Our Little Secret

Chapter 3

Richard laughs loudly at my expression. "Don't be too hard on him, he is a good guy, you just have to give him a chance."

"Thanks, but I think I'll pass."

Richard raises his hands in defeat and gives me a polite smile.

"So, how do you know Jack?" I ask him.

"First time we met was at a mutual friend's party and after that, we ran into each other every now and then on other parties. Let's just say that our paths have crossed enough times for us to become friends."

I give him a nod. "You don't seem to be the same type of a guy though." I point out carefully, taking a sip of my coke.

Richard chuckles put his elbow on the table and rest his chin in his hand. "No, maybe not, but we do get along very well."

I scoff. "You should be happy about that."

His sitting position makes me locked on the spot. He blocks the way out with his body and his head is turned my way. Suddenly Richard's eyes wander along my body, making me extremely uneasy. Is he checking me out?

"You know, if he tries to do anything to you just shove him off."

"Uh, okay." I mumble uneasily and take a big gulp of my coke this time.

It will soon be finished if I don't stop drinking and we haven't even gotten our food yet.

I look over to the pool tables and see that it is Jack's turn. He has his back towards me and bends over to get better aim, showing his bum directly at me.

The worst part? I can't look away.

My eyes are glued to his perfect behind.

Richard is talking to me about something, but I barely notice him. Jack makes his strike and the ball eases down the hole without any problem. Therefore, it is still his turn and this time he walks around the table. He is still in my eyesight, but this time it's his face that I get to study.

Hannah and Daniel are standing beside the pool table and flirting with each other, at least that's what it looks like. She drags one of her hands up and down his arm and flashes a smile every now and then. Daniel barely even focuses on the game. He is probably getting his ass kicked, I think smugly and feel victorious for Jack.

Once again Jack leans down to take aim and I study him closely. His dark, messy hair looks almost black in the reduced light, which makes the restaurant much cozier. His dark eyes room over the pool table, figuring out the best way to make the shot. He then positions himself, but before he makes the shot, his eyes shoot up and meet mine. They blaze into mine and I start to blush. It feels as if though he knows I was watching him.

We keep the eye contact only a short time, then Jack focuses on the ball and takes the strike. Once again, the white ball hits a striped one that eases down one of the holes and he gets yet another turn.

"Sarah?" Richard's voice makes me snap out of my staring. I have completely forgotten to listen to him at all. Blushing even more, I meet his gaze and feel guilty.

"Sorry?" I mumble and glance towards Jack again, but he has his focus on Daniel.

"I asked if you have a boyfriend?" Richard repeats and meets my gaze. I start to blush even more at his question and let my gaze stay on my drink.

"Um... No, not really."

"Not really? What? You have something going on with someone?"

"Well, no." I say slowly and take another sip. All the coke has made my bladder full and I am in serious need of the toilet.

"Could you excuse me? I need to find a restroom." I say before he can bring the whole boyfriend subject any further.

"Of course." Richard answers and stands up to let me out. I thank him and quickly get out and follow the sign. The toilet is on the first floor, so I start climbing the stairs, deep in thought about Richard. He's starting to seem a bit off.

Feeling confused, I finish my business and quickly look and fix myself in the mirror before heading downstairs again.

Richard has joined the others at the pool table and he has taken Jack's place in the game. Hannah stands nearby Daniel while he plays, which is quite hard since he moves around all the time to get a good aim. Jack, on the other hand, has taken a seat on the other pool table, watching the game.

I don't want to sit alone at our table nor stand awkwardly beside as they play their game, therefore I walk over and stand next to Jack with a good amount of space between us. He gives me a bored look and then continues to watch, in return I let my gaze drop the floor.

"So, is spying on me as fun as you thought it would be?" Jack asks, breaking the silence.

"Need I to remind you that I am not here because I want to, but because I have to?" I point out dryly.

"Oh right, you have to be here." He mocks my voice. "Honestly, Reed, how stupid do you think I am? If you actually didn't want to be here you wouldn't, this only proves that you are interested in my life."

My jaw drops at his statement. "Interested? In your life?" I laugh loudly. "Please!"

"Why would you otherwise hang with a bunch of people that don't like you and only seek to piss you off?" Jack's words hit me hard and make me flinch.

"Why would I be here willingly? Do you think I am an idiot?" I hiss angrily. "Don't answer that." I quickly fill in, blushing.

Jack only smirks triumphantly and turn his attention back to the game. It is first now that I realize that everyone else has been paying attention to our little conversation and Hannah is smirking at me. I groan inwardly and let my gaze fall to the floor again.

How long am I supposed to endure this?