Playing Hard to Get(57)

The moment he’s gone, I’m on her.

“Is everything okay with you two?” I ask.

She nods, smiling. “He actually apologized for not talking to me since Saturday night. Said he’s been busy.”

“Do you believe him?” I raise my brows.

“Even if it’s not true, at least he acknowledged it. That’s all I wanted.” Her eyes narrow the longer she looks at me. “What about Knox? Please tell me he said something to make up for what he’s done.”

“He apologized.” I nod. “I also complimented him on his dick size.”

Her jaw drops open. “Seriously?”

I burst out laughing. “Seriously. We’re leaving together.”

“Whaaat?” She steps closer, her voice lowering. “I thought he was celibate or whatever.”

“I guess he is. I don’t know. He asked if I wanted to leave with him and I said yes.”

“Oooh.” She holds out her hand and I give her a high five. “Get it, girl. That boy is so fine.”

“Don’t remind me.” I roll my eyes, ready to launch into a speech about how I can’t believe he’s interested in me when she grabs me by the shoulders, giving me a shake.

“And don’t start on that, ‘I’m not good enough’ garbage. You are gorgeous in that outfit, and he knows it. Plus, he’s already seen how smart you are, how freaking kick-ass you are, and here he is, ready to take you home and work his sexual magic on you.” Her is gaze full of pride, and the faintest hint of envy. “You are so lucky.”

“I am?”

“This is what you need.” She squeezes my shoulders before hauling me in for a tight hug. “I’m excited for you.”

“It might just be a hookup,” I say into her hair, my voice muffled.

“Ah, but what a hookup it will be, with Mr. Big Dick Energy, Knox Maguire.”

I want to die at what she just said…

But she’s not wrong.

“Hey.” Knox appears, as if we conjured him up with the big dick energy remark, his smile just for me. “You ready to go?”

“Sure.” I pull out of Natalie’s arms and she turns to Knox, thrusting her index finger in his face. Considering he’s a foot taller than her—and me as well—it’s fairly humorous, how she’s wagging that finger in his face like a nagging mama.

“You better treat my best friend right, or I’m going to kick your ass,” she threatens.

“Nat,” I warn.

“I’m serious.” She glares at me over her shoulder before returning her focus to Knox. “I don’t care if you’ve got big dick energy and you’re the biggest stud on campus, she deserves to be treated like a queen.”

He’s smiling. I can tell he’s amused by her. I’m guessing he doesn’t realize she means every word she says. “I won’t disrespect your friend.”

“You better not. You already made her feel like shit enough.” Natalie drops her finger, resting both hands on her hips as her gaze slides from me to him. “And don’t forget to use condoms.”

“Natalie,” I chastise.

“Safe sex is important! I don’t care if you are on the pill. You don’t know where that dick has been.” Her gaze drops to Knox’s crotch. “Make sure you wrap it up, Maguire.”

Again, I want to die. I can’t believe she’s acting this way.

“I’m a big advocate of safe sex,” Knox reassures her, reaching for my arm and curling it around his own. “Don’t worry, Natalie. I’ll take care of your friend.”

“You’d better!” she calls after us as we start to leave the bar.

The moment we’re outside, I’m pulling away from him, shaking my head. “I’m so sorry. I can’t believe she said all of that to you.”

“It’s okay.” His smile is faint, and he wobbles a little on his feet. Considering how tall he is, if he goes down, he’s going down hard. “Shit. I’m a little drunk.”

I frown. “I am too.” I think of all that peach whiskey I consumed, then immediately shove the thought from my mind.

That stuff was kind of awful.

“We could get an Uber or whatever,” he suggests.

“Did you ever find Cam?”

“No, but I texted him and said I was leaving.”

“Did he respond?”

“Just sent me a quick text saying I should be careful. He’s such a dad.” Knox shakes his head.

“Aw, I think that’s sweet.”

“It can be a little overbearing sometimes.” Knox pulls his phone out and brings up the rideshare app, tapping at the screen before pocketing his phone once more. “The car will be here in five.”

I study him, shock coursing through me at the turn of events. “I didn’t expect tonight to end like this.”

“Like what?”

“With me going home with you.” I frown. “Are we going to your place or mine?”

“Mine,” he says firmly. “My apartment isn’t the cleanest though.”

Uh oh. “Please tell me you wash the sheets regularly.”

“I do.”