“I’m sorry.” My throat constricts and I swallow.
“Okay.” She stares over my shoulder.
“Shit.” I shove my hands into the front pockets of my jeans. “I’m an idiot most of the time, and I make jokes. Because that’s what I do.”
Her chin lifts, and her gaze meets mine. “I thought you played guitar.”
“Yeah. I mean, sure.” I rock back on my heels and shrug. “But I’m the guy who lightens the mood when things get too intense. I don’t have a filter. At least, I’ve ignored it for a long time.”
“Well, I don’t think you’re funny.” She crosses her arms over her chest.
“Yeah, I’m getting that vibe.” I should win an award for self-control because I don’t allow my gaze to drop from hers once, even though her tits must look fantastic pressed together by her arms.
“Then why say shit you know is gonna piss me off?” She lifts a brow and I swear there’s a slight hint of a smile.
“Because you’re hot when you’re mad.” I chew the inside of my cheek.
She blinks as if I’m stupid. “Really?”
“It’s true! I’m not even kidding. It’s kind of a turn on how badass you’ve become.” I hold up my hands, because I’m being completely honest. “Can we have a re-do? I’ll try not to be an asshole, and maybe sometimes you can smile.”
She rolls her eyes, but her tone is light. “You really think that’s possible?”
“I mean, sure.” I wink and give her my most charming grin. “You’re totally fighting it right now. Come on. I know you wanna smile.”
“Oh, Austin.” She glances up at the ceiling and only then gives in to a grin. She shakes her head and meets my gaze. “What am I going to do with you?”
“I’d prefer something very, very dirty. But”—I quickly amend before she quits on the spot or punches me in the balls—“I want to get to know you again. I missed you, Jay. You were my best friend.”