Cheesy on the Eyes by Teagan Hunter Page 0,3
who ruined a four-year-long relationship I was certain was heading for a lifelong commitment with his inability to keep it in his pants.
“Jaden,” I force out through gritted teeth.
The tension is palpable, and not an ounce of it is sexual. There’s bad blood between us, that much is clear.
Jaden clears his throat. “Thea, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Casey.”
“Oh, did things with Liz not work out? Pity.” I paste on a brave smile, turning to his girlfriend, who doesn’t deserve my wrath. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you, Casey.”
She gives me a small smile, obviously uncomfortable with this entire exchange. “Likewise.”
“And you are?” Jaden brazenly asks the stranger, without any pretenses.
“Oh, gosh. Where the hell are my manners?”
The stranger slides from the booth, standing to his full height.
I wasn’t paying attention to his stature before, but standing next to Jaden—who is no small fry—this man looks like a giant. He has to be at least six foot three, if not taller.
He sticks his hand out to my ex, towering over him. “I’m Sullivan.”
Sullivan? Huh. Interesting.
“Sullivan.” Jaden tries the name out on his lips, glancing down at the outstretched hand with distaste but doing the right thing and slapping his palm to it.
“Yep. I’m Thea’s boyfriend.” Sullivan grips his hand tightly, using his other one to cover them and shaking Jaden’s firmly enough to knock him off-kilter. Then he turns to me, that same smirk from before making his lips curl with mischief. “But hopefully more soon.”
He tosses me a wink, and I try not to glare at him.
“Jaden. Nice to meet you.” He clears his throat, dropping his eyes to where Sullivan is still clasping his hand tightly. With one last squeeze, Sullivan lets go. My ex scans between me and my supposed new boyfriend, eyes curious and untrusting. “I, uh, wasn’t aware you were dating anyone, Thea.”
“It’s new.” I shrug.
“New but already talking about marriage?”
“What can I say?” Sullivan answers for me, his bright white smile looking so damn genuine it’s almost scary. “When you know, you know, right?”
“Uh, right. Sure.” Only Jaden doesn’t sound sure at all. If anything, he sounds a little jealous, not that he has any business feeling that way.
“Well, it was nice to meet you, Thea.” Casey gives the stranger a shy grin. “You too, Sullivan. We’re meeting some friends for lunch, and I see them waving us over.”
“Oh, sure. Don’t let us keep you waiting.” Sullivan waves them on. “I’m sure our pizza will be out any second.”
“You eat pizza?” Jaden questions me. “Since when?”
My mouth goes dry, eyes widening.
Fuck. We’re caught.
“Dessert pizza. My girl’s got a sweet tooth I need to help satisfy. Right, babe?”
I’m shocked at his correct guess, and so damn thankful for it too because Jaden’s lips tip up in a small smile, looking at me fondly.
I used to crave that smile, used to miss it so much it hurt.
Now, I’m just annoyed by it.
“I remember those days. She’d turn into an ogre if she didn’t have her sweets.” He snorts. “Good luck with that beast.”
Without another word to us, Jaden directs his girlfriend—who is polite enough to throw us a sympathetic smile—toward their friends.
When he’s out of earshot, I breathe again.
“God, that was close.” Sullivan exhales heavily, clambering back into the booth, scrubbing a hand over his face. “Look, I’m just gonna say it—you dodged a bullet with that one. Guy is a total douchebag.”
“How would you know? You just met him.”
“I can read people. It’s a gift—or a curse.” Sullivan lifts his shoulder. “Whichever.”
“Right,” I say slowly, watching as he sinks lower into the booth, getting comfortable.
He drags a menu from the holder at the end of the table, propping it against the table in front of him. His eyes scan the pages. “Did you want to do the Brownie Cosmo or There’s Cookie All Over My Pie? Both sound damn good right about now.”
I blink at him.
Is he serious?
He continues to scroll over the menu, dark brows pinching together as he looks the options over.
When I don’t answer, he peeks over the menu. “Thea?”
Thea.
Oh hell. His deep voice caresses my name just as effortlessly as his finger touched my palm.
He waves a hand in front of my face. “Earth to crazy lady.”
I snap out of my haze, shaking my head and clearing my throat.
“Sor—” I catch myself before I apologize, because I have nothing to apologize for. What the hell is he doing? “What are you doing, dude?”
He grins at the moniker. “It’s Sullivan,