After the Ex Games (The Ex Games #4)(10)
Author: J.S. Cooper

“Why didn’t you say?” I followed him to the corner of the room, where his bar was. “I’ll have a double, neat.”

“You girls want anything?” Brandon called over and Katie made a face.

“To be called women.”

“What?”

“Nothing. Give us two rum and Cokes.”

“Someone’s looking to get tipsy.” He grinned and she laughed.

“It’s a good thing I don’t need a ride home.”

“I know someone who’d be willing to make sure you get home safely.”

“Sure you do.” They laughed and stared at each other for a few seconds, and I could see the love in both of their eyes.

This was what love was. I couldn’t take this away from Brandon. He had a family now and I couldn’t break that up because I wanted to come clean. I had to wait until he was ready.

“I’m not drinking.” Meg shook her head and yawned. “I have an early day tomorrow. I’m going to go and see if I can find any leads on Nancy. I don’t want a hangover to delay me in the morning.”

“That’s smart.” Katie nodded. “No drink for me either. I’ve a feeling I shouldn’t be drinking right now anyways. Do you want me to help you tomorrow, Meg?”

“No, I’m just going to go to the library. Do some research. See what I can find out about David and Maria.” She bit her lower lip and the room went quiet.

“Meg, I told you I have a private detective on the case. He’s been searching for the last two weeks. Let’s see what he can find.” The words came out of my mouth smoothly, and I watched as Brandon filled the crystal tumblers with the silky brown liquid.

“I know, but after everything…” She gave me a look. “I want to know more about David.”

“I see,” I sighed and cringed as I felt Brandon giving me a murderous look.

I hadn’t told him that I’d told Meg about the letter. I knew he wasn’t telling Katie anything. He didn’t want her to panic. I thought he’d been more hopeful than I had these last two weeks. We’d heard nothing from anyone, and it was easy to just exist in our own microcosm of the world. It was easy to pretend that the end of the world wasn’t looming. However, the letter and the bullet had changed all that. Now things were suddenly a lot darker and much more sinister. We were more than just targets to bring down. We were targets to kill.

Katie spoke up and turned on the TV. “Let’s watch Identity Thief.” She was the only one in the room who had absolutely no clue that everything was completely off. “Let’s not discuss Maria tonight.” She rubbed her eyes and stretched. “Forgive me, but I’ve had more than enough of both Marias. I just don’t know if I can deal with any more.”

“I agree. Let’s just relax tonight.” Meg gave me a naughty smile. “I think we all need to just relax tonight. We’re all safe. Let’s just enjoy the evening. We can worry about everything else in the morning.”

“Yes.” Brandon handed me my drink. “We’ll discuss everything in the morning.”

***

“You guys can lie down if you want.” Katie smiled at Meg and me on the couch. She was snuggled on Brandon’s lap, and he was stroking her hair.

“That’s okay.” Meg shook her head and adjusted her legs for about the tenth time.

“Seriously, Meg. You guys can spoon. It’ll be more comfortable.” Katie paused to laugh as Jason Bateman chased Melissa McCarthy on the screen. “You might enjoy the movie more.”

“We’re enjoying the movie,” Meg protested.

“I haven’t heard a laugh from either of you.”

“That’s because the movie’s not that funny.” Meg laughed then and I squeezed her hand tight. I loved hearing the sound of her laugh. It was throaty and bubbly and it stirred my emotions every single time.

“Whatever.” Katie rolled her eyes. “I’m choosing the next movie.”

“What did you decide on?” I said, worried she’d say something like The Notebook or something equally heart-wrenching.

“I thought we could watch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” She laughed as Brandon groaned and then continued. “Joke. I want to watch a movie called Damage. It stars Jeremy Irons, and it’s super hot. It’s about this man who has an affair with his son’s fiancée.”

“Way to spoil the movie.” Brandon tickled her.

“No, no, that’s not a spoiler. Trust me. You find that out at the beginning. It’s a good movie. Very exciting and shocking. Brandon, stop.” She giggled. “Trust me. It’s good. The ending is jaw-dropping.”

“Oh God.” I rolled my eyes. “Don’t tell me. All three of them end up in a relationship together?”

“No.” She shook her head. “It’s even juicier than that.”

“What happens?” Meg asked, sounding intrigued.

“Let’s just say, the ending is unexpected. That’s all I’m saying. We have to watch it first.”

“Fine.” Meg jumped up. “Where are your blankets? If I’m going to make myself comfy, I’m going to need to be warm as well.”

“Let me show you.” Katie got up and walked towards the door.

“I’ll keep you warm.” I grabbed ahold of Meg’s hand and pulled her back to me. “I know plenty of ways.”

“I’m sure you do.” She kissed my cheek. “But I don’t need that kind of warmth now.” She walked back out of the room and I stared at her long legs as she swayed.

Damn, she was sexy. I sat back and tried to ignore my growing cock. Shit, I was hard. I couldn’t even concentrate on the movie. All I could think about was making love to her. I just wanted to go to bed. To be fair, I didn’t even need for us to do it on a bed. A thought crossed my mind and I paused, grinning to myself.

“Don’t be stupid, Greyson.” I muttered to myself. “You can’t do that.”

“What?” Brandon mumbled up at me.

“Nothing.”

“We need to talk tomorrow,” he hissed at me. “I don’t know what you told Meg.”

“I just told her about the letter. Nothing else.”

“What if she tells Katie?”

“She won’t.”

“Greyson, I swear I’m going to tell her. I just need to figure out how.”