I hear Bull over my shoulder and I screw up my face mocking his dour look I know he has right now. I don’t need to look to know it’s there. The girls automatically start laughing and I join in, but quieter.
“Have you and Dragon set a date yet?” I ask because I know they’ve been talking about it and I’m anxious to get the conversation off of me.
“We were hoping for Valentine’s Day, but that’s not going to happen,” she says her face hid behind her hair. She’s looking down at one of her nails like it holds the secrets of the universe.
“Why not?” I ask.
“Dragon’s being a jerk,” she grumbles.
“What do you mean?” I ask confused, because I’ve seen them together and he seems to dote on her.
“He won’t ask his men to wear monkey suits,” Dani explained.
“It’s just for one day. I don’t see what the big damn deal is! I mean really, I’m pledging my troth to the big dummy!” Nicole complains.
Dani busts out laughing and it’s so hard that she’s snorting. Eventually, we all join in.
“What the fuck is a troth anyways?” Dani asks wiping tears from her face when we finally stop.
“It’s like you’re pledging your loyalty,” I explain with a grin.
“It sounds like something you hold for a pig to eat out of,” Nicole says with a giggle.
“You could always let him eat you and get him to agree to the suits while he’s busy with other things on his mind,” Dani says sagely.
“Um… if Dragon is going down on me the last thing I’m going to be thinking about is other fucking men and what they’re wearing,” Nicole explains.
“Maybe you can compromise,” I suggest, blushing, because her words immediately bring to mind a picture, but it’s not her and Dragon I see. No, it’s me and Jacob and my body instantly reacts.
“Compromise?” Nicole asks and I look down because I’m afraid she can see the fact that I’m thinking of Jacob. Realistically I know she can’t, but still…
“Yeah, have them wear black slacks or something with a dress shirt.”
“I personally think a man looks sexy in a suit,” Lips grins and her eyes lock over at the table. I look up and see Six giving her a knowing smile. It’s a look a couple gives each other when they are close. I want that. I’ve only read about it in books and seen it between my parents and now among my new friends. I don’t think I’ll ever have that. I want it, but being totally real, I can’t see me getting it with Jacob and I can’t see myself opening up to anyone else. Maybe someday, but I am starting to really doubt that. If a man can hate you and you still want him, there’s not much else you can do.
I must have sighed aloud, I don’t know but I sense the change of vibe with the girls around me.
“Carrot, he’s not worth it,” Dani speaks up.
“He might be to her,” Lips defends.
“He has a lot of stuff he needs to work through,” Nicole adds quietly and I don’t know why, maybe I am wrong, but it seems like she knows more than the rest of us.
“He hates me,” I say the simple truth that everyone is avoiding. Secretly, I’m hoping they will argue. They don’t.
“There’s other fish in the sea,” Lips says. I look at her and she still watching Six, but this time I can tell Bull is also in her line of vision. I swallow feeling out of sorts. I like Bull. I really do and a girl would be crazy not to return whatever feelings he had for her. He is an amazing man. Only thing is, I don’t like Bull that way and even if I might someday? It would never work out, because of Jacob. They are as close as brothers, they even call themselves brothers.
“Maybe I could just refuse to give him sex until he caves and gives me the wedding of my dreams,” Nicole says changing the subject and I’m thankful. She leans back over to hold my hand in support.
“Bitch please, all that man has to do is say Mama and your panties catch on fire,” Dani replies.
“He’s started letting you wear panties again?” Lips ask, with a drawl.
Nicole flips her off and more laughter ensues.
“Alright women, we better be heading back. Drag will flip if Nicole is out after dark,” Crusher announces.
“He ain’t wrong,” Lips adds. Nicole just shakes her head, but I notice she doesn’t argue.
They pack up and I follow them to the door.
“Ladies first,” Dani speaks up trying to walk out the door in front of Crusher who has already started out.
“Don’t see a lady around,” Crusher replies, making sure he goes through the door first.
“You’re such an ass,” Dani complains following him.
“You love my ass.”
“You think all women love your ass. Later, Carrot!” She calls over her shoulder. Lips gives me a hug and follows her.
Nicole stops at the door and turns around and hugs me tight.