Distraction (Westbrook Series Book 1) by Laura Clark Read Free Book Online Page A

Devon leans in close to my ear and whispers, "Do you want to take a walk?" It would probably make me shudder, if it were Sam whispering in my ear like this. Hell, even Trevor would stir something inside me, but it's like my body is in a coma with Devon.
    I can smell beer on his breath and he is wearing some sort of cologne. It smells good, I guess, but it doesn't make my knees feel weak the way Sam's scent does. Maybe I do need to get away from Sam so I can see if I feel anything more than friendship for Devon. I nod quickly and stand up. Devon slips his fingers around mine and takes my hand. His hands are as sweaty as mine.
    "We are going to take a walk," I say quietly to Sam.
    At first, he has a surprised look on his face, but then it quickly turns to concern. I try my best to tell him with my eyes that it's fine. He nods, but he doesn't look very happy about it. Deep down, I hope he is jealous even though I know it is absurd for me to think it. I'm pretending that my crush isn't one-sided. After all of these years of pining after him, I'm probably just delusional.
    "Don't stay away too long, Laila," Sam says in what seems like a suggestive way. He even winks and smiles at me, which makes my face immediately heat up. I'm sure I am about as red as my mom's salsa dish now.
    I try to gauge Devon's reaction. Sure enough, he looks a little irritated by Sam's obvious flirtation. I suppose it is a little rude to flirt with a girl when she is holding hands with another guy.
    Devon tugs at my arm gently, trying to move us toward the gate. Avery notices us holding hands and flashes me a big smile from across the yard. It might as well be big thumbs up with how obvious she is being. I'm sure this is not lost on Devon because the corners of his mouth turn up slightly as if he is proud. How embarrassing is that? She is so dead.
    We stroll down the street holding hands. I keep waiting for the sparks to fly between us, but I'm just not feeling it, and my hope is quickly diminishing. Our hands are still connected, but all I feel are his slippery fingers, and it makes me want to pull away.
    When we get further down the street, Devon stops and pulls me in closer until I am pressed up against his wiry chest. His arms are now wrapped around my waist and our bodies are close, but it feels wrong. It's as if we are two puzzle pieces that are being forced together even though it is clear that we don't fit.
    He is looking at me in a way that makes my skin crawl. It reminds me a little of how it felt right before Ricky Schrater kissed me.
    "You look incredible tonight, Laila," he says in a sultry way. I feel his rough, shaky hands brushing the small of my back. He keeps looking down at my chest and my legs, which is becoming increasingly annoying. I'm tempted to say to him, "Eyes up here, buddy," but I don't.
    "I really like you," he continues. He is leaning in closer and breathing kind of heavy, but he doesn't wait for me to reply. His lips are about an inch away from mine. The only thing I seem to be able to think about is how much he reeks of beer. Right before his lips connect with mine, I hear someone yelling from down the street.
    "Hey, Patterson. Where did you go? Are you ditching your own party?"
    I turn around and see Trevor jogging towards us. Devon lets out a frustrated sigh, and rolls his eyes while releasing me from his embrace. I have to admit, I am a little relieved to see Trevor. I wasn't sure how I was going to react to Devon kissing me, and now, I'm not so sure I'm ready to find out.
    "Trevor, this is Devon." My stiff introduction does nothing to ease the tension in the air.
    Trevor nods at Devon and then looks at me. He has to know that he is interrupting something, but I don't see any signs of regret or even a hint of apology in his expression. He doesn't seem to have any intentions of leaving, either. Even though I don't really want to be alone with Devon, this bothers me. Annoying me is becoming a bit of a theme with Trevor. It