by E. L. Todd
“Yeah, we’re friends.”
“What do you two do together?”
“We go shopping…play board games…hit the gym. He’s become one of my closest friends.” It was hard to think about him and not smile.
“He’s not gay.”
He said this once before but I couldn’t believe it. “He is.”
“No, he’s not.”
“And why would he pretend to be gay with Max?” I asked. “He gets nothing out of it.”
“I don’t know,” he said. “But he’s not gay. I can tell. I’ve seen him check out your ass.”
“He was probably checking out my dress.”
“No, he wasn’t,” he spat. “I’ve seen him look at your chest.”
“He may look at me but that doesn’t mean he’s checking me out.”
“Am I the only one who sees it?” he asked incredulously.
“Apparently,” I said coldly.
He rested his elbows on the table and surveyed the other people in the restaurant. His nostrils were flared.
“Gay or straight, what does it matter?”
“It matters because he’s trying to get with you.”
Jett wasn’t trying to be with me. That wouldn’t happen in a million years. “You’re acting crazy.”
He opened his mouth to argue.
“Are we here to talk about us or Jett’s sexual preference?”
He closed his mouth again, but this time his jaw was tense.
The awkwardness was dissipated slightly when we ordered our food. I hoped the dishes would come soon so we’d have something to do other than look at each other. It was hard to believe there was a time when we were comfortable around one another. Now I didn’t know him anymore.
“I know I wasn’t the best boyfriend to you in the past year,” he said quietly. “I intend to make up for that.”
I sipped my wine and kept my silence.
“When you walked away, I had time to think about what you said. And I realized what my life was like without you. Sometimes you have to lose something to realize what you had to begin with…unfortunately.”
I sipped my wine again.
“And when I thought about my future, you were the woman standing beside me. I want to have a house with you. I want to come home to you and my kids. I want a marriage.”
Cameron had never mentioned it before but I assumed that was where our relationship was going.
“Now I know what I want. And I think we can make it happen if you forgive me.”
“It’s not something I can just forgive,” I said. “Since it went on for so long…”
“I understand,” he said. “I can be patient. You’re worth the wait.” He stared at me hard with the green eyes I once was fond of. Now they just reminded me of mold.
Thankfully, the waiter brought the food so I had something to do with my hands and eyes.
We ate quietly, and the constant clatter of silverware against the dishes reminded of the words we weren’t speaking. It seemed as if neither one of us could think of something to talk about. But for the past few months of our relationship, we didn’t do much talking. But we didn’t do much fucking either.
When the tab arrived, I was grateful the evening was over. I just wanted to go home and spend the evening alone in bed. I didn’t want to stare at Cameron across the table.
After the meal was paid for, we walked outside. Cameron grabbed my hand as we walked, and I let the affection linger even though it didn’t feel right. His shoulder brushed mine as we walked back to my apartment.
“Your hand fits perfectly in mine,” he said as he stared at them.
I glanced down but didn’t agree.
When we arrived at my door, I had no intention of letting him inside. “Thank you for dinner,” I said politely.
The stress in his eyes told me he knew this date wasn’t going well. “Give me more time before you blow me off.”
I crossed my arms over my chest.
“You know…I’m not really an emotional guy. I’m not good at explaining how I feel or showing it. I guess I’m a little nervous and scared. I want to fix this but it’s hard when you’re so closed off from me.”
“I can’t just change the way I feel, Cameron. I’m hurt. And I’ll be hurt for a long time.”
“And I understand that,” he said quietly. “I’ll be patient with you. But please be patient with me.”
I was terrible when it came to patience. “I’ll try.” I grabbed my keys out of my purse and got the door open.
He grabbed me by the wrist but the touch was soft, not aggressive like Jett’s was. He turned me toward him and leaned in.
Without thinking, I turned my face and gave him my cheek.
His lips pressed against my skin before they moved away.
I looked at him, feeling bad for rejecting him. “Good night.”
He sighed in sadness. “Good night.”
I walked inside then shut the door, relieved the solid barrier was between us. When I went to toss my purse on the table, I flinched when I spotted Jett sitting there. “Geez, you scared me.”
“With my good looks?” he said with a smile. “Yeah, I catch everyone off guard with my pretty face.”
I rolled my eyes even though I was amused.
Then he turned serious. “So, how’d it go?”
I shrugged. “It was fine.”
“It doesn’t seem fine.”
“It’s just…awkward.” I ran my fingers through my hair to soothe myself.
“And you didn’t sleep with him?” he asked.
“That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?” I couldn’t believe I didn’t figure it out before.
“Not necessarily…”
I rolled my eyes again, but this time with meaning. “Good night, Jett.” I headed to my room.
“Good night, sweetheart.”
The nickname made me stop before my door. I gripped the handle but didn’t turn it. Then I finally found my strength and walked inside.
I tossed and turned in my bed. The covers bundled around my legs and constricted me. I kicked them off then rolled onto my other side. My mind was in the middle of a dream, and I felt sweaty everywhere. My nightshirt clung to my back because it was moist.
Then the vision came to me, vivid and clear.
Jett moved on top of me, completely naked, and then cupped my face before he aggressively claimed my mouth with his. His tongue danced with mine then pulled out an involuntary moan against my will.
My hands glided over his body, feeling the mass of muscle and strength he possessed. My nails dug into him, wanting to keep him forever.
Jett yanked my clothes off, ripping them because he used such force. When I was naked beneath him, he wrapped my legs around his waist and entered me. “Sweetheart, I love you.”
He felt so good when he stretched me. “I love you too.”
He rocked into me slowly, making sweet love to me. He looked into my eyes as he moved. “Most beautiful girl.”
My hands dug into his hair as I held on. “Jett…”
“I love it when you say my name.”
“Jett,” I repeated.
“I want you to say it when I make you come.”
I felt the burn deep between my legs and then it burst like an inferno, making flames everywhere. I gripped him tighter then said his name over and over. “Jett…Jett…Jett.” When the orgasm passed, I was suddenly aware of how hot I was.
My eyes flashed open and then I sat up in bed. The remains of the dream floated away and I tried to hold onto them, tried to remember how good it felt. Jett was there but I couldn’t quite remember…
I went back to bed and forgot about the dream altogether.
7
Jett
Ophelia didn’t seem too happy at the end of her date, and when I looked through the peephole and watched them together, she gave him her cheek when he tried to kiss her. And she didn’t invite him inside.
So that was good.
But it still irritated me she was dating him at all. What was a beautiful girl like her doing with a slug like him? I wasn’t perfect but I could try to be—for her. She needed to let go of their old relationship and move on. It was done. If she knew he’d been cheating on her, she would walk away. But I really didn’t want to throw it in her face and hurt her. It would be easier for me if she just walked away from the relationship. Then I wouldn’t have to mention it at all.
But she was forcing my hand.
The guys were tailing him night and day, and so far, they didn’t have anything to report. I knew Cameron would make his move and see his hussy again. If he weren’t getting anything from Ophelia, he would go back to her even if it were just a quickie. I just needed them to meet somewhere in public. Then I could bring Ophelia and prove what a piece of shit he was.
The week went by and Cameron didn’t do anything stupid. I was growing irritated. I could only keep Ophelia away from him for so long. I even asked Max to pretend he was still really depressed over his parents so she would stay home with him. Max must really like me if he was willing to do that. He wasn’t convinced Cameron was cheating on her but I would get the proof no one could deny.
Then I finally got the call.
Rhett spoke over the line. “Sending something your way…”
“What do you got?” I asked.
“He’s with a blonde at Staley’s—it’s a bar on 8th. Check your phone.”
I stayed on the line with him and looked at the video he sent. It showed Cameron with a pretty blonde girl. They were making out near the bar, and it was clear it was him. The lighting was perfect. “You’re the man!”
“I know I am,” Rhett said. “But get your ass down here quick with Ophelia.”
“I’m on it.” I hung up then ran all the way to her apartment.
I banged on the door like a madman until she finally answered it.
“Damn, what’s the emergency?” she said in an irritated voice.
“I need you to come with me—now.”
“Where—”
“Just do as I say—please.”
Hesitation was in her eyes.
“Just trust me, okay? I need to show you something.”
She turned back to Max. “I’ll be back in a little while.”
Max eyed me. “Okay…” He probably knew why I was there.
“Then let’s go.” I snatched her wrist and pulled her out the door.
“What do you want to show me?”
“You’ll see when we get there.” I pulled her with me, making her walk so fast she was practically jogging.
“Why can’t you just tell me?”
“It’s hard to explain…” Actually, it wasn’t that hard. We moved a few blocks then crossed the street. I would have waved down a cab but that would have taken longer. Almost out of breath, we finally reached the bar and I yanked her inside.
“A bar?” she asked. “Is this a joke?”
“Just come with me.” I pulled her along with me.
Rhett was leaning against the wall with Troy.
“Where?” I asked.
He nodded toward the bar.
“Thank you.” I pulled her with me.
Ophelia hadn’t noticed them yet. “What’s going on, Jett?”
I stopped until we were just a few feet away from Cameron and his blonde date. I turned to her, seeing the confusion in her eyes. She still hadn’t noticed him. “Look to your right.”
She cocked an eyebrow and did as I asked. Slowly, her face contorted and changed. Sadness crept into her features, along with disbelief. Her chest started to rise and fall at a quicker pace.
I hated watching it.
“That’s him…”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Yeah…”
She continued to stare at them in shock. Soon, the sadness disappeared and was replaced by anger. Her eyes narrowed and a fire burned deep within. A man holding a beer passed her, and she snatched the glass out of his hand. “I just need to borrow this for a second.”
I knew what was going to happen next.
She strutted to them, and while they were making out, she threw the drink in his face. “You lying piece of shit!”
Cameron broke apart from his girl and turned to her, wiping the beer out of his eyes.
“Gross!” The blonde stepped back.
When Cameron finally got his eyes cleared he looked at Ophelia in shock. It was clear he knew he was in deep shit and there was nothing he could do about it.
I stood behind Ophelia, and smiled and waved at him.
Ophelia smacked him hard in the face, and her hand moved so fast I didn’t know she slapped him until she was finished. The people near him at the bar backed away. “You’ve been cheating on me with this slut? That was why the relationship fell apart? That was why you got bored with me? It was because you didn’t have the stamina to handle two women.” She slapped him again.
“Damn, “ Troy said. “Don’t piss her off…”
“All that bullshit about you wanting to marry me was just a joke,” Ophelia said. “And I can’t believe I was stupid enough to fall for it.” Then she kicked him right in the balls and sent him falling to the ground. “Jackass.”
She walked around him and headed to the exit.
I was torn. I wanted to kick Cameron’s ass myself but I also wanted to be there for Ophelia.
“We got it,” Rhett said, reading my mind. “When someone messes with one of our girls, they mess with all of our girls.” He winked at me then gripped Cameron by the arm on the floor.
“Thanks, guys.” I chased after Ophelia and saw her walking up the sidewalk. I jogged and caught up to her.
Her eyes were wet with tears but they didn’t fall.
I felt no satisfaction for being right. Actually, I felt worse. “Sweetheart…”
“I’m so stupid,” she hissed. “Such a stupid girl.”
“You aren’t stupid.”
She kept walking and I had no idea where she was headed.
“He’s just an asshole, Ophelia. Liars are hard to catch in the act because they’ve been doing it for so long. Just because you didn’t know what he was doing doesn’t make you at fault. It means you have a good heart and trust people.”
“No, it means I’m a fool.” She stopped on the sidewalk then turned toward a bar. “I need a drink.”
I knew what she was going to do. “I have plenty of booze at my house. Let’s go there.”
“Yeah?” she asked.
“Yeah.” I put my arm around her waist and walked her in the right direction.
She pushed away from my embrace. “I’ve never been so humiliated in my life.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“All the signs were there. You even told me he was cheating and I didn’t believe you…”
“That doesn’t mean you deserve to be treated this way.” I kept my voice gentle so I wouldn’t make her more upset.
“I wasted two years of my life with that man.”
“Not every relationship is meant to last. It usually takes a few relationships before you find the one. Just because Cameron didn’t work out doesn’t mean you’re a bad partner.”
She wouldn’t look at me. “When he checked out that waitress like she was a damn porno star I should have known…”
I put my arm around her again. “Stop blaming yourself.”
“Why?” she snapped. “I’m stupid and I know I’m stupid.”
“Don’t say that again.” I pulled her tightly against me, telling her I meant business.
She felt silent and kept walking. But she looked in any direction that was opposite of me.
I finally got her to my apartment. The first thing she did when she walked inside was search my kitchen for booze. I’d never seen her act this way but I’d never seen her so upset either. I grabbed a bottle of patron and two shot glasses. “How about this?” I pulled out the chair for her and beckoned her to sit down.
She plopped down and immediately poured herself a glass.
I poured my own.
Then she clanked her glass against mine. “To hating men.”
I drank to that then set my glass on the counter.
She cringed at the taste but kept it down.
I poured two more glasses. “Another round?”
“A million rounds.”
She held up her glass and clanked it against mine. “Fuck relationships.” She downed it just like the first.
I drank mine but pushed the bottle away. I could tell she was a lightweight based on her size. I didn’t want her to be wasted in my apartment. She would feel worse the next morning.
“Another.” She tapped her glass on the table.
“That’s enough Ophelia.” I kept my voice gentle.
She rested her elbows on the table and covered her face with her hands. “Ugh, I’m so dumb.”
I scooted my chair closer to hers. “You aren’t dumb.”
“I’m a damn idiot. What the hell did I ever see in him?”
“Honestly, I don’t have a clue.” I hoped the humor would improve her mood.
It didn’t. “I hate him. Honestly, I hate him.”
“You should hate him.”
“I hate him more than I’ve ever hated anyone.” She lowered her hands and sighed.
“I think this is a good thing.” I no longer held back. I gave her the affection I wanted without thinking about it. My hand cupped the side of her face, my fingers reaching her hair. “You were too good for him anyway. If he didn’t value you as the gem you are, then it’s good you aren’t wasting another day with him.”
She shook her head. “But I should have known…”
“No one ever knows these things. We should trust the person we’re with and that’s what you did. If anything, it makes him look worse.” My fingers moved through her soft strands of hair. My face was close to hers, close enough for a kiss.
“Has anyone ever cheated on you?” she whispered.
I’d never been in a relationship before. But I couldn’t tell her that. “Not that I know of.”
“Well, it feels terrible…if you were wondering.”
“I know how it feels,” I said. “Because I feel what you feel right now.”
She turned to me with watery eyes. “I shouldn’t be so upset. I wish I wasn’t so upset…”