Rhett (Rhett #1)(28)
Author: J.S. Cooper

“Who’s ready for a game?” I shouted exuberantly and flashed my million dollar smile as I made my way to the grass, ignoring the look I was getting from Clementine.

Chapter Seven

“We’re going to go to Outback.” I smiled at Jenny as we walked to my car. “I hope you like steak.”

“I’m a vegetarian.” She made a face as I opened the door for her.

“They’ve got salads.” I closed the door and walked around to the driver’s seat, feeling annoyed and thinking about Clementine going on another date with Elliott tonight. “Ready?”

“I guess so.” She sighed and played with her fingers.

“What’s wrong, Jenny?” I turned towards her and gave her my Rhett smile. “Aren’t you excited about our date tonight?”

“I just don’t think you care about my needs.” She pouted her lips.

“What needs?” I took a deep breath. I was not in the mood for another serious talk.

“I told you I like a guy to call me every day and to ask me out on a date, at least three days before we’re going to go out.” She gushed out. “You’ve never called me and you texted me last night for this date tonight.”

“I don’t see the problem.” I shrugged and started the car. It had been a mistake to text Jenny. The only reason why I’d asked her on the date was because I knew she was eager and Clementine had blown me off yet again. I was going to have to have words with Clemmie about letting Elliott take over her life. It was starting to interfere with my life.

“And I don’t eat meat.” She mumbled. “Why would you take me to Outback?”

“You can get salad anywhere.” I answered her, not bothering to hide my annoyance. “I can’t get steak at a salad bar.”

“We could have gone for seafood.” She mumbled back.

“I wanted steak.” I reached over and turned on the radio. I was starting to feel angry. Part of me wanted to drive Jenny back home and then call Clementine and argue with her. Maybe she’d even cancel her date. I just didn’t trust Elliott. I felt like he was bad news. He was taking over her life, trying to alienate her from her best friends. I was fuming by the time we reached the red light and I pulled out my phone.

“We need to talk when you finish your date.” I text her angrily. I waited for a response, but nothing came.

“The light’s green, Rhett.” Jenny touched my arm and I frowned at her.

“I’m going.” I revved the engine and slammed on the accelerator.

“You’re going too fast.” She squealed as I swung around a corner, but I ignored her. “Rhett, please slow down.”

“We’re here.” I snapped as we pulled into the Outback parking lot. I jumped out of the car and checked my phone. There was still no response from Clemmie.

“Hope you’re having fun.” I sent her another text and pushed the phone in my pocket. I looked around for Jenny and realized that she was still sitting in the car. “Girls.” I muttered to myself as I walked around to open the door for her. I watched as Jenny got out if the car, she was wearing a short black dress that exposed a lot of cle**age and a lot of leg. Her long blonde hair was hanging down her back and her big blue eyes were framed by luxurious black eyelashes. She gave me a hurt look as she stepped out and pouted her bright red lips again. I tried not to roll my eyes as I closed the doors. She was so obvious. I knew that even though I had put no thought or concern into the date, I could close the deal pretty easily. Maybe even in the back of the Mustang if I wanted. It would be easy as pie as I was pretty sure that Jenny was even easier than that.

“Ready?” I gave her a short smile, already ready to take her home. I had no interest in sex or a make out session with her. Her kisses had been pretty weak and wet the first time and I hadn’t really cared about getting a second date with her.

“I guess so.” She batted her eyelashes at me. “Though I’m feeling pretty cold.” She grabbed onto my arm. “Keep me warm, Rhett.” She cuddled up to me and pressed her body into my side. I didn’t respond as we walked into the restaurant, though I wasn’t my normal jubilant self.

“A table for two please.” I asked the hostess politely and gave her a huge smile. “And your number.” I winked at her.

“Haha.” The redhead grinned back at me as we made eye contact. I felt Jenny drop my arm and stiffen next to me. I smiled to myself. This was the easiest trick I knew to let a girl know I wasn’t interested. Only the desperados stuck around for another date when I openly flirted with another girl in front of them. “It’ll be about ten minutes, is that okay?” The hostess continued as she played with her hair.

“That’s fine.” I nodded. “The names Rhett, by the way.”

“I’m Candy.” She grinned back at me.

“I love to suck on Candy.” I slowly licked my lips and watched as Candy blushed. Then I heard Jenny gasp and I turned to her with a frown. “You okay?” I asked in a barely caring voice.

“No, I’m not okay.” She glared at me. “You Sir, are a rude, un….”

“Hi, a table for two please.” I recognized Elliott’s voice right away and froze. I turned around slowly and saw Elliott and Clementine standing behind me. Clementine was dressed in a short skirt and tight top. My eyes narrowed as I took in her appearance. She looked sexy as hell and that made me even more annoyed.

“Clementine.” I said her name softly and I saw her eyes widen in surprise and happiness for a brief second as she smiled at me.

“Rhett.” She walked over and gave me a hug. “Fancy seeing you here.”

“Date night.” I nodded towards Jenny and Clemmie gave her a small wave.

“Same here.” She grinned. “We’re so mature now. Going on date nights.”

“Uh huh.” I nodded, but didn’t feel as happy about it as she looked. “Hi, Elliott.” I nodded at the other guy as he gave me a small nod. “Why don’t we have a double-date?” I asked her quickly and then turned to Candy before Clementine could respond. “Hey, Candy, make that a table for four please.” I grinned. “We’re all going to sit together.”

“Sure.” Candy gave me a weak smile. I could tell she was put out that I seemed to be close to another girl.

“That’s cool, right?” I looked back at Clementine and she nodded.