Hellion, a New Adult Romance Novel(17)

 

“You could be the new CFO,” she says, smiling along with me.

 

“I could definitely work there,” I say, getting excited about the idea. “You’d hire me, right?”

 

“Of course. As if you’d have to ask.”

 

“What’s the pay? And what are the benefits? Can I get medical and 401k? And I’d need coverage for Jersey too. He’ll be my dependent.”

 

She laughs. “You’ll get the whole package, don’t worry. So what’s the deal with you and Mick?”

 

And just like that, she bursts my bubble.

 

“No deal.” I shrug and look out the side window. I feel like an empty balloon, sagging all over the front seat.

 

“Could-a fooled me.”

 

“How so?” I ask, still not looking at her. I’m cool. I can do this.

 

“He spent practically the whole day with you. I hear he went to the doctor with Jersey and even had dinner at your place? He’s like the frigging crown prince of LA or something the way he’s charmed himself into your life.”

 

My whole mood deflates. “Tell me about it.”

 

Teagan pulls up to a stoplight and turns to look at me. “What’s wrong? Why are you so bummed? Was he rude? Did he fuck with Jersey?”

 

“No, no, not at all.” I rush to explain because I don’t want her thinking something bad about the guy. “He was a total prince, like you said. Seriously. He was good with Jersey and my parents loved him. I think they’re ready to sign the adoption papers, actually.”

 

“Fuck me. He’s usurped me as favorite friend of Quin, hasn’t he?”

 

“Good word,” I say, smiling.

 

“I got that app you told me about. That was the word-of-the-day today. I told myself I’d drink a shot of Southern Comfort if I could work it into a sentence before midnight.”

 

“Cha-ching. Where’d you get the money to pay for said shot?”

 

“Paycheck.” She’s smiling like a fool when she pulls away from the light.

 

“Sleeping with the boss. Nice.”

 

“Hey, I earned that money.” She smacks me on the thigh. “Don’t be hatin’.”

 

“I know, I’m just messing with you. I’m proud of you, little tadpole. You did good.” I reach over and pinch her cheek. She hates when I do that.

 

“Yeah, I did, didn’t I? Stuff’s still up in the air with my dad’s company and the police and all that, but I think it’s going to work out.”

 

“And you have Rebel. Don’t forget that part.”

 

She says nothing. She just drives with a goofy look on her face. I love that she’s so happy, but it makes me just a little jealous. And then I hate myself for not totally embracing her moment and flying right along with her.

 

“So, you guys are moving in together when?”

 

“Next week. He’s convinced we need to find another place. Mick’s taking over his apartment to save money so we need to find somewhere else to live since the Golden Legacy is not an option. We’re going hunting this weekend. Luckily he’s paying for it until my crap is figured out.”

 

“Oooo, I want to come hunting with you!”

 

“You can.” She pulls into the club parking lot. It’s already packed and there’s a line around the door. Luckily we get a VIP spot right in front of the building, courtesy of the club’s part-time bouncer, Rebel. “I’ll text you when I know the details. I don’t think Rebel’s that interested in going, so we can do it together. He trusts me to do it.”

 

I should probably be a good friend and continue the conversation, but my heart has started beating faster as my nervousness takes hold. I’m going to see Mick any minute now. I pray my fake eyelashes don’t start coming unglued.

 

“You okay?” Teagan asks me.

 

I realize she must have shut off the engine a while ago because it’s been silent for too long. “What? Oh, yeah, I’m fine. Where’s the foam finger?”

 

“Seriously, you look like you’re about to walk death row or something.”

 

I play it off. “Yeah, right.” Opening the door, I put my leg out. “Come on. Stop playing. I need to get my twerk on.”

 

“Please don’t,” she sighs out.

 

We skip the line and go right to the front. Several people who are waiting to get in start complaining, but when Teagan starts swapping spit with her main man, who tonight is acting as a bouncer for his friend who owns the club, they shut up pretty quick. That’s right, bitches. I have a VIP pass to the hottest club in LA. Check this.