Slow Play (The Rules #3)(55)

“Uh. We’ve actually not had sex yet,” I admit, regretting it the moment I see the expression on Gabe’s face.

His eyes look like they’re bugging out of his head. If I weren’t so annoyed, I’d find it downright comical. “Are you f*cking serious? Damn it, I wish Shep was here. He needs to hear this.”

“Don’t tell him anything—” I start but Gabe shakes his head, cutting me off.

“I have to tell him. It’s my duty as his friend.”

“You’re an *.” I scowl at him but he just starts laughing.

“So are you. Guess we’re equal. You know we’ve been waiting for this moment though truthfully, I never thought I’d see the day. You can’t keep it in your pants. We’ve said this. You’ve said this.” His laughter dies. “This has nothing to do with that bet you made with Shep, does it?”

“How the hell do you know about that bet?” I forgot all about it.

“Shep told me.” He hesitates for a moment before letting it all out. “If that’s the only reason you’re seeing her, then that’s f*cked up.”

“The reason I’m seeing Alexandria is none of your goddamn business but just so you know—it has nothing to do with that bet,” I tell him vehemently.

We’re still arguing when the girls return to the table, Lucy tactfully changing the subject and forcing us to quit our bickering. Swear to God, I feel like Gabe and I act like an old married couple sometimes. Shep has said more than once he believes we’re secretly gay for each other.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that but Jesus.

“Do you have Thanksgiving plans, Tristan?” Lucy asks. I’ve noticed she’s like a little mother, wanting to take care of everyone. Even me, though I don’t deserve her kindness, considering what an ass I was to her when she first started coming around.

I shrug, glancing over at Alexandria before I answer. She’s ducking her head, checking her phone real quick. Huh. “The usual. Spending it with the parentals. How about you?”

“I’m going to my mom’s. Gabe’s going with me.” She smiles at him and he slips his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in close. “We’re going to make him lots of food and fatten him up.” She pats his flat stomach.

“Her mom is the best cook ever,” Gabe agrees.

“How about you, Alex?” Lucy turns her attention to Alexandria. “What are your plans?”

Alexandria lifts her head, her expression guarded. “Um, I have no plans. I’ll probably just end up staying here.”

“Oh, you don’t have family close by?” Lucy frowns, concern written all over her face. I know she doesn’t like the idea of her being alone during the holiday.

I don’t either.

Alexandria shakes her head but says nothing.

Odd. She doesn’t talk about her family ever. Only the brief mention about her mom owning the Sex and the City DVD set. Otherwise, nothing. Rather mysterious—and unusual. Girls love to talk their heads off about everything and nothing. At least the girls I’ve spent minimum time with. Not that I have room to talk.

I don’t share that much about my parents either, mostly because I don’t like them. Or worse, I’m afraid I’ll grow up to be just like them. Maybe she feels the same way.

So I guess that’s not so odd after all.

“I’d invite you to come with us but my mama’s house is so tiny. Only two bedrooms and she makes Gabe sleep on the couch,” Lucy says, the disappointment clear in her voice. Then she brightens. “Tristan, you should invite her to your parents’ place.”

Panic clutches at my heart, puts it in a stranglehold. I don’t want her around my parents. Bringing her with me not only says this is serious business but shit. My parents suck. I don’t want her meeting them and thinking, is this how Tristan will be later on in life?

Gotta play this off and quick.

I laugh but it’s halfhearted at best. “What and torture her? I don’t think so,” I mutter, shaking my head.

Lucy glares. Gabe sends me a, you’re a dumbass look. But hell, that’s the truth. She doesn’t need to go to my f*cked up holiday dinner where Mom won’t make turkey because it’s fattening and Dad might never show up at the table because he’s too busy working. I’m trying to reel this girl in not drive her away.

“It’s okay,” Alexandria says, offering a timid smile. “I’m probably going to dinner at Steven’s house anyway.”

“Wait, what?” I turn to look at her, trying to tamp down the irritation that rises within me at hearing that jackass’s name. “You’re going to Thanksgiving dinner at Steven’s house?”

She shrugs. “His parents don’t live too far. Kelli and I are going with him. He didn’t want us to be alone.”

How did he know she was going to be alone for the holidays when I didn’t? How often is she talking to this guy? I think he’s over at her house every day. He has the perfect excuse since he’s friends with her roommates and now supposedly trying to move in on Kelli. But who knows if that’s for real.

I don’t like him spending so much time with Alexandria. At all. But how can I protest without looking like a jealous *? I can’t. So I’m stuck.