They banter back and forth while the rest of us laugh.
“Must be nice,” Sean murmurs, pointing with his fork. “Those two, going out to the car to have a quickie. Kind of gives me something to look forward to.” He grins. Though his words are meant for me, they’re loud enough, so the rest of our party can hear him.
“All right. Let’s change the subject,” I tell him nervously.
He holds up a finger. “Gia, I’ve got to ask you something. Maybe you can fill me in.”
“Sean, you’re drunk. Drop it,” I plead, worried about what he’ll say, but he ignores me.
“What’s the deal with Reese and sex? What’s she so afraid of? If anyone knows, it’d be you.”
I suck in a breath, spotting Gia’s horrified expression. Oh my God, did he really just say that? How dare he bring this up.
Luke stands in my defense, leaning over the table with nostrils flaring. “It’s hardly the time or place to be discussing that. Don’t you think? What the hell, man! Show her some respect.”
“Luke, stop! It’s okay…” It’s actually not okay, but I don’t want Sean’s belligerence to ruin our night.
Luke stares down his target. When he’s finally able to look at me, I calmly repeat, “It’s okay. Sit down.” It takes a moment, but he listens. I blow out a sigh of relief, but then Sean has to go and open his mouth again.
“C’mon. It’s a simple fucking question. Don’t even say you weren’t curious about it when you dated her?”
Luke leans forward. “What part of ‘shut the fuck up’ don’t you understand?”
“Why are you doing this?” I ask Sean, humiliated.
His expression is menacing. “Look at you, trying to be the hero,” he spews at Luke with hate. “You think you’re gonna win her back? I’ve seen the way you are staring at her. I know what you’re doin’.”
“Nothing wrong with looking, my friend. Isn’t that what you said?” Luke grins mockingly. A silent message exchanges between them.
Gia murmurs, “Guys, I really don’t want to get kicked out of here tonight. Can you cut the sword fight?”
“No way! I’m enjoying this,” Logan retorts.
Sean pushes out of his chair, then throws some money on the table. “No problem. Enjoy what’s left of your night.”
“Give me your keys. I’ll call you a cab.” There’s no way I’m letting him drive.
He digs them out of his pocket and drops them into my purse. “Don’t bother.” He sways. “Will’s already on his way. Let’s go.” He scoots out my chair.
“Are you crazy? I’m not going home with you.”
“Well, you’re not staying here.” He glares, red-faced, glancing from me, to Luke, then back to me again. I know what he’s getting at, but he’s gone and pissed me off, so I don’t really care.
I lift my chin in defiance. “You put yourself on my shit list tonight. We will talk this over when you’re sober. For now, I’m saying goodbye.”
He presses his lips together tightly. “If you stay here—”
“You heard her,” Luke calls, not letting him finish.
“Keep out of this!” I snap. When I turn back to Sean, he’s halfway to the exit. I glance at the rest of the table and sigh, “This is really embarrassing.”
“How could you put up with that?” Luke grumbles, sparking a fire in me.
“I didn’t leave with him, did I? Thanks for your concern, but can we talk about something else?”
It’s been about an hour since Sean angrily stormed out, and I’ve been stewing over what happened—mainly the part where Luke came to my defense. It meant something to me, the way he reacted. He understands my issues with sex. He was there when I’d nearly been raped, and felt the anger I was feeling while Sean treated me like a joke. We’re still connected in that way, I guess, and once again he was there to save me.
Now that the crowd has died down, Brandi’s been chatting away with him—batting her eyelashes, pushing out her breasts. I roll my eyes, watching them interact and curious about their history together.
When she’d asked what he’d been up to, he responded by saying he’d been ‘enjoying the single life.’ I didn’t miss the emphasis he put on the last two words either. I also didn’t miss the grin he wore at the dirty look Gia had thrown him. I was probably giving him the same look. He may be an exceptional friend, but he’s a pig when it comes to monogamy.
“Have you talked to Lauren lately?” Brandi asks, her big blue eyes gazing down at him.
So she knows his sister. Cute. When Luke glances at me, I pretend I’m not listening, but Gia kicks me under the table, telling me she’s watching.
“A few days ago, but it was brief.” He rests his head in his hands. “She’d called on her way to class—said she was checking up on me.”
“You should visit her some time,” she encourages. “She misses her brother.”
“Yeah, I plan on it. Her moving there is the best decision she’s ever made. Got her away from her asshole ex-boyfriend. I miss her, too, though.”
“What’d Lauren see in that dick anyway?” Logan joins in. “Dude better run the other way if I ever see him.”
“Aww … aren’t you the big, scary, tough guy?” Gia croons.
“I’m serious. I’ll break his arms and legs.”
“I know you are. I think it’s sexy.” Her voice is husky. She’s a drink or two ahead of us, but it’s the Long Island Iced Tea that did her in.
He leans in for a kiss. “You do?”
“Mmhmm, I do.”
I want to tell them to get a room already.
“I agree with you,” Brandi continues.
Doesn’t she have some tables to check? My phone buzzes, so I dig it out, wondering if maybe it’ll be an apology from Sean.
She’s not my type, incase you’re wondering. (:
My eyes flick to Luke, who’s fighting a smirk. Cocky son of a bitch.
I don’t know what you’re talking about.
My phone buzzes again.
Lying doesn’t become you.
My mouth drops as I read it. His assumption may be correct, but he’s 100% full of himself.
A snort escapes me. Who says I’m lying? I’m nothing like you.
“What’s so funny?” Gia asks suspiciously.
I wave it off. “I’ll tell you later.”
She eyes me a moment, then goes back to conversing with Brandi.
I get another text.
I see right through you. (;
Whatever. Go back to talking to Boobies… I mean Brandi.
Somebody’s jealous.
Hardly.
I’d rather finish our conversation.
The conversation we barely got started.
Gia pats Logan on the shoulder. “You ready, babe? I’m getting tired.”
“Let’s get you home then.” He takes his card back from Brandi, and they scoot
out of their chairs. He swings an arm around her to help her keep her balance.
“Do you need a ride, or are you staying?” she asks me.
I dig around for Sean’s keys. “Go ahead. I’ll drive his car home. But I gotta hit the ladies’ room first.”
“You sure you’re okay to drive?”
“I’ll take her if she needs a ride,” Luke offers.
“I’ve had two glasses. I’m fine.”
“You sure?” Gia’s forehead creases.
“We’ve been here three hours. I stopped drinking an hour ago. I promise. I’m fine.”
“Okay, see you at home then.” She waves.
I turn back to Luke and Brandi, who are discussing her recent move from Flagstaff, and something about her sick mother. I tell them goodbye, not wanting to stand around like an idiot, and make my way to the restroom. When I head out to the parking lot, Luke is leaning against Sean’s car, waiting for me with a devilish smirk on his face.
Luke takes off his hat, and his hair sticks up in every direction. It looks hot on him, of course, thou
gh I doubt he could ever look bad. “You surprised to see me?”
I bite back a smile. “Thought you were still inside, chatting it up with your girlfriend,” I say, unlocking the car with the fob as I head toward him.
He chuckles softly. “Something you want to ask me?”
I pause, looking at him quizzically.
“Nah, that ain’t your style. You’d rather jump to your own conclusions.” He rubs the back of his neck, then glances at me.
“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you don’t.” When I reach him, he continues, “Brandi’s friends with my sister. She and Lauren were roommates up in Flagstaff, but she recently moved back to take care of her sick mother.”
“Oh,” is all I say at first. “I just assumed she was someone from your past … maybe someone you dated.”
“Would it have hurt you to ask?”
Why do I feel like I’m being scolded? “You’re right. I should have asked,” I admit. “I guess I figured it wasn’t my business.” The night air blows a gentle breeze on us, and I lean against the car beside him.
“You shouldn’t be out here alone, with that killer on the loose.”
“Is that why you’re out here? To protect me?” I tease, knowing that’s exactly what he’s doing. It just comes natural for him.
“I wanted to talk to you.” He tosses his hat on the hood then presses his back against the car. “You gonna tell me to go away again?”
My heart sinks a little. “No, I want to talk to you, too.” I’m being pushed and pulled in so many directions. It’s hard to be vulnerable with him. “Thank you for what you did earlier,” I say finally, but he looks like he doesn’t understand. “When Sean brought up my fear of sex—he doesn’t know what happened … what almost happened. He doesn’t know that you saved me back when…” I don’t need to finish. “Anyway, I appreciate you keeping it to yourself.” I nervously lick my lips.
“It’s not my story to tell. He’s lucky he walked out of here—with the way he was running his mouth. I won’t hold back if there’s a next time.” His eyes peer down on me with conviction.
“I know,” I murmur. “To be honest, it’s good to see you still care.”
He doesn’t answer, but something else is obviously weighing on him.
“What is it?”
He hesitates. “I want to ask you somethin’.”
“Okay.”
“Is he pressuring you for sex?”
I inhale. “I wouldn’t call it pressuring. It’s more like insecurity about my true feelings.”
“Yeah,” he says, unbelieving.
“He blames himself for my not being ready. So he gets upset sometimes.” I shrug. “I haven’t exactly been open with him … that bothers him, and I get it.”
He wears an angry expression. “I don’t like it.”
“What guy wouldn’t be insecure in his position?”
His eyes narrow, and I want to take it back.
“Okay, that was a bad response.” I hold out my hands. “You and I were different. I’m going to take my foot out of my mouth now.” I know I’m blushing; I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks.
“C’mon, he’s manipulating you!” he growls.
“I wouldn’t put up with him, if that were true,” I say, folding my arms insecurely. I know Luke’s just watching out for me. “We shouldn’t even be talking about this.”
He crosses his legs at his ankles, and glances down at me. “Why?”
“Because it’s private, and it feels wrong … like cheating in a sense. You may not have a conscience when it comes to that, but I definitely do. I’ll never cheat like—”
“Me?”
“Yeah, like you.” I swallow, as he looks up at the sky, a frustrated sound coming out of him. I feel like a jerk. He’s only trying to help, and I can’t seem to suppress my bitterness. No matter how many times I remind him it doesn’t change anything. “Look, I’m sorry. I’ll try not to rub it in your face anymore. I’m tired of being angry about what you did. It isn’t healthy for either of us.”
With a straight face, he reaches over and tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. “Apology accepted.”
“I understand you’re trying to be a good friend, and I appreciate that about you.”
He moves in front of me, then tilts my head back to meet his gaze.
“I’ve been thinking…” I feel so small when he’s standing this close to me. What was I getting ready to say?
His mouth tips. “You’ve been thinking…”
Right. That’s it. “I’ve been thinking about you and I being friends.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” I nod slowly. “I think I’m willing to try it out for awhile. See if it works for us,” I say, shrugging.
He looks amused by this. “Friends are hard to come by.”
“So, what do you think?” I fidget from the way he’s staring at me.
“I’m thinking I love that idea.”
“Wh-what are you doing?” Warmth and electricity jolt through me when he wraps his arms around me, and murmurs into my neck.
“I’m pretty sure friends can hug.”
I release a timid laugh, enjoying the feel of his body pressed against me.
“Mmm, you smell good.” The vibrations of his voice send a rash of chills over my skin. “Are you cold?”
I tilt my head back and lie. “A little bit.” Our eyes lock, and we’re caught in some sort of trance.
His gaze drops to my lips. I’m worried he’ll try to kiss me, but he presses his lips against my forehead. “I’ll be the best damn friend you’ll ever have,” he whispers, rubbing his hands up and down my arms to cause some friction. He leans over and opens the car door for me. “Now get in. I don’t want you catching a cold.”
After pulling Sean’s car into his driveway, I tread toward the front door, quietly unlocking it. Will jumps off the couch, shirtless, like I startled him, the only light coming from the TV. His sandy blond hair is messed up from sleep. He looks me up and down then says, “You look nice. What are you doing here?” His voice is quiet. “Sean went to bed awhile ago.”
I walk toward the kitchen, dangling Sean’s keys. “Sorry if I scared you. I brought his car home. Didn’t want him to have to hassle with it in the morning. Thanks for picking him up earlier, by the way.”
“You’re welcome.” He reaches for them, and I pull back my hand.
“I’m gonna go in there and wake him up. He and I need to talk.”
“I’ll give him the keys in the morning. You should let him sleep it off.” He follows me closely as I head for the hall, stepping over a pile of junk.
“Actually, I don’t want to wait that long.”
“Wait!” He rushes past me, spinning around, stretching his arms from wall to wall. When I try to get by, he blocks me.
I frown. “What’s going on?”
He looks around nervously. “I don’t think he should be bothered. He wasn’t feeling well earlier.”
“Tough titties. Why do I feel like you’re hiding something?” I cross my arms, looking over his shoulder. “You’re acting suspicious.”
“It’s not a good time,” is all he says.
“Too bad. I’m going in there.”
He watches me warily, but doesn’t move. “Just come back tomorrow, Reese.” Now he sounds defeated.
“Look, I have no problem connecting my knee with your balls. You have three seconds to get out of my way,” I threaten.
“I can’t do that. Aww, fuuuckk!” He hunches over.
“I gave you fair warning.” I straighten my skirt and walk past him. When I reach Sean’s door, I push it open, confirming my suspicions. Clothes are strewn all over the floor. Sean lies with a naked blonde curled up beside him. Dropping his keys, I cover my mouth to muffle my cry. Tears race down both of my cheeks. How could this happen to me again? I’m not sure whether to scream or walk away with my dignity, but I certainly don’t want to look ba
ck.
“I tried to stop you,” Will says, standing behind me.
I turn around, darting out of the room. “They can have each other. Tell him to lose my number. In fact, tell him to find another place to live. I don’t want to see him again. God, I’m just like my mother!”
“You’re what?”
“I’m thinking out loud!” I yell, bolting for the door.
He follows me. “For what it’s worth … I’m sorry.”
I don’t answer. I’m too overwhelmed to come up with a response. It’s hard to explain my emotions—anger, confusion, embarrassment, relief. I slam the door and hold back a sob as I hurry my way home.
“You’re coming to Vegas. There’s no backing out,” Gia demands through the phone. She and Logan arrived in Vegas a couple hours ago. She’s been going on and on about their room, and how Logan already won two thousand dollars on a slot machine at Bally’s.
I pop a cheesecake bite into my mouth. I’ve probably eaten about ten of them, all in the course of fifteen minutes. “It just doesn’t sound appealing anymore. I’ve got the whole house to myself. Maybe I’ll just lay in bed and figure out why men can’t stay faithful to me.”
“No way! Those plane tickets are non-refundable. Remember? You won’t be able to get your money back. Plus, it’ll be the perfect post break-up getaway. What about all our plans?” Her voice has turned whiney. “If you don’t go, you’re going to regret it and get depressed.”
“I already am depressed,” I say, frowning at the empty container, realizing I’ve eaten the last bite of cheesecake. I’d consider buying more, but my stomach is starting to hurt.
“C’mon Reese! I want you to come. Tell you what … if you have a miserable time, you can fly home early, and I promise not to bug you about it.”
I lie on the couch and throw my feet up, closing my eyes. I’m not sure I believe her.
“I thought you wanted to stay clear of Sean.”
“I do.”
“What are the chances you’re going to run into each other if you’re home all week?”
She’s right. I’ve ignored his persistent phone calls and shut all the windows and blinds, but he’s already come by the house a few times. “I guess you have a point,” I say, groaning.
Breaking Ryann Page 6