I reach over tentatively and rub his back. He looks up, curious. “Stop beating yourself up about last night. It happens sometimes. At least you didn’t pass out drunk in your roommate’s bedroom.”
“You slept in James’s bed?” His expression changes. He looks horrified. “Did you two hook up?”
“No,” I assure him. “I accidentally fell asleep and he covered me up. That’s all.”
His dark eyes look like I smacked him. “Don’t play with me like that.”
“What’s the big deal?” I take my hand off his back and fold it on my lap. Otherwise I’ll keep rubbing, and rubbing…“James is a sweet guy.”
He doesn’t look any better. He sits back and rubs his face. “Stay away from him,” he says. “That’s the big deal.”
I recall his words from last night. I’ve wanted to kiss you since I answered the door. Is Kent jealous? I immediately dismiss the idea. That wouldn’t make any sense. We barely know each other. Plus he was drunk. “My point is we all do stupid things when we’re drunk. I forgive you for manhandling me in the parking lot.”
He groans. “Raina.”
“You were actually kind of gentle. I expected caveman out of you. Not gentle.”
He peeks at me. “I was?”
“Mhm. Although,” I start to say, but he reaches over and covers my mouth with his hand.
“Enough,” he orders gruffly, “I fucked up. I get it. Stop reminding me.”
I gently extract his fingers from around my mouth and hold on to his large hand, cradling it in my lap. “But you’re adorable when you’re embarrassed.”
He gapes at me. “Raina,” he warns again, this time softer. “I’m not even. I don’t do adorable.”
“You’re doing it right now.”
He huffs, even more embarrassed, impossibly even more attractive to me. “Is this punishment for last night?”
“No,” I answer, releasing his hand before I bring it to my lips. “This is.” I punch his shoulder. “I mean really, Kent?” I open my mouth to continue, relishing in the mixture of irritation and embarrassment on his face, but the waitress waves us over to our table.
“That’s us,” he says hoarsely, grabbing my elbow.
I have half a mind to tell him I can walk there myself, but the feeling of his fingers wrapped around my skin distracts me. We sink into our chairs opposite each other and open our menus. The delicious, rich smell of pho swirls around us, making me ravenous. I scan the menu, wanting everything on the list. I don’t think Kent would be able to afford it.
“Kent?”
“What?” he says, his tone nervous.
“You’re a full time student?”
He relaxes, pleased that I’m not bringing up last night. “Yes.”
“What are you studying?”
“Business. My dad owns an e-commerce company and in order for me to work for him we made a deal for me to take business in college. In exchange he pays my bills and tuition.”
“What company?”
He looks away. “Bid&Buy.com.”
I gasp so loud the tables around us glare. Kent does as well.
Bid&Buy is an internet company where sellers can post their merchandise online and buyers place bids on it until the auction time closes. It’s one of the largest up and coming ecommerce companies. There’s very little slack and getting ripped off is virtually impossible with Bid&Buy acting as the middle man. It saves people money and makes them money at the same time. That’s a combination for success in this world.
“Wow,” I whisper. “That’s incredibly disappointing.”
“Disappointing?” He laughs as if he expected a different reaction. “Why?”
“Because you’re rich. It makes so much sense. Your daddy’s paying your bills and you don’t have to worry about money. That’s why.”
“I’m not rich yet. My father is. That isn’t fair. He pays my share of the rent. That’s it.”
I look down, unnecessarily pissed off by his reveal. “Why doesn’t he pay the entire thing?”
“Because I’m not Scott,” he grumbles. “Dad wanted me out of Tampa, so he convinced me to go to school in Jacksonville. He wanted me away from the family. The least he can do is pay my bills.”
I get the distinct feeling he isn’t telling me something. His bitter edge is far too bitter for his expression. “Who is Scott?”
“My brother,” he sneers, face pinched and fists clenched.
“Is Scott their favorite?” I guess, trying to make sense of his animosity.
“Scott can do no wrong. In fact he does wrong all of the time, but I’m the asshole for calling him out on it. My parents want me to keep my mouth shut. I guess being in Jacksonville is