Hooked Up

Chapter 17 - Jealousy

Landon's fingers wrap around my upper arm and he pulls me off the Latino, who looks taken aback.

"Sorry, señor," he raises up his hands. "I didn't mean no trouble."

"You didn't," I tell him, scowling at Landon, who doesn't look at me but glowers at the other guy. "I'm sorry about my friend." The guy nods and disappears in the crowd.

"What the fuck, Landon?" I turn to him, wrenching my arm free. "What the hell did you do that for? I was having fun."

"Yeah, I noticed," he scowls. "A little bit too much, don't you think?"

I take a step back. "I'm allowed to do whatever hell I want, with whoever the hell I want. The last I checked, I'm still single. And I wasn't even doing anything other than dancing." I emphasize the last word, narrowing my eyes.

"Looked a bit more than that to me. I'm just shocked you still have all your clothes on."

I flinch as if he'd hit me. "Is that so?"

His eyes soften a little as if he regrets his words. I don't give him a change to apologize.

"I'm not your property. Nor am I the slut you obviously think I am," I spit and push him back. He falters, taking a few steps backwards. I stalk off, shaking my head at Stella's concerned look. She obviously saw the whole thing.

I make my way through the crowd to the bar and order a vodka soda, which I down instantly and order a second one.

"What was that all about?" Nate comes to lean against the bar next to me, ordering himself a rum cola.

"What was?" I ask, trying to look clueless. He just gives me a look that says he's not stupid.

"Is there something going on between you and Landon?"

I avoid his eyes, not knowing what to say, my hands starting to sweat. "No."

"Avery..."

"Look, we're not dating, okay?" I snap. Regretting my tone, I take a deep breath and remind myself it's not Nate I'm angry at. " So don't worry. I'm not getting between your friendship."

"Not what I was worried about," he says, taking a sip of his drink. I look at him surprised. He gives me a small smile.

"I'm not stupid, you know. I've seen you two these last few days. And while I wish it was anyone but my friend, I actually think you'd be good for each other."

"What?" I can't wrap my mind around it. Nate would be okay with us dating? His best friend and little sister.

He rolls his eyes, as if I'm dense. "It's obvious. You're the only one not seeing it. Or you're just denying it."

I look down, hating how well he knows me. "Yeah well, it doesn't matter now. He's an ass."

Nate chuckles. "Sometimes. But you have your moments as well."

I open my mouth, shocked. "Hey!" I slap his shoulder playfully. "You should be on my side!"

He laughs. "I love you, but you can be hell of a stubborn when you want to."