The Naughty List (The Naughty List #1)(18)
Author: Suzanne Young

Kira spoke for me. “Tessa was born in the skirt. She’s a natural-born leader. Pure Sex Kitten.” Chloe choked on her milk.

I straightened up. “It’s Smitten—”

“Holy shit.” Chloe laughed in her low, gravelly tone. “Did you just say Sex Kitten?” I clenched my jaw.

“Yeah,” Aiden said, leaning toward her. “It’s a pretty funny story. Everyone calls them that because a few years ago, the Ducks came to town to play us and the point guard found the squad irresistible—especially Tessa.” He turned to me and winked. “So, since they cheer for the Wildcats, he started calling them the Sex Kittens. The name sort of stuck.”

“Ew, it came from my old school?” She laughed and then looked at me. “You know that name is completely offensive, right?”

My jaw was beginning to hurt.

“Yeah,” Leona said from the end of the table. “If I was here then, I would have kneed that Duck in the balls.”

“Inappropriate,” I whispered.

“That’s the thing.” Aiden laughed and turned back to Chloe. “Tessa said if she didn’t let it bother her, it took away the Ducks’ power. That was from Oprah. Right, baby?”

I nodded.

“So she took their power. And I don’t know if you’ve ever seen one of our games, but when the Ducks are here, it’s pure entertainment. As soon as the girls stand up on the sidelines, their starting five have all sprung hard-ons.”

“Aiden,” I said, slapping his leg. There was no need to talk like that. Especially in public. Dressed.

“I’m sorry, Tess. I just think it’s hilarious when any guy thinks he has a chance with you.” He grinned mischievously.

Christian coughed and shifted in the seat next to me.

My face tingled. Was Aiden acting possessive? I’d never heard him say anything like that before.

“Don’t be mad,” he whispered, looking over at me. “I’ll be a good boy.” He licked his lips, taunting me. Daring me to be mad at him. Not possible.

“And how long have you lovebirds been together?” Chloe asked, sounding annoyed. My eyes darted to her. I didn’t like her tone.

“Two years,” Aiden said, leaning over to kiss my arm and look up at me devilishly. I could see his hands slowly inching down his thighs toward me. He was so naughty.

“Stop,” I mouthed to him.

He made a face, scrunching his nose. Then he pulled up, kissed my cheek, and went back to his veggie burger.

“That’s a long time to date,” Chloe said, looking down and picking through her lunch tray. “You must be so sick of each other.” She glanced up at my boyfriend. And smiled.

I gasped. Kira dropped her spork. “Chloe?” she asked. “That is not a nice thing to say. Are you effing with Tessa?” Finally. The voice of reason. And it belonged to Kira. Go figure.

Chloe looked around innocently, touching dramatically at her throat. “God, no. I’d never f**k with a Sex Kitten. You guys are obviously badass.”

Okay. My heart was racing. I didn’t fight and I didn’t swear, but I would raise my voice if I had to.

“Goodbye, Chloe,” Christian said forcefully.

I didn’t look at him; I had his sister’s brown-eyed glare locked in my own. She was right about one thing. Nobody effed with a Smitten Kitten.

“Whatever,” she said, standing up and pushing her tray to the center of the table.

Her attitude needed to be seriously adjusted. In fact, her overall personality needed a makeover.

She narrowed her eyes at me. “See you around, prez.”

My lip curled for a split second, but I caught it. I wouldn’t have wanted anyone to know she’d gotten to me. I batted my eyelashes at her and smiled. “Have a nice day.”

Chloe flinched like she’d been slapped. Take that. She thought she’d break me. Fat chance. I was a tougher cookie than I appeared. It would take a lot more than a crude word to get me to stoop to her level.

“Goodbye, Aiden,” she said sweetly to him, reaching out to touch his arm when she walked by him.

My. Blood. Boiled.

I dropped my head, taking a deep breath before looking back up at the table. No one saw my temporary loss of perkiness. But when I shot a sideways glance at my boyfriend, he was rubbing his arm. The spot where he’d been touched. There was a dull ache I couldn’t identify. Cap’n Crunch! Was it doubt?

I felt a hand on my back. I swung around.

“I’m really sorry,” Christian said quietly, squatting down behind me. “My sister can be a real bitch—”

I rolled my eyes. Come on with these cussers!

“Brat,” he said quickly. “She’s a real brat sometimes. I’ll talk to her. Make her apologize.”

“Thank you, Christian,” I said cordially, not unaware that his fingers were massaging my vertebrae. I looked nervously at Aiden, but he was staring down at the table, still rubbing his bicep. I swallowed hard and stiffened my back, waiting for Christian to unhand me. He didn’t move.

“Let’s go,” Aiden said to the entire table just as the bell rang. He was up and staring down at Christian and me before the ringing had even stopped. He didn’t look jealous. He looked fine. I blinked quickly. Maybe he should be a little jealous.

“Nice seeing you again, Chris,” Aiden said, grabbing my backpack off the cafeteria floor. I stood, letting Christian’s hand fall from my body. My fingers were trembling from the altercation with Chloe. Coupled with Christian’s need to touch me, this had been a very odd lunch.

“Yeah, you too,” Christian said, eyeing my boyfriend.

I slid my hand into Aiden’s as we began to weave through the tables on our way to the hall.

“By the way, it’s Christian,” Christian called from behind us.

“Right. Sorry,” Aiden replied, but didn’t turn around.

I smiled. Maybe he was jealous. I held his hand a little tighter.

SOS INTENT TO INVESTIGATE

CASE: 045

CLIENT: Mandy Morgan

SUBJECT: Travis Murray

This is the SOS official notice of intent to investigate Travis Murray. The client has accused Mr. Murray of “stepping out with his ex.” It is unclear whether the subject had terminated his previous relationship or “gone back for seconds.” The investigation will begin in 48 hours.

If you wish to cancel this investigation, please text a stop work order to 555-0101. Stop orders must be placed within 24 hours of this written notification.