“I know that, you douche. I just wished you’d told me.”
I gave him a winning smile and earned myself another punch in the arm. I gave it a rub as Jaeda swatted Elliot on my behalf.
“What is your problem?” Jaeda pointed at the kitchen. “She’s a sweetheart.”
“Who asked for a full tour of my house when she arrived. Who does that?”
“She did?” My insides hitched. I don’t know why they did, but the two identities thing was playing havoc with me. I kept coming back to the fact that Dani was somehow a liar. What kind of liar was the part I was uncertain about. Shit, what if she was some kind of con artist, here to rip off my best friend. Maybe she was just using me to get to Elliot.
“She didn’t ask for a tour, numbnuts. I offered her one.” Jaeda rolled her eyes at Elliot. “Mr Paranoia. You’re not going to be like this all evening, are you?” She leaned against Elliot, her red curls resting on his shoulder. “Please, Elly. Be nice. Please.” Jaeda’s cute pout matched her child like voice and Elliot soon caved with a smile.
My coiled stomach unwound a touch as I slid past them towards the kitchen. Having avoided her all day, I knew I wouldn’t get away with it now. Why had she come tonight? I thought for sure she’d bail.
My breath fled as I spotted her in the kitchen. If she wasn’t so beautiful this whole thing would be a hell of a lot easier. She was in tight jean shorts with a loose checkered shirt that covered most of the denim pants. Her long, muscular legs were on full show and damn, they were hot. I started at her bare feet and worked my way up to her fly-away strands of hair. They were tucked up in a messy knot, showing off her angular jaw.
Her teeth popped over her bottom lip as she sliced a carrot into thin strips.
“Like this?” She pointed with her knife.
“Perfect, my little assistant.” AJ beamed, kissing the side of her head like a father would.
She laughed and pushed him away with her elbow. “So what else are you gonna put in there?”
“I’m thinking garlic, a little oyster sauce, a touch of salt. It doesn’t need much, the vegetables speak for themselves and dad gave me a really nice cut of beef.”
I leaned against the open doorway, watching them work. AJ was humming some operatic piece, making Dani grin. As if sensing my gaze, she glanced at the door and her face lit up. It was like looking at sunshine and I couldn’t help but smile back.
“Hey, you feeling better?” The way her soft voice lilted over the words, sounding genuine with concern, broke some of the hardness I’d been carrying around all day.
“Yeah, nothing a nap couldn’t fix.” Now who was the liar? “Sorry I’m late.”
She just smiled, her blue eyes dancing as if seeing me looking better was the best thing that could have happened to her today. Was I just imagining this stuff? She seemed so genuinely into me sometimes and it made me want to forget about tomorrow.
“Carrots please.” AJ reached for the board, which Dani deposited into his hands. She went up on tiptoes, to watch him throw them into the wok.
The pan hissed and sizzled.
“Man, that smells good.” Dani took a slow luxurious sniff and smiled. “I’m famished.”
“Sweetie, you’re always famished.” AJ grinned.
She blushed, dropping back to her heels and patting him on the back. “Only for your cooking.”
“That’s because he’s the best.” Liesl appeared from the other doorway, wrapping her slender arm around his large waist. She looked so petite beside him. Her brown eyes sparkled as she gazed at him, their noses touching before she went on tiptoes to give him a kiss.
Dani scratched her neck and shot me a bemused smile. I rolled my eyes and beckoned her into the dining room. She followed without hesitation.
Elliot and Jaeda were already seated, Jae’s purple painted lips on overdrive.
“It’s a good idea. Everyone will like it. Don’t be such a party pooper.”
“What’s Elliot pooping on now?” I slid out a chair for Dani. Taking a seat beside her, I looked across the table at Jaeda’s delighted smile and Elliot’s droll gaze.
“Jae wants to play Trivial Pursuit after dinner.”
We were always split over the game thing. Elliot was a movie freak and would always rather be in front of a screen. Jaeda, the socialite, preferred constant interaction. She usually pushed for loud games like Pictionary and Charades, but I’d be up for Trivial Pursuit. I loved that game and couldn’t help wondering if Jaeda chose it so that I could shine in front of Dani. I was the knowledge nerd in the group. As a kid, I read encyclopedias for fun. I had every copy the Guinness Book of World records, dating back to the early ‘80s when my dad started collecting them, and my favorite channel on TV was Discovery. I tried to keep that one to myself, but my friends soon found out and I was quickly labeled a knowledge nerd. I took it all in my stride, knowing their jibes were only in fun.
After dinner they’d all be hankering to be my partner. When it came to Trivial Pursuit, they fought over me like parents in a custody battle.