up into the wall and stared at him.  I was acutely aware of the fact that we were in a tiny space.  Alone.  Together.