by Kelsie Rae
I grab my water bottle in the kitchen, guzzling it down before filling it up again. This time, I add protein powder and shake the container back and forth while observing my unexpected guests. They’re awkwardly waiting by the door in my mudroom, peeking around the corner like they expect me to start yelling at any minute.
Jude’s been here plenty of times, but it seems he’s too afraid of me to make himself at home.
They’re acting like a couple of three-year-olds who snuck a cookie before dinner and are waiting to be reprimanded.
It’s actually pretty hilarious.
I can barely contain my smile. Deciding to let them squirm for another minute or two, I casually drink my protein shake in front of them. The silence is hanging uncomfortably in the room.
And we all know how much Bree hates silence.
I take a seat on a bar stool near the island in the center of my kitchen. I’m curious to see which toddler breaks first under the unbearable tension.
I should go shower, but I’m afraid they’ll chicken out within the five minutes it takes for me to rinse off the sweat that’s still clinging to my heated skin.
Surprisingly, Jude is the one to break first.
“I have an apology to make, mate.”
I quirk my brow.
Clearing his throat, he continues. “I lied to you this morning. Obviously, I wasn’t with Bree last night, which you know, because you were.” He looks sheepishly down at his shoes, awkwardly shuffling his weight from one foot to the other.
He opens his mouth to proceed, but he’s interrupted.
“OK guys. For real. This is ridiculous.” Bree steps forward confidently, placing the coffee and white paper bag in front of me.
“We got you donuts. You’re welcome. But don’t eat the chocolate one, or I may bite your hand off. We both know I’m not afraid to fight for what I want.” She smirks knowingly then places her hands on her curvy hips. “Now, moving on. We both know I have a thing for you, and we also both know that you weren’t going to make a move on me because of your stupid no-fraternization rule. I came up with a totally immature plan to make you bypass that stupid rule by convincing Jude,” she motions toward him, moving her hands like a game show host, “to be my beard. You know… fake date?” She rolls her eyes while capturing my full attention. “Anywho, it was a stupid plan. We didn’t mean to hurt you. We were never really dating. We don’t see each other like that in any way, shape, or form, and we’re really, really sorry.” She huffs out the last bit as if she’s annoyed by having to explain herself, but I’m pretty sure she’s only nervous.
She’s afraid to see if I’ll accept her apology or not, which means it’s important to her that I do.
The gorgeous girl in front of me might act tough, but I know what a softie she really is. She just put herself in an extremely vulnerable position, and I need to respond carefully if I ever have hope of pursuing a relationship with her.
Hell, am I actually considering a relationship with her?
Holding her gaze, I take a sip of the coffee, pleasantly surprised to find it black.
“How’d you know my coffee order?” I ask, arching my brows.
She rolls her eyes as if it’s obvious. “All bad asses drink it black.”
I fight to keep the smile from spreading across my face at her bluntness.
Ignoring me, she grabs the white paper bag from my hands, opens it, and shoves a delicious looking chocolate frosted donut into her smartass mouth.
I glance over at Jude who is still looking like a guilty toddler. “I’m sorry, mate. I really, truly am. I just wanted you to give the girl a go, instead of letting her slip through your fingers.”
Jude turns to Bree. “She’s a good one, mate,” he states honestly.
Bree’s cheeks turn a soft shade of pink from his innocent compliment, making her look even more beautiful. She peeks up at me through her thick, black lashes, nibbling on both her upper and lower lips while anxiously waiting to see if I’ve forgiven them.
Taking the chocolate donut from her slender fingers, I take a large bite, nearly shoving the entire thing in my mouth.
Her jaw hits the ground as she watches me devour her precious pastry.
I chew slowly, her eyes completely focused on my mouth, as I enjoy the treat that was intended for her. After swallowing, I grab my black coffee and take another sip, enjoying the bitter flavor. I lick my lips enthusiastically while maintaining eye contact with her mossy green eyes that are staring daggers at me.
The tension in the room is so thick, I’m surprised any of us are still able to suck in any oxygen from the dense air surrounding us.
After a moment, Bree opens the bag roughly before sticking her dainty little fingers inside. “You’re lucky I got two chocolate ones, you big butthead.”
Jude’s laughter echoes throughout the house as he takes a step forward, politely asking for the donuts and grabbing a maple glazed ring.
“So, what are we doing today?” he questions, enjoying his treat and assuming all is forgiven.
Which it is. Their fake relationship lasted a week. They came clean. They’re sorry. And in all honesty? They weren’t wrong in assuming I would never give Bree a chance if they didn’t give me a little push in her direction. If they didn’t make it clear that she’s a catch who is going to get snatched up quickly if I don’t take advantage.
That being said, it doesn’t mean I’m about to jump in with both feet. It just made me acknowledge my feelings and consider the consequences of missing out on an incredible girl if I don’t get my shit together.
Actually getting my shit together, though?
That’s debatable.
“Apparently, we’re hanging out.”
Jude’s nose wrinkles. “Only after you wash, mate. You smell like rubbish.”
“Nope. This is part of the consequences of you lying to me this morning. You get to hang out with a guy who smells like ass for the rest of the day.” I lift my hand into the air, exposing my sweaty armpit, and lean toward my jackass of a friend, grinning widely.
Bree giggles from across the kitchen island. I catch her opening my cupboards until finding a cup then heading over to my fridge and helping herself to a glass of orange juice.
Apparently, the girl isn’t used to boundaries, but I guess I already knew that, now didn’t I?
I can’t help but chuckle as I watch her place the cap back on the juice before putting it back on the fridge shelf.
I’m shocked that I find her little quirk endearing and not annoying as hell. If anyone else decided to make themselves at home in my house, being bold enough to open cupboards without asking, I would’ve sent them packing. But with Bree, it only makes me like her more. Her confidence is insanely attractive. It only adds to her appeal.
“I think we should do go-karts!” Bree states enthusiastically, pulling me back to the present conversation.
“Go-karts?” Jude asks, sitting down on the bar stool next to me, seeming intrigued. He rests his elbows on the counter while enjoying a few more bites of donut.
“Yeah! I have Clipped!” she shouts triumphantly, as if it’s the greatest app on the planet.
Clipped is a semi-new online advertising platform similar to Groupon. It allows you to purchase activities at a discounted rate if you promise to review your experience afterwards. You pay a small member fee, and they send you various local activities on a monthly basis.
It also happens to be owned by Bethany.
Jude chokes on the last of his donut, his eyes bugging out of his head. He knows my history with Beth and Clipped. He knows how much money I lost by trusting the wrong girl. And he knows that the mere mention of that company can give me an instant migraine that is almost impossible to get rid of.
Thankfully, the gorgeous girl in front of me is a pretty good distraction from my hellish history. I decide to swallow the golf ball-sized lump in my throat and feign enthusiasm at her suggestion.
“Sounds great! Let me grab a
shower then we’ll head over.” I leave my coffee cup on the counter and head to the master bathroom. I’m excited for a moment to myself where I can get my head on straight and leave the past where it belongs.
14
Bree
Never in a million years would I have guessed I’d find myself in the front seat of Derrick’s sleek Tesla with Jude in the back, heading toward Street One Race Karts on a sunny Saturday morning.
Not that I’m complaining or anything... but I’m pretty sure girls would kill me for this opportunity.
I’ve got a sexy blonde giant in the driver’s seat, his thick forearm casually resting against the steering wheel. A pair of chrome aviators protect his eyes from the glaring sun. He’s sporting a little scruff on his strong jaw, and it somehow manages to make him look even more attractive.
Mind. Blown.
Behind me, I have a tall British man with a swimmer’s body and a playful personality, who’s sporting his black frames like he’s completely clueless of the effect they have on any single lady on the planet.
I am one lucky girl.
I casually listen to music as the boys chat about the latest coding issue they’re trying to crack and how to implement a new feature in their app.
I never knew talking shop could be sexy, but I can’t seem to take my eyes off the guy sitting next to me. Anytime he glances in my direction, butterflies swarm in my stomach.
After a twenty minute drive, we park Derrick’s car at the track, and everyone climbs out.
We head into the building and into a small reception area, with a giant racetrack just beyond that’s sectioned off to prevent people from walking in and getting run over. The walls are painted white with red accents. There are black and white checkered flags placed throughout the building, as well as posters of sports cars hanging on the walls. A few television screens are suspended from the ceiling, informing drivers of their lap times, as well as their overall placement compared to other racers.
After signing the waivers and finding our helmets, we climb into our individual karts, buckle our seat belts, and wait for the green light to flash that will allow us to race.
Derrick nods his chin in the TV screen, smirking in my direction before slamming his foot on the gas as soon as the green lights up. He flies around the first corner, his tires squealing against the ground, and I can’t help but grin at his silent challenge.
Game on, lover boy.
Pressing the gas down as hard I as can, I fly past the starting line, making my way into the first curve. I turn my wheel to the left while going full speed and nearly run my back end into the sidewall. Cursing loudly, I see Derrick’s tail lights disappear around the corner ahead of me.
Man, that guy is flying.
I try to channel my inner Mario, praying all those hours on the Nintendo 64 with Luke will somehow transfer to real life racing. However, after almost spinning out, my future looks bleak.
There are ten laps total in a race, and two races per pass. This means that after these ten laps, we’ll get a little break, possibly grab a drink, then head back onto the track to finish our last ten laps. They score each race separately, so I decide this first race is just a practice one until the real competition begins.
By lap five, I’m finally getting the hang of things, quickly learning the importance of letting off the gas when going around curves. If you continue your speed you’ll just spin out, which I obviously learned from experience.
I’ve also figured out that the second turn is the perfect opportunity to pass someone if you hit the gas at the exact right time, and the fifth turn is deceivingly sharp and can easily cause a crash if you don’t take it cautiously.
I think Jude threw in the towel a couple laps ago, because I’m pretty sure I’ve passed him at least twice. And I’m no Danica Patrick.
The first race ends right when I’m starting to get the hang of things. The employees wave the red flag and usher us toward the parking area.
Slipping my helmet off my head, I take a moment to shake out my curls and head over to the concession stand where I see Derrick and Jude conversing casually.
“Hi-ya guys!” I greet, grabbing Derrick’s drink and taking a sip before recognizing how freakishly impolite the gesture is.
“Oops! Sorry, I’ll totally get you a new one! I seriously don’t know where that came from. I mean, I’m not a germaphobe by any means, but you didn’t even offer. My mom would be ashamed of my behavior, for real. I was not raised that way.” I try to wave over an employee to grab another Coke for Derrick, but he just laughs good-naturedly, his left dimple firmly in place on his cheek.
“It’s all good, Bree. I’m glad you don’t mind swapping spit with me.”
I shake my head, laughing at his flirty comment.
“Well, that’s not normally the way I prefer to do it, but I guess I’ll take what I can get,” I joke, wrapping my lips around the straw and taking another sip.
Derrick’s eyes zero in on my mouth, his gaze burning me up from the outside in.
Jude nudges me playfully. “We’ve swapped spit. Remember?” He winks at Derrick who responds with a growl.
“What, too soon?” Jude teases.
“This is fun! I feel like I’m finally getting the hang of things! What do you say we make things interesting, eh?” I eye the two gentlemen in front of me, my eyebrows bouncing up and down suggestively.
Jude immediately throws his hands up in defeat. “I’m out. I got to lap four by the time everyone else was finished. The employees had to escort me off the track!”
I laugh before turning my attention on Derrick, my brows still raised in question. “And you?”
Derrick smirks. “Obviously,” he states, like I’m dumb for even asking. “What are the terms?”
Tapping my forefinger against my chin while puckering my lips, I weigh my options.
I could always make it sexual… but the bastard will expect that, and he might try to lose in hopes of winning. If you catch my drift.
No... it’s got to be something else. Something that gets the guy out of his precious comfort zone. Makes him break a few rules.
My face quickly transforms into a Cheshire cat-like grin.
“You first,” I state, refusing to show my hand too early. “What do you want if you win?”
“If I win, you have to buy everyone pizza afterwards.” Derrick shrugs, like that’s the best he can come up with.
“Bo-ring!” Jude pipes in while wolfing down a hot dog.
“Deal. And if I win, you have to sing the national anthem into the intercom while Jude and I distract the receptionist.”
Derrick groans at my totally ridiculous request while Jude cackles excitedly.
“What if I don’t know all the words?” he counters.
“Some patriot you are!” I reply. “But it’s not like it’ll matter anyway, as long as you have the first line or two, you should be fine. There’s no way they’ll let you get much further than that before kicking us out of here.” I snicker at the thought.
Derrick, breaking the rules?
No way.
“You’re on.”
I hold out my hand for him to shake on it and make it official, because there’s no way I’m letting him back out when I win. It’s too perfect!
When he grasps my tiny hand with his large one, a warm current races up my arm. It’s a blazing reminder of the chemistry that flows between us, whether we want it there or not. I assumed it would lessen with time, but it’s still as potent as ever.
And depending on whether or not Derrick ever decides to break his stupid rule, I can’t decide if that’s a good thing.
If the guy never ends up making a move on me, it’s going to totally suck working for him while trying to ignore the spark that pulses between us any time we’re together.
An announcement echoes over the speakers throughout the large room, requesting the racers to head back to the track.
“That’s us, Sunshine.” Derrick points
his thumb over his shoulder toward the go-karts.
“Sunshine?” I repeat, questioning his pet name for me.
“Well I couldn’t call you Hurricane, now could I?” he challenges, quirking his brow.
Giggling, I have no choice but to mention my nickname. “My family calls me Breezy. It’s a little more subtle than Hurricane, but I’m pretty sure that’s what they were going for when they started calling me by it.”
Derrick chuckles affectionately, his icy blue eyes pinning me in place. “You’re right. Breezy fits you better than Sunshine, even if you do have a way of brightening my day.” He winks playfully, sending his cheesy comment over the top.
Unable to contain my girlish laughter, I playfully slap him on the shoulder and head toward the track, not wanting to miss my opportunity to make the guy break a few rules.
“Shall we?” I toss over my shoulder, not waiting for a reply even though I get one seconds later.
“A freaking hurricane,” his gritty voice murmurs, causing my insides to melt like warm chocolate.
That I am, my friend. The question is, Can you handle the storm?
Feeling his eyes on my backside as I make my way to my go-kart, I can’t help the giddy smile that stretches across my face.
I think you might want to.
After getting in my seat and placing the big, bulky helmet over my messy waves, I turn toward Derrick and Jude.
Jude still wants to race for the fun of it, even though he refused to go in on the bet. I’m glad he’s such a good sport with all of my shenanigans.
Derrick is still situating his helmet while Jude gives me the thumbs-up, wagging his eyebrows up and down suggestively. If I’m being honest, I had almost forgotten he was even here. It’s funny how the world seems to disappear around me whenever Derrick and I are in the same room together.
That being said, I’m grateful Jude is here. Not only for the moral support, but being around him is a blast. I smirk at his playfulness, returning his thumbs-up with one of my own and doing a tiny shimmy awkwardly in the tight space of my go-kart.