Chapter 24

The Lies Between Us

24 - Boys Night

"Uh, ehem."

Tait unwillingly turned his head towards the owner of the coffee shop.

"Look, I'm a fan and I'm happy both my idols are dating but if you guys are just going to make out, don't you think you should book a hotel room or something?" The guy smiles politely his dimples showing on both cheeks.

Tait wasn't happy. He glared like a menace to the kind man despite his good manners.

"You think I actually give a shit?" He laughed without humor but his smile froze when Lisie started collecting her things.

"Er, it's cool. Actually, we're about to leave."

Tait looked at her pleadingly - disappointed of himself for being a coward. He wanted her lips like he wanted the smell of his favorite scent. This attraction of him he feels towards Lisie was getting more and more difficult to control like any moment, he could snap out of it and just kiss her. He didn't want to get to that point where he wouldn't care if she likes him or not. Because if that happens he'll only disappoint himself.

And this was what's missing in his relationship with Yana. He didn't use his head and most of the time, he lets his emotions rule him.

He was clenching his jaw as he makes his way to his car.

His usual approachable face now looked hostile that the paparazzis are having second thoughts if they'll come near them or not. He can hear Lisie answering them good evening as she follows him closely.

The tension inside the car only thickened as the silence grows between the two stars. Tait was balancing his breathing, slowly inhaling and exhaling, trying his best to control his lust directed at the person beside him.

It eventually works but then Lisie decided to put on her hand lotion that smelled divine.

For Tait, one of the biggest turn on for him was a lady's sweet and potent smell. His nose is the most sensitive part of his body and it works like a double edged sword.

He turned to her hastily meeting her eyes. The lady only equaled his glares, and as if answering his unsaid question, she said, "My hands are dry because it's chilly."

She innocently offered him the lotion. "Want some?"

Tait cursed ignoring the offer. He started the engine speeding away from the lot not caring at all when one paparazzi complained about getting killed.

"I'm starting to think you're some kind of a witch." He muttered confusing his passenger.

...................

Jeremy was getting impatient waiting for his friends at Regal's. He wasn't always this preoccupied. In most days - like the busiest ones, he never once get agitated over work. In fact, he never worried about work at all.

He got his vodka from the waiter, drinking it straight up when he remembers what happened between him and his girlfriend last night.

When it comes to Rian, he always sees to it that his girl got what she needs. He tries his best to be that boyfriend she will be proud of. And right now, she's his most special priority.

He's got mad respect for her that he even honors her 'no sex before marriage' rule. He's got no problem with that since he's gotten over his sex drive when he started to take their relationship seriously. He's got needs but he doesn't mind the abstinence if that means keeping her.

Except last night, when he took things a bit too far.

He took another glass from the waiter's tray and shot it straight to his throat.

He can't forget how Rian was like after they did the holy act.

It was quiet inside his neat and minty room at the penthouse. He was still shirtless and his back was leaning on the head board watching his girl get her scattered clothes. None of them dared to utter a word. When Rian was already inside his bathroom, Jim sighed dropping his head on his hands.

"Okay, don't panic. She's just as shocked as you are. I'm sure she still loves you." He monologed.

It happened like a hurricane. Both of them were having the usual game night when things get more tense between them and the competition was suddenly turning him on.

Who would have thought a simple game of PUBG can turn things sexy.

The next thing he knew, he was pinning her on the wall and carrying her to his room.

He looks at her with concern when she finally stepped out from the shower. Her hair was damp and she looked 10 times hotter in his clothes. Her tattered blouse was still in her hands and thinking about how it got destroyed made Jeremy blush like a teenage boy.

He was speechless until she spoke.

"Um, I guess...I'll see you when I see you." She grinned shyly, her cheeks turning pink.

"Wait, Rian!" Jim called standing up causing the thick sheets on his body slide down.

Rian's face burned scarlet when she saw her own boyfriend raw and exposed as the day he was born. Jim mirrored her reaction grabbing the sheets to cover his balls.

"I really have to go." She almost shouted, hurrying towards the stairs.

Well, it isn't like she's never seen them last night but Jim thought it's different now that his girlfriend is sober from lust.

He took a pair of boxers and shirt from his closet to look decent before chasing Rian out. But his girl was quick and she's already heading to the door.

"Let's talk about this!" He yelled while putting on a clean shirt.

"I'll call you! I'm just...busy today!" She excused herself shutting the door to his face.

..................

"I'm guessing you're drinking not because of you getting the lead on Scorcese's new movie." Yul arrived brushing off his unruly hair from his hoodie.

"Where's Tait?"

Yul shrugged. "He was with Nash earlier so he should be free now. Unless he's with her. You know how your best boy is around Lisie."

Jeremy smirked agreeing to Yul's sentiments.

Yul ordered whiskey from the waiter then pulled out his phone. While texting, he asked, "Who else is coming tonight?"

"Just a few guys."

Yul nodded. "Saint's coming." He announced like he just ordered pizza.

Jim raised a brow. "Isn't that guy furious with T?"

Yul shrugged. "I don't think the boss will be here tonight even."

"I'm calling him."

............................

Tait parked his car a few meters from Lisie's place. After turning off the engine, he closed his eyes leaning his head on his seat. Now that the premiere ended and the press tour's around the corner, he couldn't get his mind off at the thing that's waiting for him after the movie junket is over.

A few seconds of silence passed and he's still wondering why she's not getting off his car. Then his phone started ringing.

He was hesitant to get it but then he saw that it was from Jimmy so he answered.

"Jim?" He glanced beside him a bit surprised that Lisie was still there like she has something to say.

"Bro, you comin' tonight?"

Tait bit his lip thinking about Jim's planned boys' night. With their schedule clear of any promotions, he's got some available time for his friends whom he owes some catching up to because of the hiatus he spent in Canada.

On the other hand, he also wanted to pursue Lisie as much as he can before his big responsibilities catch up with him.

But then, he was starting to think that maybe she's not ready for anything serious right now or any form of relationship with anyone. And that maybe, he's only wasting his time.

"Where?"

"Regal's. Yul's already here and J said he's on his way...um some guys are also coming." Jimmy trailed making Tait suspicious. But then it was harmless Jim so he just blew the bad vibes off.

Tait clicked his tongue and glanced again to his left. This time, Lisie met his eyes. He let out an exhausted breath.

"Oh come on. Just leave Lisie out for a night and give this one to me. I need everyone's support now that my girlfriend's ignoring me after s-..." Jim paused then continued. "After we did the hoo-ha!"

Tait heard Yul's laugh in the background. Then he heard Lisie cleared her throat. Seeing her reaction, Tait knew she had heard what Jimmy said despite his phone not being on loud speaker.

"So that's what happened then," Yul giggled. Tait could hear Jimmy shush him on the phone.

"Okay. I think I'll go."

"Good. Because we'll not move our asses here unless you show up."

"Wow, getting dramatic are we now Jim?" Tait smirked.

"Just get over here fast."

"Yeah yeah."

After Jim's cute little threat, he turned to Lisie to ask permission. He knew he didn't need to but he just feel like it's what he should do.

"Um, the guys are clubbing soon...I guess." He predicted. Knowing his best friend, He knows that Jim would get wild tonight if there's trouble in paradise. That's how he copes.

He saw her nod like she was only half listening.

"W-would that be like...okay?" He stuttered trying to get out the words from his mouth.

"Huh?"

He scratched the back of his head feeling uneasy and shy. "I'm asking if I can go party with the guys..."

"Yeah, but why are you asking me?" Lisie opened her mouth to say more but she closed it and pouted.

"I'm not your girlfriend...and even if we are fake dating, you still don't need to ask me."

Tait watch her as she was struggling to breathe like she was nervous about talking to him.

"I'm just asking because let's not forget, I'm still waiting for your answer, Lily."

Lisie looked at him with unshed tears in her eyes. "That's what I actually wanted to talk to you about."

Now it's Tait's turn to feel nervous. "I'm sorry, am I pressuring you? You don't need to give me an answer right now. I'm sorry if you feel disrespected at what I did back at the coffee shop. It's just..." He shook his head. "Everything with you feels new and scary at the same time but...as a guy I'm not...I'm not that patient sometimes..."

Lisie took a deep breath before speaking her next words. "The news about us being official will come soon. I just want to make things clear and I've said this before that when there's cameras I'm going to be sweet to you and do all those crap couples do when they're in love but don't expect the same thing from me when we're alone like this. And let's drop the subject about reality. I'm not ready now so bear with it a little more."

"Deal." He sighed thankful that he's not getting rejected. "You're really taking this act seriously huh? Don't worry, whether or not there'll be cameras my feelings for you are all real." Tait stare back at her with a challenging look.

"I'm getting off now." Lisie scoffed getting out of her seat belt.

Tait grabbed her arm stopping her from getting away. "Can I party though?"

"DO WHATEVER YOU WANT! I DON'T CARE!" She struggled in his hold.

"Ouch." He chuckled hiding the sting from her words. He continued pulling her arm while she tries to get away.

"Stop it! Let me go, Tait." She exclaimed getting panicky about seeing something in his eyes. It was the same eyes that looked at her that night inside his trailer.

"Can I at least have a kiss before you go?" Tait tilted his left cheek towards her.

"Why would I do that?" She snapped.

"There's paparazzo there. I think they've followed us from the cafe. They'd want some juicy photos you know." He pointed his chin in front. He bit his lip to keep from smiling widely.

"Don't fool me Kingston," She laughed without humor. "Your perverted brain could've thought of more creative excu-"

Her rants were put to a stop when a flash of a professional dslr camera beamed in front of them.

"I told you so." Tait smirked triumphantly when Lisie finally calmed down.

"Kiss me and I'll let you go." He negotiated like a pro making Lis fully annoyed at him. He struggled not to smile at her bewildered reaction but failed completely. Now he's grinning with a smug look on his face.

She clenched her jaw before taking three slow breaths. She then held his face to make sure he won't play tricks with her, and finally kisses his cheek. Lisie squealed in surprise when Tait forcefully turned his head and almost kissed her mouth. Good thing her hands were on his jaw that she managed to stop him a little. Her lips landed on the corner of his lips instead.

Tait laughed like a champion when Lisie made a run for it.

................................

"I don't think the boss will come tonight. He'll ditch that's for sure." Yul expressed as Jim returned from the counter to order their food.

Jim smirked. Aside from the need to socialize, he was aware that Tait has a dilemma - one involving the family's business - a topic that his best friend would open up about anytime soon.

"Want to bet?" Jim chimed a tad bit arrogantly.

Yul looked at him with little interest paying more attention to the drinks being served on their table. Compared to the other areas in the club, theirs got a more exclusive vibe obviously more expensive than most.

He was starting to get used to be around places like this where he hangs out with a handful of people in a table that can accommodate 15 heads and more. It was one of the many perks A-listers have the privilege of being in the high society.

"When are the others coming?" Yul sighed glancing on his watch. It was now almost midnight.

Jim shrugged not minding at all if they all come late. His attention was put on Yul who was still as mysterious as the night. Curiously, he asks,

"Have you ever dated a girl?"

"More or less." Yul answered stoically.

"Flings or serious relationships?"

"Mm...I don't flirt much."

"So...serious relationships?" Jim pushed trying to figure him out.

"Nah..."

"How 'bout hook-ups?"

Yul cleared his throat. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh you know those casual things kids do these days." Jim explained making Yul uncomfortable.

"I know what hook-up means." Yul sneered. "I was just hinting you that I don't want to talk about it."

Jimmy smiled smugly. "So, you actually do hook-ups huh." He giggled like a shy boy.

After a while, Jace arrived with Nash tagging along behind him. To Yul's surprise, he took another shot of whiskey from their table before standing up and formally introducing himself to the football superstar.

Jace was a bit startled at the way Yul treated him in the first five seconds but he was amused by him when he started talking about player trading cards. Meanwhile, Nash greeted everyone with a fist bump then asking Jim if Tait was coming.

"He'll be here." Jim answered confidently winking at Yul.

"I'll meet him in front." Nash excused himself.

Then a few minutes later, Saint arrived with another plus one.

"Guys, hope you don't mind." Saint nodded seeing Yul then gestured his hand to the person behind him.

"HAYE!" Jim greeted enthusiastically.

"What's up!" Hayes reached out for a high five then apologized for coming unannounced. "I know I said I'm not free tonight but Saint practically blackmailed me to come so." He explained jokingly towards the handsome guy in front of him.

"Oh yeah? Want me to tell them the truth?" Saint challenged.

"Tch, I kid." Hayes playfully punched his shoulder.

"Ha-ha-ha" Saint responded sarcastically feeling the pain in his right shoulder.

While all this was happening Jace's face was in a frown trying to figure out how everyone knew each other. He was being led by Jim to the couch when his eyes were still on Hayes.

"How'd you know Hayes again?" Jace asked.

"Oh right, I haven't introduced you guys." Jim felt his head then it was his turn to frown. "Wait you know Hayes?"

"He's..." Pursuing Lisie. Jace didn't voice out his thoughts but instead, "He's Lisie' s friend."

"Ah right, well, he's my roommate. Along with Tait." Jimmy added cockily like he's bragging he's roommies with the cool guys.

Jace raised an eyebrow at that revelation. "You little bitch."

Jim dropped his jaw at Jace's words. "What? Did you just call me a-"

"Didn't you know?"

Jacey laughed without humor then he told Jeremy what happened one time in Hayes' penthouse suite - that of which Jeremy and Tait are currently residing.

"S-so...Hayes and Lis?" Jeremy was slowly doing the math and didn't want to arrive at an answer. Because he didn't want to feel bad for Tait if there's really something between those two.

"Under your own roof and you didn't even know jackshit?" Jacey chuckled at such stupidity watching Jim browse twitter then laughed out loud at Jim's misery when the password he entered was wrong.

"Ya! How old are you?"

When the guys finally settled and the food was served, the club's noise got a few decibels higher signaling that there was a celebrity entering the premises.

"Damn, the fans got to calm the fuck down." Saint huffed grabbing some chips from the table. But just like everyone else, his attention was also drawn to where the noise was coming from.

"Hey, you're an A-lister, so why didn't they shout at your face the way they're worshiping him right now?" Saint directed at Jim.

"Lol," Yul smirked earning a slap from Hayes.

"That's because when I got here, there weren't a lot of folks." Jim defended not taking Saint seriously. He sighed looking at the three massive scary-looking bodyguards standing a few meters from their table.

It's a good thing Yul came in with them because if not, the woman would be a problem. Not that they're not being a problem now because they've been trying to sit and flirt with them with every chance they get, it's just it'll be a lot worse if they came in without security.

"I honestly thought he's not going to be here tonight." Hayes admitted.

"Why? Is there a problem?" Jacey asked leaning his back on the leather couch.

Hayes raised a brow, "Not that I'm aware of."

The noise died down gradually and in a few seconds, Tait was making his way to their table along with Nash and another three intimidating bodyguard who each stands at almost 7 feet tall.

"The king has arrived!" Jim chuckled. "How's your little soiree your majesty?" Jim teased trying to trap his two secretive friends out of their caves.

Tait cocked his head to the side making a face at Jim. Nash had informed him on the way about the people Jim invited and he's not surprised Hayes was one of them.

Instead of responding to Jim's little banters he reached for a shot glass and downed it in one go before settling beside Jacey.

"You gathered us here because?" Tait trailed off.

"Lonely people need the best company. And you people are the best that I could think of." Jim shrugged.

"Doesn't look like you're moping though." Tait said lowly spreading his legs widely on the couch. Some of the girls near the table screamed at his move. Jacey was so bothered that he sent a glare to the girls direction only to get the screaming back at him because they caught his attention.

"I didn't know Tait was friends with Jacey Somers!"

"I didn't know Tait's circle has upgraded to this level. They all look so hot!"

A lot of girls there weren't so conspicuous about their thoughts on the boys that Hayes was starting to get overwhelmed by them. He just keeps on turning his head.

Tait saw how Hayes was reacting to this that he used the opportunity to pick on him and show off his influence.

"You seem to be enjoying the attention," Everyone looked at Tait when he spoke the words that were obviously directed at Hayes.

"Well, the night is still young but I can bet that you're having a better time than I do." Hayes smiled equaling Tait's gaze.

"Uh-huh. I am having a blast alright." Tait snickered. "Imagine being famous then getting the girl everyone's dying to date. I couldn't be any happier."

Hayes laughed at Tait's statement. "Bro, you could get all the girls but never the one girl..." He paused testing Tait's temper.

Tait was gritting his teeth anticipating for the words that would get to his nerves.

"you...broke." Hayes tilted his head smiling wickedly at him.

The loud music from the speakers were not enough to cover the silence that transpired between the seven boys. Jim was eyeing everyone hoping that his stare could signal them that they should get in between the two in case a fight should break out.

"Fuck you!" Tait cursed flatly his nose flaring while glaring at Hayes like a sworn enemy.

"Likewise, sonovabitch."

To be continued...