by Sherri Renee
“What makes you think George has anything to do with something like that?” I asked, hearing the defensiveness in my tone. George had been a jerk lately, but not more than a week ago I’d thought I loved him. I couldn’t help feeling a little protective of him.
Matt raised his brows and let out a short laugh but didn’t look away from the road as he turned left at the light. “When a guy has a neck that big and a head that little, it’s usually not mother nature’s doing.”
I narrowed my eyes, preparing a sharp comeback, but an image of George filled my head. He had put on a lot of muscle between last year and this. But he also worked out twice a day six days a week. He could have built the muscle naturally. I touched the raw spot on my lip with my tongue where he’d crushed his mouth against mine, making the spot burn.
“Steroids make guys mean, don’t they?” I asked hesitantly. I didn’t know much about them, but I watched movies. I knew the basics. I tapped a finger on my knee. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, it felt like the missing piece of a puzzle. Something like steroids could very well explain George’s behavior.
“Sure, they can. Mean, aggressive, territorial.” He glanced at me and added, “Horny.” He refocused on the road with a half-cocked grin on his face.
The last word had me blushing. I looked out the side window to hide my rosy cheeks. George had certainly been putting the pressure on me recently to go further than the light petting I felt comfortable with. Steroids could possibly even explain why he’d felt the need to kiss another girl the one night I wasn’t with him.
Chapter 6
Lying on my bed with my earbuds in, I stared through the ceiling, replacing the white paint with images from the ride home with Matt as I replayed every word.
I’d come to the conclusion Matt was right about George using steroids. No, I didn’t have any proof, but everything Matt said lined up perfectly with George’s new attitude.
I understood football was important to him. He not only loved the sport, he was good at it. Really good. He was counting heavily on a football scholarship to pay at least part of his college tuition. Why would he risk everything by using drugs?
A song about forbidden love whispered through my earbuds, and Matt’s concerned look as he’d carefully wiped the blood from my lips replaced all other thoughts. He’d been so sweet and tender. When he hadn’t been a judgmental jerk.
My chest felt tight, and my stomach fluttered slightly as I imagined the scene differently than it had happened. In my version he dabbed at my lips then slowly, so very slowly, leaned closer until his lips replaced the tissue, brushing against mine with the languish beat of a butterfly’s wings.
My eyes drifted closed. I imagined the kiss going further.
“What are you doing up here? I’ve been calling you for dinner for the past five minutes.”
My eyes popped open. I shot straight up in bed to find Mom standing in the doorway frowning at me. She wore her favorite blue and white apron over a beige and white striped sweater and jeans. Her brown hair, just slightly darker than mine, was pulled up in a quick bun, and if she turned around I wouldn’t be surprised to find it secured with chopsticks or knitting needles or even twigs. She always just grabbed whatever was handy.
I yanked out my earbuds. “Sorry! I had my music turned up.” I held the offending earbuds in the palm of my hand.
I felt so guilty, like I’d just been caught up here kissing our neighbor instead of only imagining it. What was the matter with me daydreaming about a guy I couldn’t stand half the time?
Hoping Mom wouldn’t notice my nervousness, I scampered off the bed and brushed past her out the door. “So what’s for dinner?” I asked over my shoulder, leading the way to the kitchen.
Mom stood where she was with her hands on her hips, studying me curiously. I pretended not to notice and hurried down the stairs. “Spaghetti,” Mom finally answered, coming up behind me. “You’re favorite.”
Spaghetti was usually my favorite, but tonight my stomach was as twisted as the noodles on my plate. I pushed them around with my fork until Dad gave me a worried look. “You feeling okay, sweetie?”
I swirled a bite of pasta onto my fork and pushed it into my mouth. I forced a smile at Dad, swallowing before I answered. “Just a lot on my mind.”
That felt like such an understatement. It was more like a tropical storm had taken up residence deep in my brain, spinning and swirling all my thoughts together into a hopeless pile of debris. “I’m thinking about breaking up with George.” I tossed the last part out there like a bomb.
“Really?” Mom looked up from her plate. I heard the surprise in her tone. I’d never said a bad thing about him before tonight. It was no wonder she was surprised.
I shrugged and twisted more noodles onto my fork. “Maybe. He’s pretty wrapped up in football.”
“The team is in the playoffs,” Dad said. He wasn’t one of those dad’s who sat on the couch all weekend watching football, but he liked the sport enough to keep up with our high school team. He took a drink of water, clinking ice cubes in his glass. “I think that should earn him a little leniency at least.”
I bit my lip and tried not to wince when I hit the raw spot. Lying to my parents was not something I usually did, and I didn’t feel comfortable now as I avoided the truth about George. I would have been all too happy to rat him out after the way he’d treated me, but I was afraid I’d be the one to face the repercussions.
“That’s true. The team is doing well, and I know it’s important he focus on that.” I decided to add a few drops of the real problem to my excuse. “He’s just not acting like himself anymore.” I reached for a piece of toasted garlic bread, the smell too tempting to resist. “He doesn’t treat me the way he used to.”
Small flames flickered from the two tall white candles Mom liked to place at the center of the table. I stared at them and nibbled on the crunchy edge of my buttery garlic bread.
“Well, honey,” Mom set her fork on the edge of her plate with a light clink and turned her full attention on me, “you have to do what you think is best. Try to remember he has feelings too, and let him down gently if you decide to break up with him.”
I forced myself not to roll my eyes. I was pretty sure it didn’t matter how gently I let him down. He wasn’t going to accept my decision. That was something I wasn’t ready to share with my parents yet, but it would be nice to talk to someone. “Is it all right if I go to Michelle’s for awhile. I’d like to talk to her about it.”
Mom’s eyes dropped to my almost untouched plate before sending Dad a questioning look. Dinner together every night was almost a law at our house and skipping out early was pretty much unheard of. I actually usually enjoyed the time with my busy parents, but tonight I just had too much on my mind.
“Sure,” Dad said with an understanding smile. “I’ll even take your turn washing dishes.” It was my night to wash dishes and clean the kitchen. I’d forgotten.
“Thanks, Dad.” I gave him a quick hug before hugging Mom. “I won’t be home late.”
I grabbed my purse and a jacket and was at the door when Mom called to me.
“Kristen? Would you mind running something next door for me before you leave? Let me grab it.” Mom disappeared into the living room without waiting for me to answer.
My stomach dropped. Please let her mean next door to the Fairfield's on the left and not the Brady’s on the right. I wasn’t ready to face Matt again just yet. I dug my fingers into my purse and fought to control my nerves.
“Here it is.” Mom came around the corner holding a large dog bed.
“That’s Jammies’!” I snatched the brown and white bed from her and cradled it. “What are you doing with this?”
Mom gave me an understanding smile. “Jammies has been gone for a while now, and that bed was almost brand new. I ran into Sharon Brady this morning. She mentioned they were getting a puppy today.” She reached over and squeezed my shoulder. “I offered her Jammies’ b
ed. I hope that’s okay.”
She looked at me as though she expected it to be just fine and dandy. I frowned down at the bed and blinked back tears. Jammies had been with the family since I was a little girl, but he’d always been my dog. I’d even been the one to name him. He was a spaniel mix and had been my best friend until he finally died of old age almost a year ago.
After almost a minute of silence, Mom reached for the bed. “If you’re not ready to let it go, I understand. I’ll call Sharon and tell her we’ve changed our minds. I’m sure they can find a good place for their puppy to sleep until they can get another bed. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if it ends up sleeping in bed with that boy of theirs. What’s his name again?” She tapped a finger to her lip as she thought.
“Matt,” I answered automatically. I sighed and tugged the bed away from Mom. “I’ll take them the bed. Keeping it isn’t going to bring Jammies back.”
“No,” Mom’s voice was gentle, “it won’t bring him back. If you’re ready to start thinking about getting another dog we could hang on to it.”
I shook my head. My chest burned. Just the thought of possibly losing another dog hurt too much to think about yet. “I’ll take this to the Brady’s before I go to Michelle’s.” I worked up a small smile. “It was nice of you to offer it to them.”
Mom leaned in for a quick hug. “Drive safe,” she said.
“Always,” I replied before slipping out the door.
Chapter 7
I trudged through the crunchy brown grass to the brick house next door, carrying the dog bed in one hand. I dreaded running into Matt and hoped he wouldn’t be home. A guy like him probably had a hot date every night. For all I knew, he might even have a girlfriend wherever it was he lived before.
The spark of jealousy at the thought of Matt with another girl was quick and unexpected. Why on earth would I be jealous of the poor girl who had to put up with Matt’s ego? It would eliminate him from my plan as the next homecoming king, but that was probably just as well.
He made me feel hot and cold all at the same time. Longing for him one second. Ticked off at him the next. The best thing I could hope for was that Matt was out with another girl. Or just out of the house period. I didn’t want to have to deal with him tonight.
As soon as I got far enough to see the side driveway I saw Matt’s car parked right beside the house. My steps faltered and I reconsidered. Maybe I could drop the bed by the front door and hope they found it.
I glanced back at my house. If Mom saw it sitting on the porch she’d question me about why I’d left it there instead of giving it to them. I wasn’t about to admit I was afraid to run into Matt. Because that was how I felt, afraid. Not afraid of him exactly but of my wacky feelings for him.
I shook my head and picked up my pace. I was being ridiculous. I’d ring the bell, and if I was lucky his mom or dad would come to the door. I could give them the bed and get out of there without seeing Matt.
I wasn’t lucky.
Matt opened the door right after my light knock, and my heart caught at the sight of him. He had on his black leather jacket and looked like he was heading out. Why did he have to look so good?
Just seeing him made me remember how it felt when we’d been nose to nose by my locker. A tremble ran through me that wasn’t altogether unpleasant. This time I couldn’t blame it on his car.
His eyes went wide, and I thought he looked happy to see me, but his expression quickly morphed into his “too cool for this world” smile that barely touched his lips. He leaned a hand on the door frame. “Didn’t get enough of me this afternoon?”
And just like that, the spell was broken. Why did he always have to act so arrogant? I rolled my eyes and shoved the bed at him, making him grab it.
“Don’t flatter yourself. My mom asked me to bring this over. She said you got a new dog or something?”
His whole expression changed again. He pushed away from the door to stand up straight and his sexy half smile became a full boyish grin. “We did.” He stepped back, pulling the white door open wide. “Want to see her?”
My instincts said get out of there asap. My heart was drawn to this new expression on Matt’s face. He looked young and happy. Totally not like the jerk he could so often be. I considered his invitation. I did love dogs. Especially puppies.
It wouldn’t hurt to go in and see the dog for just a minute before going to Michelle’s. It might even give me time to evaluate this likable side of Matt. This was the guy who’d gently wiped my lip. A chill trickled through my body. This was a guy I could really fall for.
Fall for? I shook that thought off real fast. Falling for a guy like Matt was not a good idea. Possibly using him as an escort to prom wouldn’t be too bad but getting my heart tangled up with a guy who could be so arrogant was dangerous. And he very well could have a girlfriend.
“You coming?”
I relaxed and found myself smiling at the excitement in his voice. He sounded like a little boy on Christmas morning. “Sure,” I said, stepping inside. “I love dogs.”
His home was beautifully decorated. Even though they’d recently moved in it looked like everything was unpacked. Pictures were hung on the walls and decorative pillows lined the couch.
I followed him through the living room and down the hall to a closed door. He stopped in front of it and waited for me to catch up.
He turned with an excited smile, one hand on the doorknob. “Ready?”
“Um,” I hesitated, wondering why he would ask. “I guess?”
He opened the door and a giant ball of black and white and brown fur bounded through the opening in a cacophony of barks and cries, wiggling so hard its entire body shook from the effort. It circled Matt before worming its way between his legs and focusing on me.
Its eyes went bright, and I took a cautious step back holding out a hand to ward off what I knew was coming. Before I could say a word, the oversized puppy closed the distance between us and jumped up, planting both paws on my waist. It licked at my hands and arms and wiggled and cried like it was being reunited with a long-lost friend.
I burst out laughing and dropped to a squat, letting the exuberant pup lick my face and my neck while rubbing my hands through its soft fur. “Oh, what a good puppy you are. Aren’t you. You are such a sweetie.” I laughed and glanced up at Matt to find him watching me with an unfiltered look of longing that had my stomach dropping to my knees.
My laughter dried up along with my mouth. I tried to swallow and choked, letting out a small cough. The puppy took that as a need for more love and got in a shot right across my lips with its tongue.
“Oh my gosh!” I stood with a startled laugh and wiped my mouth. “Looks like you’re going to have your hands full with this one,” I said.
Matt tore his gaze from my face and glanced at the giant puppy. “I think you’re right.” He rubbed the dog’s ears. “Want something to drink?”
My mouth was still dry from the look I’d caught him giving me so I quickly accepted. “Sure.”
He dropped the dog bed in his bedroom and took off his jacket, slinging it onto his unmade bed. He left the door open, and his puppy did all it could to get under his feet.
“She has to stay in my room unless someone’s with her until she’s housebroken,” he explained walking past me with the clumsy puppy scampering after him on the smooth hardwood floors.
I laughed. “She’s adorable. Bernese Mountain Dog?”
Matt flashed a grin back at me, looking impressed. “You know your dogs, huh?”
I couldn’t help feeling a little proud at the comment. I didn’t know all the dog breeds, but I did recognize a lot of the big ones. I loved big dogs.
When he got to the kitchen, Matt pulled two glasses from the cupboard. “Water okay?”
“Sure.” I leaned against the large island and watched Matt fill our glasses. He set mine in front of me before grabbing the dog’s dish and filling it with fresh water. He set the bowl on the floor and the
puppy happily lapped at it, splashing water everywhere.
“What’s his name?”
“Her’s,” Matt corrected. “And it’s Anna Belle.”
The name stunned me for a minute. It was so graceful and dainty. “Not Harley or Rover?” I couldn’t help but ask.
Matt grinned and leaned on the island across from me. “Excellent names.” He took a drink of his water. “But not for a beautiful girl like her.” He looked down at her. “I do call her AB for short, though.”
He was being so sweet right now, and I could tell he really loved his dog. I liked this Matt. A lot. The black t-shirt he wore fit him like a second skin and reminded me of the flash of his abs I’d seen the night before.
I felt my cheeks start to heat and lifted my glass for another sip to try to hide the reaction. What would it be like to actually date someone like Matt? Well, not someone like him. Him.
I’d mostly dated good boys—although George was hardly acting like the good boy he was supposed to be—boys who did well in school and played a sport and held the door for me. Matt was the opposite of that from what I could tell. Although he had opened my door when he drove me home.
Was it possible the “bad boy” image was all an act? Or maybe he was as good as he was bad. I took another sip and licked a drop of water off my lips.
Chapter 8
“What are you thinking?” Matt gave me a curious smile, and I found myself blushing again. Good heavens. I don’t think I’d blushed this much through all of high school much less in one night.
I looked down at the water in my glass and swirled it slightly. I couldn’t exactly tell him I was wondering what it would have been like if he’d actually leaned all the way in and kissed me earlier. That would bring back the arrogant Matt, and nobody needed that.
“Oh, um. I was wondering if it was time for me to get another dog.” I sat down on the floor and that was all the invitation Anna Belle needed. She came over and plopped in my lap with a happy expression I would have sworn was a grin.