Chapter 146: Chapter Eight

Alec

“Hey, where are you going?” I gripped Nat's hand as she stood. Damn, but her dress was low in the back; if I were to stand directly above her and — her hand smacked me on the shoulder.

“Done staring?”

“Nope,” I said honestly. “If you don't want me to stare, maybe you should remove the temptation.” I thumbed the dress with my fingers and ran my hand up the side of her thigh.

She giggled nervously and shivered. I loved it when she did that — as if she couldn't control her body when she was around me. At least it made me feel like I wasn't alone in that regard.

“I, um, Alyssa and I have to check on some things for the party; we'll meet you back at the beach house.”

“Okay.” My eyes narrowed as I watched Alyssa, Nat, and Priscilla saunter out of the room in their killer high heels and sexy, short dresses.

“They're up to something,” Demetri said in my ear, scaring the shit out of me. I almost spilled my wine all over my white shirt.

“Yeah, they are.” I put the wine down. “But what? You think they have a surprise at the party?”

“Jaymeson,” Demetri called without looking to the left to even see if Jaymeson was there. “Come here.”

Jaymeson plopped down next to us and stole my wine. “Gentleman, how can I be of service?” He took a long sip.

“What do you know?”

Jaymeson began to choke.

“Come on, England.” Demetri smacked him on the back. “Bros before—”

We all sat in silence, tilting our heads.

“Women?” I offered.

“It should be ‘hoes,’” Jaymeson said dryly. “But I figure the first time I say that around you guys or the girls I'll get run over by my own car, so let's just leave it at that, shall we?”

“Spill.” I demanded.

“Nothing to spill.” He looked away. “The girls have a surprise for you — they needed my help, and I never say no to a damsel.”

“That we know.” Demetri snickered. “You never say no to any chick, or is it that they never say no to you?”

“Both ways.” Jaymeson waved us off. “It works both ways.”

I rolled my eyes. “So we find out tonight.”

With a laugh, Jaymeson shook his head. “Ah, well, let's just say you guys owe me big for my help in the matter, and that's all I have to say.”

“Why?” we asked in unison.

“You're welcome.” Jaymeson stood. “Now, we should get going if you want to see what your girls have been up to for the past few weeks.”

“Oh, that.” Demetri stood and stretched. “Alyssa's been studying at the library for some — Damn, I'm an idiot.”

“Yeah, I was waiting for that one.” I chuckled, then paused. “Wait. Does that mean Nat hasn't really been going to yoga?”

Jaymeson grinned. “You'll see.”

I pushed both guys out of the way as I made my way out the door. Cameras flashed, I smiled, and by the time I finished answering questions, thirty minutes had passed.

Sweating, I put the jeep in drive and made a beeline toward the beach house.

“Maybe,” Jaymeson whispered so I almost didn't hear him, “If I ever found a girl who would do this for me… maybe then.” His smile fell. I put the car in park and opened the door.

“You never know, Jaymeson.” I slapped his back.

“But I do. And that's alright.” He nodded and then the old Jaymeson was back as he laughingly led us into the house.

What the—? The entire house was pitch black.

I couldn't see a thing. Demetri ran into me and then all of a sudden Jaymeson was gone.

“Are we going to get murdered?” Demetri whispered.

“Yes, by the girls we love. I can see the Hallmark movie now.” I said it with more conviction than I felt, because to be honest, I was freaked.

They said “after party” I thought dessert and wine or something, not a pitch-black house with an eerie feeling about it. I moved to turn on the lights when I heard a loud noise.