Slow Play (The Rules #3)(48)

I probably should’ve never told her everything that he said to me, but I was at a low point last night. High on ice cream and invigorated by Carrie banging the very married Mr. Big—such a bad move on her part—but her bad move made me feel less guilty for wanting Tristan despite every stupid thing he does and says. There’s no hope for that guy. Or for us. I know this yet…

I’m not ready to give up on him. This means I’m crazy. I have to be.

“He’s all talk and no action,” I remind her.

“He’s showing you a little action via text,” Kelli points out.

“Again, all talk. There’s no action beyond him typing.” I’m suddenly tired. And no longer interested in talking about Tristan with Kelli. We’ve already gone over this. “I’m going to bed. Don’t drive home tonight, okay?”

“You’re going to leave me all alone with the guys?”

“You’re a big girl.” I pat the top of her head. “Have fun. Make a move on Steven but don’t go too far. He startles easy.”

“Shut up.” Her expression turns solemn. “I won’t leave tonight, I promise.”

“Good. If you want, come sleep with me. My bed is way more comfortable than that couch.”

“Are you trying to hit on me?” Kelli asks, blinking innocently.

“Shut up, you wish.” I shove her.

“Thanks, Alex. You’re a good friend.” She embraces me in a sloppy hug and I hug her back, clutching her close before I let her go. “Good night.”

“Night. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” I tease.

“Which is a whole lot of nothing,” Kelli calls after me as I head toward my room.

Isn’t that the truth?

My phone dings and I grab it, smiling when I see who the text is from.

Hi. :)

Her first response of the day and it comes in at—I check the time—eleven-thirteen. Unlucky thirteen just turned into my favorite number.

How was your date?

I forced Kelli to tell me where Alexandria went tonight and she finally confessed—reluctantly. Those two were becoming close. It was sort of scary.

I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Smiling, I consider how I should answer.

Let’s not lie to each other. Did you have fun with Steven?

Her response is almost immediate.

We decided we were better off as friends.

I grin. I can’t help it.

Why?

Because he’s hot for Kelli and Kelli’s hot for him.

Say the f*ck what? I can’t imagine Kelli with the quiet, blood-thirsty Steven.

Are you serious?

Yeah. They’re crushing on each other.

So where does that leave you?

What do you mean?

Are they in the house together?

Yeah. Playing video games.

Uh huh. That’ll soon become code for getting their f*ck on.

Where are you right now?

In bed.

I immediately imagine what she could be wearing. Preferably nothing. Though those little shorts and that thin tank would work too.

And what are you doing in bed?

Watching SATC.

????????

Sex and the City. Carrie and the girls are my favorite, especially right now.

Scrubbing a hand over my jaw, I wonder what she’s implying.

Why right now?

Their bad choices help me justify mine.

And what sort of bad choices are you making?

Hmm, I don’t know. Texting you?

She thinks I’m a bad choice. And she’s right. That’s exactly how she should think of me. This sort of thing gives me hope. Convincing me that hey, maybe I won’t hurt her. Because that’s the last thing I want to do. I’m not in this for the long run and she needs to realize that quick.

I can suggest a few more bad things we could do together.

I bet you could.

I could show you, too.

I’m sure. Are you going to try and give me the big D?

I burst out laughing. She will never let that go. What sucks is that line has worked. More than once.

Do you want the big D?

Not tonight.

My heart races at those two innocent words. They give me hope. Make me want to do something crazy.

I want to see you.

But it’s so late.

I don’t care. I’m coming over.

Tristan I don’t think so…

Yeah. I won’t try to give you the big D. We can just talk.

Talking gets us nowhere.

Okay fine we’ll make out. It’ll be awesome. See you in ten.

I leave the house before she can convince me to stay.

I toss another piece of bark at Alex’s bedroom window as hard as I can but it just pings against the glass and lands in the rosebushes. I knew I hated those stupid rosebushes for a reason the first time I saw them. And it’s not like I can throw rocks at her window. With my luck I’d probably break it and make her mad.

So I stick with the bark.

The nervous energy bubbling inside of me is making me agitated and I pace, telling myself I’m being stupid by trying to get her attention this way. I could just knock on the damn door. Walk inside, say hi to the guys, ignore the smirk on Kelli’s face that I know will be there and head to Alex’s bedroom.