If I Only Knew(31)

Save us all and just kill me, it would make this whole thing easier.

“So, if you guys aren’t a thing, do you mind if I . . . make a move?”

Now I’m confused. If she’s engaged to Darren, how the hell is she going to make a move when she’s got a big ass rock on her hand.

“But you’re engaged you said?” I say it as a question because . . . huh?

She giggles obnoxiously. “Of course I am, but what Darren doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

That’s a real solid foundation you’re building there, Kandi. This conversation is starting to weigh on me. To make it end, I grab my bag, “Milo will probably be looking for us. We should get going.”

“Yes, we definitely don’t want to keep Milo waiting,” she sighs and then walks out with me behind her.

I hate her, I’ve decided. Why does she care so much about him? Because he’s good looking? That’s dumb. She’s known him a few days and suddenly she’s all over him? Does she know about his father? About how hard it was on him when his brother moved here? Nope, that would be me. I doubt she even knows his last name, but she’s sure excited to drop her drawers and let him in.

“There you are.” Milo’s smile is wide as I approach—without falling I might add. “When you were in the loo, Darren was telling me about his affection for cars.”

“Oh, Darren could talk cars all day,” Kandi smiles. “I have other things I’d rather do with my time.”

I’ve always been envious of women who were forward. Nicole, for example, is someone I’ve been jealous of. She’s confident, sexy, doesn’t give a damn what others think, and goes after what she wants. Kandi reminds me a little of her, only she’s gross. Because she seems to want Milo.

Why that bothers me is not a point I’m willing to think about right now.

She’s not even trying to hide her flirting. Right in front of everyone, she’s hanging on her fiancé, but staring at Milo.

“Should we get a table?” I ask.

“Danielle, I didn’t realize you were such a fox.” Darren’s eyes linger just a bit too long.

Are they swingers or something? Maybe this is an agreement they have, an open relationship. But no thanks. This is the most bizarre encounter I’ve ever had. Now I wonder what exactly Milo told Kandi in their gym sessions about whatever fake relationship he and I have.

“Thanks, I think.”

Milo wraps his arm around my back, his fingers digging into my hip. “We’re lucky men, aren’t we? To have such spectacular women on our arms? And don’t let Danielle’s beauty fool you. She’s bloody brilliant too. You’d be wise to listen to her ideas.” He gives the man a pointed look.

When Darren starts talking to Kandi, I lean in and tell Milo, “Way to lay it on thick. Think he got your meaning?”

His hand slides around to my belly and he turns me so we’re almost chest to chest. “Darren is the kind of man who likes to feel important. Butter him up and make him think you’re his friend, and he’ll show you how important he is by doing you a big favor.”

I press my hand to his chest, to anyone else, we look like a couple, being affectionate. “If this doesn’t work, this entire miserable night is for nothing.”

“I certainly wouldn’t call tonight miserable. And if this doesn’t work, I’ll quit.”

I look up to see if he’s lying, but his eyes are unwavering. “You’re that sure?”

He nods, bringing his hand up my bare back and my stomach drops. “There’s only one thing I’m unsure of about tonight, but it’s not him.”

There’s another meaning behind his words, but I don’t trust myself to question it. I’m the world’s worst flirt. I have no idea if that’s even what he’s doing or if I’m imagining it.

“What are you unsure of?” I ask.

His fingers ride along my spine and I swear my knees are going to give out. Milo’s arm goes around me when I buckle a little. “Nothing anymore,” he grins at me and now I know. He’s flirting. He’s really flirting, and he’s very good at it.

“Well,” I clear my throat and take a step back. “Happy you’re all . . . knowing and whatever.”

“Milo and Danielle,” Darren calls. “Let’s have a few drinks.”

He moves so his hand can touch my skin again. “Yes, let’s do that.”

The walk over to the table feels like miles. Each step my heart races faster, knowing I have to now pretend I’m his date or it could be because he realizes I’m not as unaffected as I thought.

When did this change?

When did I suddenly look at Milo and not want to knee him in the balls, but instead, see if his beard scratches when we kiss?

“What would you like to drink?”

“Water please,” I say to the waiter, wanting to stay sober. No way am I going to follow in my two dumbass friends’ footsteps and drink. Kristin and Heather both own the t-shirts on that. I’ll stick with sober and fully in control.

“We see who is the sensible one out of this lot,” Milo jokes and then his hand is behind my chair.

The rest order drinks and I sit back as the men discuss cars.

I start to sing “Ninety-nine Bottles of Beer on the Wall” to keep myself from going crazy. When I get to sixty-two, Kandi takes matters into her own hands.