Ride It |Book 2|

Chapter 13

Beatrice's POV

I hook the earrings in my ear as I hurriedly try to shrug my jacket on at the same time. I don't know how I'm getting it done, but it's getting done.

I'm already running late and Cash is downstairs clucking like a rooster for me to hurry up.

"Bea!" He hollers. "Time is money! And you're broke!"

"Can I borrow $20 bucks!?" I call back, hoping for twenty more minutes.

"No! Get down here!"

I groan and quickly grab my purse. "I'm coming!"

I open my bedroom door and hurry out, crashing nose-first into a sturdy chest.

I gasp and look up at Bentley. He's in nothing but a pair of pajama pants, his hair messy.

He looks down at me with furrowed brows. "Where are you going?"

"Oh, uh, Cash is taking me to the bar with Vanessa and the others," I say, pointing awkwardly down the hall as I straighten up. I hesitate as I glance down at the casual jeans and baby tee I wore to match my boots. "How do I look?"

He rakes his eyes down my frame. I watch his Adam's apple bob before he returns his eyes to my face.

I nervously clutch my purse in my arm.

"You and Cash seem to be getting close." He doesn't answer the question. I can't help but deflate.

I nod slowly. "Yeah, we're friends now." Then I pause. Will he get the wrong idea? I quickly add, "he's like an annoying older brother. Do you want to come with us? It might be nice to have fun for a change."

He shakes his head. "I'd rather sleep tonight. Have fun, and don't drink too much."

I watch him turn and disappear into his bedroom and sigh.

Am I the stubborn one here?

"Bea! I'm sure whatever you're wearing looks great! Get your ass down here or I'm dragging you down!"

I roll my eyes and go down the stairs to meet him kicked back on the sofa with his eyes glued to the TV.

I slap the back of his head and grumble. "You don't even look like you want to leave the house. Why are you rushing me?"

He rubs the spot and sits up. "No need to ruin the hair."

"There's no one to impress, anyway." I shoot back, walking towards the door.

"Aren't you getting a bit too comfortable insulting me?"

I giggle to myself. "It's fun!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," he brushes past me to lead the way out. "Just promise me you won't drink too much tonight. I don't want a repeat of last time."

"Oh, trust me. I don't want that either."

"Good, let's go."

~~~

"Bea!" Vanessa grins as she sashays over with a can of beer already in her hand.

My eyes light up and I wave. "Hey. How've you been?"

"Could be worse," she stops before us and quirks a brow at Cash. "You haven't been replying to my messages."

Cash shrugs. "I've been busy. Ask Bea here." he slings his hand over my shoulder and nudges me.

I look at him curiously and see him subtly shaking his head. I take that as a cue not to mention his little depressive episode, and nod.

Vanessa glances suspiciously at us before rolling her eyes. "Whatever. Let's go. The guys are already at the table."