Read Online All the Wrong Reasons by J. L. Paul - Free Book Online Page A

turned away from them as I hit Lucas’s number and waited for him to answer. I hung up when I got his voice mail.
    “Voice mail,” I mumbled. I dropped my phone on the table and plopped on the sofa. “Well, you know what? I’m just going to go down there and see for myself.”
    Grinning, Bailey slapped me a hi-five. “That a girl. Fight for your man. Well, for one of them.”
    I rolled my eyes at her as I contemplated my wardrobe. I fingered the black dress hanging in the closet but decided to save it for another occasion. I didn’t even chide myself for thinking that because I knew it would do no good. There would be other occasions. At least for now.
    I decided on jeans and a button up shirt with a cami underneath. Not the sexiest thing but it would have to do. I didn’t want to look desperate.
    We arrived early and took our usual table. I ordered a vodka and cranberry juice right away. Laughing, Bailey hugged me.
    As soon as Lucas arrived, my body awoke. Every nerve jumped, every cell flipped, every internal organ bounced. A sexy smirk toyed on his lips as he helped his band mates set up for the show. I took it as a sign that he knew I was there.
    Once they’d set up, all three of them approached our table and drew up chairs. Scooting his chair between mine and Morgan’s, Lucas draped a casual arm behind me.
    “Ladies,” Collin said, his eyes so like Lucas’s my heart jittered. “I’m beginning to think that you’re groupies.”
    Leaning back in her chair, Bailey gave a derisive snort. “Nah, this is the only bar around that will serve us alcohol.”
    Spencer laughed, holding his belly as his eyes remained on Bailey. “Oh, you’re a pistol, aren’t you darling?”
    She lowered her lids as her lips slipped into a smile. “Want to shoot me and find out?”
    I rolled my eyes and turned my head in time to catch Lucas gazing at me, desire evident on his face. My bottom lips quivered as I longed for him to just take me in his arms, carry me to the mop water-smelling, filthy-floored storage room, and have his way with me.
    I wanted to ask him about Amber but I just couldn’t open my mouth. Bailey kicked the leg of my chair but I ignored it as I continued to gaze at Lucas.
    “So, speaking of groupies,” Bailey said, kicking my chair once more. I reluctantly turned my head away from Lucas to look at her. “You guys have quite the following at our school.”
    “Is that so?” Collin asked, eyes amused.
    “Yep,” Bailey said nonchalantly. “As a matter of fact, one of the girls in my class was bragging about having a date with one of you tonight.”
    Collin choked out a laugh. “It ain’t me. I’m grabbing a pizza and a case of beer after the show.”
    Grinning wolfishly at Bailey, Spencer scooted his chair closer to her. “I could have one tonight – if you just say the word.”
    “Please,” Bailey said as she turned her shoulder on him. She raised a brow at Lucas but before he could answer, the bartender shouted at them.
    Lucas kissed my temple as my heart slowly crumbled. He followed his brother and his cousin to the stage as I motioned for the waitress to bring us another round.
    Halfway through their first set, Bailey nudged me and nodded at a curvy redhead who sashayed her way toward the dance floor. She stood off to the side, near the stage, flirtatious smile on her lips.
    “That’s Amber,” Bailey shouted in my ear. Like I hadn’t guessed.
    I watched her more than I watched Lucas and I hated that little slut more with every passing minute. She was dressed in a short skirt, high-heeled leather boots, and a tight tank pulled over a cami. Sometimes she just stood, bopping along with the music but other times she danced provocatively with her friends.
    I fumed but remained silent. I didn’t need to speak, anyway, because Morgan and Bailey knew how I was feeling. Morgan patted my leg several times while Bailey glared murderously at Amber.
    When the show ended, I remained in my seat. Bailey