A Friendly Flirtation (Friends First #3)

by Christine Warner

  A smile fluttered across her lips at the idea of seeing him. She looked forward to it much more than she should. She pulled a pair of stretch jeans and a coral pink polo from the shelf in her closet. Couldn’t get much more casual than that.

  For some reason she felt on the cusp of hyperventilating.

  “It’s just Sunday dinner.” With Jared.

  Not like he’d never been there before. But in the past she hadn’t ever cared. Despite knowing nothing would come of it, she’d liked his attention and wanted him to keep noticing her.

  Maybe that she’d been so starved for male attention over the last decade had something to do with the nervous flutter in her belly. Or maybe that little voice in her head that told her she’d allowed a secret crush to develop for a man so out of her realm they might as well live on different planets could be blamed for her case of nerves.

  But heck. She liked his attention, and what was the harm in enjoying it? Cultivating it? It would be great practice for when she finally did start to date.

  Right?

  Right. It’s my story.

  She wanted to look good—and her attention strayed back to that little blue dress on top of the pile. No. Casual was the word of the day. They never dressed up for Sunday dinner. Her father and Nick would give her the third degree if she showed up in a number like that—and embarrass her in front of Jared. She ran her hand over her polo and frowned.

  The wooden dowel in her closet sagged and groaned as she flung hanger after hanger along its surface. Then she spotted it: the cute little tee she’d tried on first at the department store. The one that had caused Jared’s eyes to bug out, and maybe had been responsible for that little bead of sweat that formed on his forehead.

  Excitement built in her gut, and she hugged her middle.

  She pulled if from the closet so quickly the hanger swung back and forth and fell to the floor. Within seconds her arms flailed overhead as she worked her way into the tee, and then pulled on a new pair of jeans—the ones that hugged her ass—jumping up as she pulled them over her hips. A little tighter than the last pair, but they made her feel…

  Sexy.

  Do I really want to be sexy for Sunday dinner? She did today.

  She spun around as she buttoned the waistband and ironed out imaginary wrinkles with her palms. Looking in the mirror, she studied her reflection and smiled, touching the skin beneath her eyes—happy to see how wearing her contacts really brought the focus to her face instead of allowing her to hide. Margarite had been right, she did have nice eyes. She stepped back and put her hands on her hips.

  “Awesome,” she whispered. “Thanks, Margarite.”

  Even though she wanted to meet a special man, she couldn’t ignore the way her breath caught in her chest at the thought of flirting with Jared. All in the name of honing her skills.

  Sure. It’s still my story.

  She had to think of him as an excellent sparring partner. Nothing more. She wouldn’t allow herself to take their exchanges seriously.

  She would just have to keep reminding herself of that.

  ...

  The kink that had developed in Jared’s neck from looking nonstop at Al as she sat to his left was worth it. He’d been unable to take his eyes off her, and in order to prolong his inspection without drawing too much attention, he kept spooning food onto his plate and then into his mouth.

  She stood, reaching for her plate, more than likely ready to start clearing the table, because everyone had finished eating a while ago.

  “Pass me the green beans, will ya, Al?” He didn’t want her to leave yet. He wasn’t done staring.

  “Aren’t you about ready to burst?”

  “Never.”

  She shrugged. “I respect a man who goes in for seconds. And thirds, or even fourths.”

  “And today it looks like Jared is all about earning your respect.” Nick’s dry tone hit him between the eyes, but he pushed away his friend’s obvious annoyance by ignoring him.

  Allison lifted the bowl of green beans and, instead of passing it to him, spooned out a good-size serving and dropped it on his plate. Their shoulders bumped as she leaned over him, and they laughed, an uneasy sound that magnified the tension crackling between them. Because he knew, sure as hell, she felt the draw as much as he did. It’d been evident in the way she peeked at him from the side of her eyes when she didn’t think he noticed, and how her voice got all wispy and soft when she leaned close to make a funny comment while everyone else talked around them.

  She touched his shoulder, her fingers pressing into his skin. “Do you think that’ll hold you over?”

  He nodded, staring into her perfect brown eyes. Without her glasses they had endless depth and seemed more pronounced. Bigger. Softer. Mesmerizing. He shook off his thoughts, trying to control the unsteady rhythm of his heart. What the hell was happening to him?

  From the corner of his eye he caught Nick’s gaze narrowing as he pushed away his plate with more force than necessary, scrunching the tablecloth into the vase.

  “I’m glad you decided to buy some new clothes, Al, but isn’t the shirt a little small?” Nick asked.

  Jared felt the unease roll off Allison as her free hand fell to her side.

  “It’s the style, Nick. I’m just trying to fit in.”

  “Hmm, I still think—”

  “I think you look great, hon,” Allison’s dad, Neal, cut in as he leaned forward in his chair, rolling his coffee cup between his palms. His smile was indulgent and reminiscent at the same time. “You remind me more and more of your mom every day.”

  “Mom didn’t wear shirts like that,” Nick grumbled.

  “I’m not talking about her shirt or her clothes in general. I’m talking about her attitude.” Neal frowned at his son before turning toward Allison with a smile. “You look happy.”

  “I am, Dad.” Her eyes softened. She glanced back at Nick, opening her mouth as if she were about to speak, and then changing her mind.

  Gramps stood and grabbed his plate, planting a little kiss on Allison’s cheek. “Just remember, Allygirl, all the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of yesterday.”

  Allison closed her eyes briefly as Gramps patted her cheek, and then she shared a smile with Jared. Gramps’s little saying wasn’t lost on him, either.

  Allison cleared her throat. “Okay, I’m clearing the table, so everyone speak now or forever hold your peace.” She turned her attention back to Jared. “I’m mainly speaking to you. Do you want more potatoes?”

  “I’m good,” he said around a mouthful of green beans. He swallowed quickly. “How about I give you a hand?” It’d give them a chance to be alone—and more of a chance to stalk her with his eyes.

  Before Allison could answer, Gramps motioned for him to stay seated. “You take your time finishing. I’ll partner up with Allygirl. This will be the first time in a week I’ve gotten to talk to my lovely granddaughter alone.” He loaded his arms with dishes.

  “You sure, Gramps? I thought you wanted to take your time with your coffee.” Allison took some of his burden, adding to her own stack. “And didn’t the doctor tell you that you’re not supposed to be lifting so much with that shoulder?”

  “I’m coffee’d out, and doctors don’t know everything.” He grabbed a few more dishes off the table as soon as she turned her back before following her into the kitchen.

  Minutes later their laughter and muted conversation floated from the kitchen into the dining room. Jared speared his fork through a few more green beans. Over the years, Sunday dinners at the Halls had been something he’d looked forward to. Endless conversation, laughs, good food, all mixed in with a touch of hominess. He’d never gotten that as a kid, except from a few sitcoms on television, but in the Hall household it really existed.

  Too bad the glare accosting him from across the table soured his mood. A current of tension snapped between him and Nick, even though nobody else seemed to notice.

  A sudden crash from the kitch
en made everyone at the table jump. Gramps’s voice erupted in a steady stream of apologies, followed by Allison’s soothing tones. Neal was on his feet in a flash.

  “I better give them a hand.”

  The silence became deafening when Jared and Nick were alone. Their friendship had never demanded constant conversation, but this silence had become unbearable, and Jared shifted in his seat as he pushed the last of his green beans around his plate.

  Guilt ate away at him as all thoughts centered on Allison and how she looked in her tight jeans. Her ass. The way the denim pulled when she bent, or how it lay smooth over her thighs. How he’d watched her legs bounce beneath the table as they’d eaten. The thoughts of calming her nerves by placing his palm on her thigh. If only he had dared.

  He ran his hands through his hair, cupping the back of his head as he leaned into his chair with a sigh. He couldn’t even bring himself to meet Nick’s eyes, even though he could feel his friend’s gaze burning a hole right through him.

  Jared closed his eyes, only to see Al’s soft face, her dreamy smile, silky hair. He’d rode over on his latest buy—a ’48 Harley Panhead—and she’d look great on the back. She’d look even better pressed up against him as they soared down the highway. His body ached with wanting to touch her all during dinner, and the stress in his muscles from restraining himself burned.

  Too bad the bike was built for one. The seat barely fit his ass, let alone two. Next time…

  Nick shoved himself back from the table, the legs of his chair scraping along the wood floor. “So what’s the fucking deal with you and my sister?”

  And here it was. The conversation he’d known was coming. He’d hoped to avoid this talk for a while, preferably altogether. But not all wishes come true.

  Nick’s tone put him on the defensive. “Nothing’s up.” At least nothing you need to know about.

  He thought he had controlled himself enough so that his oldest friend—who knew him better than most—wouldn’t pick up on the fact that he couldn’t take his eyes off Al.

  He’d been dead wrong. Of course Nick had noticed. A room of blind men would’ve noticed.

  “Bullshit. You’ve been staring at her all night. And she’s been staring right back. All your little glances and whispered exchanges are enough to…” Nick leaned forward, thrust his elbows on table, and steeped his hands as he regarded Jared through narrowed eyes. They stared at each other for several seconds as Nick forced himself to calm down by taking controlled breaths. “I’m gone for a few days, and I come home to a sister I don’t even recognize. Makeup, clothes—shit, even her personality’s changed. I can’t help but wonder if you had something to do with this since it seems more than apparent you two are now best friends.”

  “Don’t tell me you’re jealous of my friendship with your sister?” Jared couldn’t help his cocky question. He also couldn’t help his shit-ass grin. He’d always been one to use humor when things got tense. Blame it on his childhood.

  Nick grimaced. “You’re a real fucking comedian. I don’t care if you and Allison are friends, I just don’t like the way you’re looking at her.” He forked his fingers through his hair. “Or the way she’s looking back.”

  Tension pinged across the table for several seconds before Nick took a breath. “Listen, man. I know you’re a good guy, you’re my best friend, my partner, but you have to stay away from Allison.”

  “Because nobody’s good enough for her in your eyes?” Jared challenged. “Someday she’s going to meet someone, and you better learn to accept it. She’s a grown woman, with wants, needs, desires.”

  Nick’s eyes sparked anger. “What the hell do you know about her wants and needs?” He growled from deep within his throat, standing to tower over the table.

  Jared stood, too. No way in hell would he let Nick think he could intimidate him. “Al asked for my help. At first, out of respect for you, I turned her down flat, but circumstances changed, and I—”

  “Should’ve kept your fucking nose out of our business. Allison didn’t need to change. She’s fine—”

  “Wake up. She wasn’t happy. She was going to make changes with or without me. With or without you. If you didn’t want her seeking help somewhere else, you should’ve helped her yourself when she asked.”

  Nick pounded the table with his fist. “Okay. You helped her. I can deal with that shit, but not with the way you look at her. What the fuck is going on with you two? Did something more happen than a little shopping spree?”

  Jared shrugged, trying to play it casual so things didn’t get any more out of control. Hell, he couldn’t even explain what was happening between him and Allison to himself, let alone try to clue Nick in. “Quit treating her like a kid. Why don’t you fucking listen to her?” And there goes casual.

  “What the hell does that mean?”

  “It means you disregard everything she says so you get your way. Why don’t you take the time to get to know her by listening? You might learn something, like the fact that she’s funny, interesting, smart…” His chest constricted, and he stopped himself. If he wanted to convince Nick nothing was going on, he better shut the fuck up.

  Nick’s glare turned to ice. “Bullshit. I listen.”

  “No, you don’t.” Jared’s focus shifted to the door that led to the tiny hallway and then into the kitchen, lowering his voice as he continued. “You bulldozed over her when she wanted to move; you practically chose her apartment.” He leaned forward, matching Nick’s steady glare. He’d had enough, and maybe he needed to hit the truth home. Allison was too softhearted and kind to lay it on the line with her brother, but Jared wasn’t. “Oh yeah, you didn’t practically choose her apartment, you did choose it. Along with her car, where she went to school, and the list goes on.” It was about time Nick took a hard look at himself and how he treated Allison. “She’s a grown woman, Nick. Why don’t you let her make her own decisions? She’s fully capable. Quit treating her like she isn’t.”

  “I’m just helping her. It’s not like she can’t make up her own mind.”

  “Then you aren’t paying attention. She wants so much to make you happy that whenever you ‘suggest’”—he air quoted—“she makes concessions so you won’t be disappointed. Or maybe because she doesn’t want to argue with you.”

  Nick’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t try to tell me what’s best between me and my sister. You’re not in a position to give advice. At least my sibling and I have never broken communication for any length of time.”

  His chest tightened another notch. Not only because of Nick’s words but because they’d never argued on this level before. And Nick had never used Jared’s family against him. He knew the sordid details, the hardships Jared had been through being alienated from his father and his oldest brother Omar. “Don’t even go there, Nick. You might not like the outcome.”

  The air crackled between them. Nick scrubbed his face and then folded his arms. “I love you like a brother, man, but I won’t have you chasing after my sister. You’re on totally different playing fields. She isn’t going to be another one of your flings. She’s off-limits.”

  “You’re crossing the line. We’re only friends.” The sound of blood rushing through his ears became deafening. Their eyes dueled across the width of the table. But was Nick really crossing the line? Maybe the one crossing the line here was Jared. He’d crossed the line of friendship with both Allison and Nick. The steel band around his chest tightened further, making it hard to breathe.

  “Don’t bullshit me. I’ve seen the way you look at each other. I respect you, love you, man, but I won’t have her getting hurt. And you, my friend, have the power to hurt her. Even if that’s not your intention. Al is steady, true, loyal—”

  “And you’re saying I’m not?” Jared’s blood boiled.

  “I’m saying you’re the quintessential serial dater. I’m saying I’ve seen you with one woman at dinner, and then another at dessert—on the same night. I’m telling you that Al is the type of w
oman who deserves someone who wants to be attached—to her alone, loves her from the depths of his soul, puts her above all else. Man, that’s not what you want.” Nick shook his head, his eyes pleading for Jared to see reason. “Don’t let your dick lead you astray. Leave my sister alone. She’s not as experienced or worldly as you and I. You’ll end up hurting her, and I won’t have it. You understand?” His voice grew dangerously lower with each word. “Allison. Is. Off. Limits.”

  Nick’s words crashed in around Jared. Confusion closed his throat and made it difficult to swallow. He rubbed his neck with such force his fingers ached. “I’d never hurt Al.”

  “Maybe not intentionally.” Nick’s shoulders sagged, and he pinched the bridge of his nose, jumping slightly when the dining room door opened and Allison appeared.

  Her smile wavered as her glance darted between Jared and Nick. “Everything okay? It feels a little thick with testosterone in here.” Her attempt at laughter came out tinny and unsure.

  “We’re good.” Nick moved forward and turned her back toward the kitchen. “Come on, we’ll team up on dishes like the old days.”

  The tinkle of her laughter filled Jared’s ears, and she shot him a concerned look over her shoulder as she walked out of view. He nodded and did his best to deliver what he hoped was an encouraging smile. As soon as they were out of view he fell back into his chair.

  Holy fuck. His heated words with Nick grated on him. Mainly because what he said was true. He couldn’t keep his eyes off Al, and he didn’t want to. He’d like nothing better than to see where things would go, but at the same time he didn’t want to hurt her.

  And his track record left a lot to be desired. But maybe things with Al would be different. He wanted what she wanted. Why couldn’t they have it together?

  For some reason, he could picture things with Allison turning out differently than with the women in his past. She was different. She made him feel different. Whenever they were together, he was more relaxed, more himself.

  He liked how she made him feel about himself.