“Great! I know how much your parents have missed him.” I tried to hide my smile.
“And I'm sure you haven't thought about him once, eh?” Alissa knew about my crush, but I didn't think she had said anything to Dillon. At least I hoped not because if I knew he knew, I would be mortified. “He promised to go to the L.S.A.B. holiday event. You should come too since you ditched out on Homecoming and I know you’re gonna skip out on the school Winter Formal.”
She was right. I bailed on every school event. We were going to miss our senior prom and walking with our class during graduation, too. I knew how much the group meant to Alissa and it wasn’t like anyone would torment me at an anti-bullying party. “Ok, I'll go, but I don't want to hear one more word about it.” Alissa jumped off the bed, nearly spilling her coffee so she could hug me.
“Thank you so much! It'll be fun, I promise. Bring Jamison if you want. Maybe if Dillon sees you with him, it’ll make him jealous? And, hey, Walt will be there so you'll have to save him a dance.” I pushed her off of me and onto the floor so she landed on her butt.
Needing to change the subject before I over-thought my capitulation and made myself sick, I said, “I'm going out for dinner with Jamison tonight and I still think he's hiding something from me.”
“Okay,” Alissa said, “this is what you need to do. Leave your phone here on purpose and in the middle of dinner, ask to use his phone to call your mom. Step into the ladies room and after you hang up with her, look at his text messages.”
“That's brilliant. Where did you learn that trick?” I sat down on the floor, sipping my coffee.
“Scott says the best way to catch a cheater or liar is to get really good at it yourself.”
I didn't know how to feel about this Scott guy. I'd seen Alissa change over the past few months and originally I’d thought it had to do with her relationship with Matt, but I was starting to think Scott had an even bigger influence on her. I really wanted to spend more time around him. “Okay, any more advice?”
“Yes, if you look at his iPad or computer, make sure you close down all programs that you open and leave the screen looking exactly the way you found it. If you leave a program open that he hasn't used, he'll know someone was snooping.” She said all of this with a straight face, like everyone should know this information.
“Thanks for the advice, creeper. Let’s go watch the movie.”
“You could at least say it like you mean it,” she said, pouting. “And I’m not a creeper.”
“Oh stop, I was kidding. But really, you know so much more than you let on.”
~*~
It was entirely too cold outside to even attempt to dress up, so I threw on my snow boots and a nice sweater with my favorite pair of jeans. I was nervous sitting next to Jamison in his car, not because I was with him but because I would pull off my first detective job tonight. Also, I was afraid my gut instinct would be right and I wouldn't get to hang out with Jamison anymore.
I guess it didn't matter at this point because if he had a girlfriend, I couldn't trust him. He’d never actually asked me to be his girlfriend. I’d just assumed since we had kissed a couple of times that we were becoming official. Maybe I should ask?
I blurted it out before I lost the nerve, “Do you consider me your girlfriend?”
He took his time answering the question, looking both ways multiple times before making a left into the restaurant parking lot. He parked the car and looked over at me with an expression I couldn't quite read. “I really want to get to know you better. Are you okay with the way things are right now?”
I wasn't really sure how to answer that. My gut told me not to rush into anything. Do I? “Yes.” As soon as I said it, I knew it was a lie.
He took my hand and brought it to his lips for a quick kiss. “Good, then let’s go eat.”
Jamison had picked one of the nicer Italian restaurants in town. I loved it here because they had the best bread sticks. We’d never held hands except at my house or in a dark theater, so we just walked side by side up to the door. Maybe I embarrass him? He opened the door for me and I gave him a smile because I thought it very gentlemanly of him. The restaurant had soft Italian music playing and candle-light danced on every table from inside oversized votives. The yummy smells of bread and spices made my mouth water.
Jamison asked the waiter to seat us in the corner. “It gives us more privacy,” he said. We ordered our dinner and I started telling him about my day.
“I've never met Scott, but I really don't think I like him. I'm afraid Alissa is getting a little too close to him, if you know what I mean. It’s weird to me that he’s talking to her so much, knowing she has a boyfriend.”
“Well, we are only in high school. Scott is new so it’s probably exciting. I like experiencing getting to know new people. Things are so different here compared to back home.”
His attitude was so cavalier about the whole situation that I finally made up my mind. I, scrunched up my nose and said, “Oh my gosh, I just realized that I left my phone at home. Can I borrow yours so I can call my mom? She should be getting off work soon and I don’t want her to worry about me.”
“Sure, of course.”
I gave him the number and watched him open his phone and punch it in before he handed it to me.
It started ringing so I stood up and said, “Excuse me for a minute.” I walked away toward the bathroom before he could object. Mom answered on the fifth ring.
“Hey, Mom, I just wanted to let you know that we made it to the restaurant safely. I left my phone at home on accident.”
“Are you feeling okay? You never leave your phone. It’s practically surgically attached to your hand.”
“I know, but I was in a hurry to leave. Talk to you later, okay?”
“Thanks for calling to let me know. I love you, Kat.”
“Love you too, Mom.”
As soon as the screen lit up to show the call was disconnected I started pushing buttons. I looked at the last phone calls made and saw my number a few times and a few calls to a Kimberly. I didn't recognize the area code. He had never mentioned her but for all I knew, she could be a family member. I quickly opened up the texts and there was Kimberly again. The last couple texts were all I needed as my proof that my gut was officially spot on.
Kimberly: Miss you. Love you. xoxo
Jamison: Miss you and love you more.
Acid started creeping up into my throat, burning so much that I gagged. Thank goodness I hadn't eaten yet. I stared at the floor trying to control my breathing so tears would stay away. I needed to go home and I needed to leave right-fucking-now. There was no way I could sit at that table and eat knowing what I knew. The restaurant was too far away from home for me to walk but there was no way I could stay. I refused to make a scene and relive the mall all over again.
I walked back over to our table and handed Jamison his phone. “I'm not feeling very well. Please, take me home.” I held my stomach like it was upset, which it was.
“What's wrong? We haven't eaten yet, are you sure we need to leave?”
“Yes, I need to go home. Right now.” I walked away from the table toward the front door and the hostess held it open for me as I stepped into the crisp night. When I got to the car I took a couple of deep breaths, the air cold but perfect against my flushed cheeks. Jamison came out a couple of minutes later with a worried look on his face. He unlocked the car but didn't get into the driver’s side. Instead, he walked over to me and wrapped his arms around my waist.
“What is it? What hurts?”
I wanted to throw him off me, but I just stood there frozen. “Please, just take me home.”
“Okay.” He looked devastated as he walked to the other side of the car and got in. I didn't say anything the entire ride home and neither did he.
He parked the car but didn't turn it off. “Are you going to be okay? Can I call you later?”
“Why don't you just call Kimberly. She’s the one you really mis
s, right?” I reached for the door handle, unable to bring myself to look at his lying face. Actually, I was proud of myself for being able to say anything at all.
He pushed the lock button, stalling my exit.
“What are you talking about?”
I wasn’t going to let his sweet voice soothe this situation. “Look, Jamison, I know I shouldn't have, but I looked at your text messages and I know that you're in love with Kimberly. So please just leave me alone. I'm going inside and I hope you respect my feelings and never call me again.”
“Katherine, it's not what you think. When my dad moved us here, Kimberly made me promise we would try the long-distance relationship thing. I can’t do it but I don’t want to hurt her. I really want to hang out with you more.”
“Why didn’t you just tell me?”
He hung his head. “I like you and didn’t want you to get upset.”
“I can’t trust you. Next time, try being honest.” I got out and didn’t look back.
~*~
“Hey! How did your date go?” Alissa answered her phone on the first ring.
“He’s in love with some girl named Kimberly.” I could practically feel how unemotional my voice was.
“Did you kick his ass? Break his phone? Make a scene?”
“No,” I sighed. “I told him to take me home.”
“You didn’t even ask about her?” Alissa sounded like she was scolding me.
“I did and he told me she’s his girlfriend from back home. That’s when I got out of the car.” Irritation began to creep in.
“You let him off without so much as a fight?”
I held the phone away from my ear because she’d almost screamed that last bit.
“Fighting won’t fix anything.” I fell back onto my bed. “You know I don’t like confrontations. If he wants to talk about it, I’ll just email him and tell him to leave me alone because once he lied to me, I can’t trust him. Even as a friend, I couldn’t trust him.”
“You can’t express your anger through emails. You know that! You really need to grow some balls or people will just keep on doing this to you.”
“Not what I wanted to hear from my best friend. Can’t you just say you’re sorry and you won’t ever talk to him again either? I just want a little sympathy right now.” I threw myself back on my bed.
Alissa sighed. “I’m sorry you had to go through that and next time I really hope you kick his ass and I won’t ever talk to him again. In fact, if he tries to talk to me, I’ll kick his ass myself. Better?”
“Better.”
“I’m really proud of you,” she said.
“Why is that?”
“You had your first date, first almost boyfriend, and first break up all in one night and survived.”
“Yeah, I suppose I did. Now on to the next one, right?” I asked, knowing that’s what she was thinking.
“Exactly. I’m glad you listen to me.”
“Love you, dork.” I giggled at my best friend standing up for my broken heart. “I’m going to bed.”
“Love you, too. And don’t forget Dillon is coming home and would make a great rebound.” I ended the call because I couldn’t disagree more. Dillon was too good for that.
That night I didn’t cry myself to sleep. Jamison was not worth crying over. The company was the only thing I’d miss.
I shifted my thoughts to Dillon. I couldn’t wait to see him again. I decided to let Alissa dress me up and do my makeup. She would have fun with that and hopefully, hopefully, make me look beautiful.
Chapter 13
Alissa
Scott and I had flirted shamelessly through texts after I had sent him the picture. I even volunteered to help organize the L.S.A.B. Christmas party so I could be around him more without Matt flipping out. Matt had been so jealous lately of any guy I spoke to or even looked at. I felt smothered.
Scott warned me that we needed to be careful. He always reminded me to erase texts or not to call him unless he sent me a text back to give the all clear. I did feel bad flirting so much with someone other than my boyfriend, but at the same time, knowing how wrong it was excited me and pushed me to do it more.
I’m such a bad girl.
I felt weird walking through a gym with a winter jacket and boots on while everyone already inside was wearing workout clothes and sweating. I left my jacket on until I got to his office since my shirt was so low-cut. God forbid Matt was here because I knew he would freak out in front of everyone and drag me to my car before anyone even realized what they were looking at.
Taking a deep breath, I opened the office door and walked in on a shirtless Scott talking on his phone. His shirt was draped around his neck and his back was facing me, giving me the perfect view of a tattoo running from his left shoulder blade across to his lower right back. It was a weird design that I couldn't explain, but I had to stop myself from reaching out to trace the design with my fingers. Or my tongue.
I stood there watching him, unable to hear either side of the conversation because I was lost in a trance. He ended his call and turned around, catching me staring at him, with a smile on his face. It was obvious he liked my stare.
“Hey, doll. How are you this fine day?” He moved in closer to me but I stood still. No one had ever given me such a sexy nickname before and coming from him, it made me want to taste the word on his lips as he said it.
“Hey, yourself. I'm great. How are you?” I was shocked I sounded coherent. He was now just inches from me so I could smell the scent of his cologne and sweat. I forced my eyes forward because looking up into his blue eyes would give away the pure desire spiking my blood for him to damn the consequences and kiss me.
He put his finger under my chin and pushed up, forcing me to look at his face. “I don't want you to be afraid of me. Just because we can't touch until you’re eighteen doesn't mean we can't use other ways to enjoy each other's company.”
I didn’t understand what he was saying and instead of asking and looking stupid, I tried to change the subject. “Are you ready to go over how much this party is costing you?”
He chuckled still holding his finger under my chin. “No, I don't want to go over numbers and I told you, I trust you not to go over and beyond. What I want is to enjoy the time we have together. You flirt with me on the phone and drive me crazy. Now put your bag down, take off your jacket, and come sit with me on the couch.”
I nodded and complied with his demands. I didn't want to take my eyes off him because I was afraid if I looked away he wouldn't be there anymore. My body started feeling very hot so I sat down on the side opposite him so what we weren’t touching at all. He threw his arm over the back of the couch and angled toward me. I copied him because I wasn't sure what else to do. Every nerve in my body was begging to be touched. I had never wanted to throw myself at anyone before so desperately.
He jumped up from the couch not saying a word and my eyes followed him as he walked over to his desk.
“I have a gift for you but before I hand it to you, I want you to promise me you’ll only think of me when using it. Only me. Can you make that promise?” he whispered darkly, lifting an eyebrow.
“I promise.” The words barely came out of my mouth.
“Good.” He reached in a drawer and pulled out a small box. As he walked back over to the couch, my eyes drifted all over his body. I wanted to beg him to let me feel every inch of him, but I didn't. Begging would be childish.
Scott held the box out for me but when I reached for it, he pulled it back. I gave him a devilish smile, liking his little game.
“Tell me you want me first.” He stared at me, slightly sticking out his tongue and licking the inside of his lips.
“But you already know that.” I reached my hand out and he relented, giving me the box.
I waited until he sat back down to open it. Inside this little, silver box was a bullet looking thing with a metal tip and black base. He must have sensed I didn't know what I was looking at because h
e chuckled, a soft, low sound that went straight between my legs. “Doll, you look so sexy when your naiveté shows all over your face.”
That is not how I want him to see me! “I'm glad I amuse you. Now, could you please explain what this is?” I inspected whatever this was, turning it around in my hands.
“It's a vibrator,” he said seriously while keeping his eyes right on me.
I laughed because he had to be kidding but his expression remained serious and I saw something in his eyes I didn’t recognize. I wasn't scared, but I felt a little uneasy.
“You want me to use this and think about you?” He was certainly taking our flirting to a higher level. I felt my body turn red from embarrassment, not because he’d given me the gift but because it turned me on so much.
“Have I insulted you with my gift?” He leaned over as close as he could get to my face without touching me. “I was going to ask you to use it in front of me, but I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands to myself.”
His face was still right in front of me, and as I looked into his eyes, my heart stopped. Needing to stay in control, I brought my mouth inches away from his ear and whispered, “I have no idea what you’re doing to me, but I don’t want you to stop.” I inhaled slowly, catching his scent once more. He breathed out with a quiet sigh. I pursed my lips together and slowly blew air right below his earlobe, watching with pleasure as goose-bumps formed along his jaw line and neck.
I leaned back against the couch, putting space between us again. He slowly opened his eyes, smiled, and nodded. Turning him on made me feel sexy.
“Matt told me your brother is coming into town?” Scott’s facial expression went from lust to serious as fast as I blinked. The last thing I wanted to talk about while being turned on was my brother. “Yeah, and I think Matt’s a little nervous about meeting him.”
I couldn't believe we were talking about my brother and my boyfriend after the moment we’d just shared.
“So you and your brother are close?”
I nodded. “Very close. It was always him, Kat and I as far back as I remember.” I started giggling. “Kat actually has a crush on him now. It's really cute.”
“If he doesn't like Matt, what will you do?” He ran his fingers through his hair, still looking at me intently.
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