by E. L. Todd
“Now you’re just teasing me.”
“You do.”
“I’m obese compared to those girls.”
He shook his head. “Guys don’t like super skinny girls. They seriously look emaciated. We like having something to hold on to.”
“I hope Scott feels the same.”
“That his name?”
I nodded.
“His last name?”
I eyed him. “Why?”
He shrugged. “I was just going to run a quick background check.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
Tony laughed. “You know I’m teasing.”
“Well, I should go.”
“Why?”
“I just came to talk about Beatriz.”
“Stay,” he said. “I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“I will if you feed me.”
“I will if you like hot wings.”
“Yum.”
He laughed. “I like having a fat sister.”
“You just said I lost weight.”
“That doesn’t mean you aren’t fat.”
I hit him lightly on the arm.
“Hot wings, pizza, and beer coming right up.”
I leaned back and sighed, finally feeling relaxed. I didn’t have a good sister, but at least I had an awesome brother.
9
When I went to work the next day, Ryan made an appearance. He and I hadn’t talked much that week because he received a new case that took up a lot of his time and focus. I didn’t mind in the least. In fact, I was hoping our relationship—or whatever it was—had ended.
“Let’s go to lunch,” he said.
I immediately thought of Scott. The guilt floated to the surface. Scott and I weren’t anything serious. I wasn’t sure what we were, but I did agree to the exclusivity. Plus, I really liked him. I didn’t want to spend any more time with Ryan. We just didn’t hit it off. “I have a lot of work to do here.”
“Come on,” he said. “You have to eat sometime.”
“Actually, I already did. I’ve been eating on the go.”
“That isn’t healthy.”
“Neither is eating a giant cookie from the deli.”
He smiled. “I won’t tell anyone.”
“Thank you for the offer, but no thank you.”
He came into my office and shut the door.
“Please leave it open,” I said immediately.
“I just want some privacy.”
“And I don’t want anyone to be suspicious of us.” I walked to the door and opened it before I took my seat.
He stared at me for a moment. “Let’s have dinner tonight.”
“I have plans.” It wasn’t a lie. I had plans with Scott.
“Okay. Tomorrow night, then.”
He clearly wasn’t getting the hint. “Ryan, I had a good time with you at the gala but I’m not interested in having a romantic relationship with you.”
He looked stung by my bluntness. “Did I do something?”
“No,” I said immediately. “We just didn’t hit it off.”
Ryan leaned against the desk and sighed. “I’m not usually nervous like that.”
“Why were you nervous?”
He didn’t meet my gaze. “I’ve had a crush on you since I started working here.”
Now that explained his behavior. “Oh. I’m very flattered.”
“I feel a little calmer now. Let’s go out again. I’ll be pleasant company this time.”
“Uh…”
“Let’s go out tomorrow night. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
This was going the wrong direction. “Ryan, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m just not interested.”
“Come on. Give me another chance,” he said. “I’ll be charming and interesting, really.”
I took a deep breath, steeling my nerves. “No.”
He acted like he hadn’t heard me. “I’ll pick you up at seven.” He walked out before I could object.
I was getting really irritated with these guys who couldn’t take no for an answer—ever. I guess I would have to reject him again tomorrow. Since Ryan and I worked together, I wanted the ending of our relationship to be clean and uncomplicated. The last thing I wanted to do was make it awkward and uncomfortable for both of us.
When the workday was over, I went to the gym with Cassie. Since my brother complimented my appearance, I was more motivated to keep up the hard work. I had a few sundresses I was eager to wear, and I wanted to look slim in them.
Cassie looked fearful when she saw me.
“I’m really pissed at you for what you did the other day.”
“I heard the date went well…”
“Which is why you’re forgiven.”
She sighed in relief.
“I can’t believe you two pulled a stunt like that.”
Cassie sighed. “Your boyfriend was really eager to make it happen. He practically threatened us.”
“Hold on. He isn’t my boyfriend.”
“That’s not what he said.”
“We went out once.”
Cassie shrugged. “According to him, you’re a bit of an item.”
I rolled my eyes. “He is ridiculous.”
“Ridiculously hot,” Cassie said. “I wouldn’t be complaining that a beautiful man wants the whole world to know he’s taken.”
“He’s…different.”
“And that’s a good thing,” Cassie said. “He really likes you.”
“I’m not sure how I feel about him.”
“He made it sound like you were into him.”
I rolled my eyes. “Of course he did. He’s so cocky.”
“That isn’t a bad thing. He’s hot and he knows he’s hot.”
“That’s a turn off for me.”
“It’s his one flaw,” Cassie said. “I think you should count all of his qualities instead of dismissing him for one imperfection. And I can tell you like him.”
“How?”
“You keep smiling.”
I forced my lips into a frown. “No.”
“Yeah okay…”
I looked away, hiding the redness in my cheeks. “Ryan asked me out.”
“He did?” Cassie said. “Did you get rid of him?”
“I tried.”
“What does that mean?”
“He wants to go out tomorrow night.”
Cassie looked alarmed. “You better call it off before your boyfriend finds out.”
“He’s not my boyfriend!”
“Well, he’s going to be pissed when he hears that.”
“I’ll take care of it,” I said. “I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”
“That would be wise,” she said. “So, I heard you had a pretty amazing kiss.”
I glared at her. “Did Scott tell you everything?”
“Well, he told Layla, and Layla told me.”
“He gossips more to my girlfriends than I do.”
“And he’s totally hooked on you,” Cassie said. “Don’t let this one go. Otherwise I’ll steal him.”
“Did he tell you he used to be an underwear model?”
Her eyes lit up. “No. But tell me more.”
I shook my head. “I saw the picture. It was pretty amazing.”
“I can only imagine what he looks like shirtless.”
“Hey,” I said. “Stop thinking about my boyfriend naked.”
She smiled. “Your boyfriend?”
“Damn…”
Cassie laughed. “He’ll be pleased when I tell him that.”
We worked the treadmill for an hour before we left. I was sweaty and gross when I got home. I took a quick shower and got ready for my date. Beatriz was sitting on the couch when I walked out.
“So, how was Joey?” she asked sadly.
I took out my phone. “Good. He’s very adorable.”
She looked at the pictures, trying not to cry. “I got him those Legos.”
“He loves them.”
“He does?” she asked hopefully.
I nodded.
She sighed. “I miss my baby.”
“He misses you too.”
She returned the phone and placed her hands in her lap. “How’s Hank?”
I looked away. “He’s holding it together.”
“I miss him,” she whispered.
“After we get you better, you’ll be reunited with your family.”
“He said that?”
“Well, no. But it will increase your odds.”
“I just want to be a family again.”
I gripped her shoulder. “You will.”
She nodded. “I’ll do anything.”
“I know.”
There was a knock on the door.
“Who’s that?” she asked.
“Scott.”
“Are you two dating?”
I smiled. “Yes.”
“Oh. Well, have fun.”
“Will you be okay?”
“Don’t worry about me,” she said.
“Tony is just a few blocks away.”
“I know.”
I opened the door and saw Scott standing there. He wore dark jeans and a fitting t-shirt. His arms were thick and toned. His chest was wide. And his hips were thin. The picture from his photo shoot came into my mind, the one I fingered myself to. I felt my cheeks blush.
He stared my body lovingly. “You look very beautiful.”
I was wearing a casual dress with a light cardigan. I dressed conservative so I wouldn’t give him the wrong idea. “Thank you.”
His hands were behind his back, and when he pulled them forward, he was holding a small pint of ice cream. It was Ben and Jerry’s. “You don’t seem like a flower or candy girl.”
I took the ice cream with a smile on my face. “I’m a sucker for sweets.”
“You have good taste.”
“Thank you.”
He nodded.
I walked to the freezer and put it away.
“Hello, Beatriz,” Scott said from the doorway.
“Hello,” she said sadly.
“I’ll see you later,” I said as I walked out the door.
“Bye,” Beatriz said.
When we were outside the door, Scott grabbed me and pushed me against the wall, kissing me gently.
I felt the air leave my lungs.
“Hey.”
“Hey,” I said.
“I wanted to start this night off right.” He released me and pulled away.
“I think you did,” I whispered.
He grabbed my hand led me outside the building. “How’s your sister?”
“She’s okay,” I said.
“She seems really upset.”
“She has a lot of issues right now.”
“Oh,” he said. “We can do this another time.”
“No,” I said quickly. “There’s only so much I can do for her.”
“May I ask what happened?”
“It’s a long story.”
“And you have all my time and attention.” He led me inside the restaurant, where we were led to a table in the corner. Scott pulled out the chair for me like last time then sat across from me. He immediately ordered two glasses of wine along with some water.
“So,” he said. “What’s the story?”
“Well, her husband left her and she lost custody of her kid. She’s had a drinking problem for a while and pushed everyone away.”
“Wow,” he said. “I guess I’m not surprised. When I took her to my apartment, she was totally wasted. She couldn’t even tell me where your apartment was.”
“I didn’t realize how bad it was either.”
Scott rested his elbows on the table and leaned toward me. His gaze was intense and demanding like it was always was. I felt his constant web of protection and domination. “Are you going to help her?”
“Of course.”
He nodded. “That’s probably a good idea.”
“My brother said he would help out too. I can only handle so much of my sister without killing myself.”
“I didn’t know you had a brother.”
“He’s older. He actually lives a few blocks away.”
“Are you two close?”
“Closer than me and my sister. We’ve just always clicked.”
Scott stared at me. “I’m sure he’s a cool guy.”
“I’m pretty sure he’s a professional sports better, but I’m not entirely sure.”
He raised an eyebrow. “How are not sure?”
“He’s secretive of it. He doesn’t have a job, an inheritance, but he has a nice apartment, nice car, and new toys. Unless he’s a drug dealer and I totally got the wrong impression.”
He laughed. “That would be interesting. You could hook me up.”
“I’m going to assume that’s a joke.”
“And you would be wise to do so.” He picked up the menu and looked at it. “What are you getting, baby?”
“Baby?”
He stared at me. “What are you ordering?”
“Don’t call me that.”
Scott smiled. “Would you prefer a different nickname?”
“Janet will suffice.”
“I want to call you something that only I’m allowed to call you.”
“Scott, I’m not your girlfriend.”
“Yes, you are.”
“Just because you say it doesn’t make it true.”
“Fine,” he said, grabbing my hand. “Will you be my girlfriend?”
“I don’t know you well enough.”
He sighed. “I like you and you like me. That’s it. We’ll get to know each other.”
“We’re just dating.”
“Exclusively.”
I looked down at the menu.
“Right?”
“What?” I asked.
“This is an exclusive relationship.”
“Okay.”
“So you ended it with Ryan?”
“There was nothing to end. We aren’t together.”
“So, there will be no more dates?”
“Well, he asked me out again and I tried to say no.”
His eyes widened in anger, sending ash and lava across the table. “What the hell does that mean?”
I flinched at the venom in his voice. “It means he is just as persistent as you are.”
Scott looked angrier than I’d ever seen him. “You aren’t dating him.”
“I know,” I said. “I’ll have to talk to him again tomorrow.”
“I mean it,” he snapped.
“Stop getting psycho on me.”
“I’m not,” he said. “I don’t want you dating other guys. I made that perfectly clear.”
“Just because you want something doesn’t mean you get it.”
“I beg to differ.”
I shook my head then grabbed my purse. “Have a good night, Scott.”
He grabbed my arm. “Sit down.”
“Release me.”
His hand shook before he lowered it. “Please sit down.”
“Don’t contact me ever again.” I stormed out of the restaurant and reached the street. Scott reached me a second later.
“Stop walking away from me,” he said as she stood in front of me. The crowd on the sidewalk moved around us, oblivious to the fight we were having.
“Scott, I really liked you. You’re smart, attractive, funny, but I won’t put up with this controlling and obsessive behavior. I’m teased for being single, but I would much rather be alone than spend my time with someone that doesn’t respect me. I suggest you find someone else. You’re clearly wasting your time with me.” I walked around him and headed toward my apartment.
“Janet,” he said as he reached me. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, okay?”
“That’s nice.”
Scott pulled me aside, away from the crowd. “Just talk to me.”
“And say what?”
“I’ve never felt this way for a girl before,” he said
with wide eyes. “I’ve never had to fight for someone so hard. And you know what that means?”
I said nothing.
“It means I really, really like you, Janet. I’m willing to put up with you to make this work. I think you’re a gorgeous woman. You’re funny, down to earth, sexy without realizing it, and just an amazing person. I don’t want to lose you. Please give me another chance.”
“Scott, this isn’t going to work.”
“I apologize for being so harsh. I know I come off that way but I don’t mean to. “
“I won’t let you boss me around.”
“That’s fair,” he said. He placed his hands on my hips and held me close. “I won’t do it anymore.”
“And I hate how conceited you are.”
“I’m not,” he said. “But I’ll limit the comments.”
“Okay.”
“Now there’s something I want from you.”
“What?” I asked.
“Stop running from me.”
“Don’t give me a reason to.”
He shook his head. “We’re so deadly to one another.”
I didn’t know what that meant.
He sighed. “Let’s start over. Janet, I really like you. I want this to go somewhere. I’d be willing to be in a relationship if you are. If not, I’d like to be exclusive. I just feel like that’s fair. If we want this to have a real chance, I think we should be honest and respectful to one another.”
“Okay.”
“So, can we be exclusive?”
I nodded.
“Thank you,” he said with a smile. “So what are you going to do about Ryan?”
“I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”
“If he gives you any trouble, I’ll handle it.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“I never said you couldn’t.”
I rested my arms on his.
“Can we have that dinner now?”
“If you can stop being an asshole.”
He smiled. “I can try.”
“Okay, then.”
We went back into the restaurant and took our seats. The waiter seemed confused but he didn’t question our odd departure. Scott was much calmer now that I agreed to be exclusive with him. He seemed so calm and rationale all the time, but when it came to me, he was as volatile as a volcano.
We ordered our dinner and ate silently. Scott made small talk about his firm and I discussed the object of my attention, my sister.
“Why didn’t you sleep with her?” I asked bluntly.
“Like I said, I’m not into easy girls.”
“You said you’ve had one night stands before.”