Manfax (Winter Brothers #2) - Jacob Chance Page 0,10

attractive, I’ll pass on pursuing anything beyond a casual acquaintance.

“What’s the plan for tonight?” Adam’s deep voice penetrates my musings.

Glancing around the table, I wait for someone to answer, but everyone seems to be watching me.

“I’m talking to you, Rocky.” Adam jostles my arm with his.

Me? Well, that explains all their eyes on me. “I’ve got big plans.”

“Tell me more.” His voice lowers to a gravelly husk that I find extremely sexy. But I refuse to dwell on that fact. I’m only human, after all.

Instead, I reply, “I’ve got a hot and heavy date with my kindle.”

Adam looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind. “Can’t your book wait? You’re away for the weekend. We should all be going out.”

“I’m beat,” Danika interjects.

“Me too,” Rex quickly agrees.

“You two want to go screw,” Adam states. And on this one thing I have to agree with him. Rex hasn’t been able to keep his hands off my friend all day. And I’m thrilled to see someone so in love with her. She deserves to be happy, and Rex certainly puts an ever-present smile on her face.

An unwanted pang of jealousy washes over me. One that annoyingly niggles my gut and has me wondering why I’m feeling this way. I've never been the jealous type. Envying others for their looks, their income, who they fall in love with, or any other reason, isn’t in my make up.

I was raised by a hardworking, single mom who provided well for me on her own. My father and she divorced when I was ten, and I’ve seen him a total of three times since. My mom never took a penny from him—not that he ever offered to pay for anything. Once he left, she didn’t want him having a financial claim on me.

My mom taught me to stand on my own two feet and not depend on anyone else—especially a man—to provide for me. Everything I’ve accomplished is due to my own hard work. I haven’t been handed anything, and that makes me inordinately proud of myself.

So what if occasionally I get lonely.

So what if I sometimes wish I had someone to talk about my day with or massage my tight shoulders and neck at the end of my long work day.

It’s a small price to pay for the life I lead.

Besides, having someone to share those things with comes with a price that’s too high for me. I’m not willing to give up control of my own destiny, and there aren’t any men worth having that I’d reconsider my stance for.

“I’m not opposed to going out,” Violet jumps in, offering her surprising opinion.

Adam high fives her. “That’s what I’m talking about.”

“I’m on board,” Larsen agrees.

“What about you, Rox?” Violet asks, aiming her pleading gaze at me.

Dammit. I don’t want to spend any more time with Mr. Manfax than I have to, but how can I let my friend down? I can’t. “I’ll be the designated driver.”

Vi squeals excitedly. “You’re the best.”

“How much time do you ladies need to get ready?” Larsen inquires.

“We both need to shower, so give us an hour,” I answer.

“Do you need any help washing your back, Rocky?” Adam questions.

I can’t say his cheesy, predictable line is unexpected. I’d be more surprised if he didn’t ask.

“No, thanks. I’m a big girl.”

“Oh, I noticed.” His gaze lowers to my chest before climbing up to connect with mine. He winks.

Violet pops to her feet with obvious enthusiasm. From the covert glances she’s been shooting Larsen, I can tell she wants to take advantage of this opportunity to spend more time with him. And though I’m less than enthusiastic about how my night will go, I push my chair back and rise. These are the kinds of moments where you earn your friendship stripes.

Adam starts his truck and fastens his seat belt. “Unfortunately, there’s not much nightlife around here, so I’m taking you to one of our favorite places.” His eyes meet mine in the rear view mirror. A sinking sensation assails my stomach. I hope it’s not a premonition about this evening and what it’ll bring.

“Don’t worry, there’s plenty of alcohol where we’re going.” Larsen peers around the passenger headrest to the backseat of the extended cab where Vi and I are seated. He winks at my friend before facing forward once again.

Opening her eyes comically wide, Vi vigorously fans her face. I barely restrain the laugh battling to escape my lips.

A phone pings an alert somewhere in the front of the truck.