Janet

by E. L. Todd

  Scott sighed then ran his fingers through his hair. “I got a little carried away.”

  “A little?”

  “It just bothers me when guys show up to your apartment.”

  “Just like you did?”

  “But I’m a good guy.”

  I laughed. “That’s debatable.”

  He grabbed my waist and pulled me in for a kiss. Like always, it chased away my anger. “I said I was sorry,” he whispered. “I trust you, but I also feel the overwhelming sense of protection. I don’t want him to bother you. And I don’t want to have to compete for you.”

  “You never have to compete for me.”

  He rubbed his nose against mine. “I like that.”

  “I just don’t want you to behave that way again.”

  Scott sighed. “I’ll try.”

  “No, you’ll do it.”

  “Why is it a bad thing?”

  I raised an eyebrow.

  “I’m possessive of you. I want you all to myself, I want you to be safe, and I want the entire world to know that you belong to me. Is that really a bad thing?”

  “It is when you threaten other people.”

  “Okay, that was wrong. I’ll take the fall for that. But I don’t mean to offend you when I say those things.”

  “They are offensive,” I said. “I’m not your property.”

  He sighed. “Well, I’m yours. And I’m okay with that.”

  I eyed him.

  “Can we at least have that?”

  “You want me to be possessive of you, upset every time a girl talks to you, and psychotically obsessed with you?”

  He smiled. “I would love that.”

  “You’re strange.

  He shrugged. “I suppose.”

  I pressed my face close to his.

  “Are we okay?”

  I nodded.

  He kissed my forehead. “I like your outfit.”

  “You do?”

  “You look cute.”

  “Thank you.”

  His hands moved under my shirt and felt the skin of my waist. “I thought about you all day.”

  “I thought about you too.”

  “And that purple thong.”

  I smiled. “Sorry I didn’t send any pictures.”

  “It’s okay. I hope to see the real thing eventually.”

  I looked away and felt my cheeks blush.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  “Yes,” I said.

  My sister came from her bedroom. “Going out again?”

  “Yes,” I snapped.

  “Will you be coming home tonight?”

  “Are you Mom now?”

  She glared at me. “I’m just worried.”

  “I’ll be home.”

  Scott leaned into my ear. “I was hoping you’d sleep over.”

  “You want me to?”

  He nodded. “Just an innocent sleepover.”

  I turned back to my sister. “No, I won’t be coming home tonight.”

  She rolled her eyes then walked back to her room.

  “Ignore her,” I said as we walked out.

  Scott held my hand as we reached the street. “Your sister seems upset.”

  “She’s being annoying.”

  “What’s her problem?”

  “I don’t fucking know,” I snapped.

  He was quiet for a moment. “Since she’s going through a hard time, maybe she doesn’t like being left alone.”

  “She would just tell me if that was the case.”

  “Maybe she doesn’t like to admit she’s weak.”

  I sighed. “Damn…”

  Scott smiled. “Why don’t we stay at your place tonight?”

  “My sister would there.”

  “I don’t mind,” he said. “We won’t be doing anything anyway.”

  I was disappointed by the response. “As long as you’re okay with it.”

  “I just want to sleep with you again. I really liked that.”

  “You just want to sneak a peek at my purple thong.”

  He grinned. “Maybe…”

  I rolled my eyes as we kept walking.

  When we reached the gym, we checked in and grabbed our rackets. Layla and Kyle were already on the court, having a hot make out session in plain sight.

  “Look,” Scott said. “It’s free porn.”

  Kyle pulled away and glared at his brother. “Keep your hands where I can see them.”

  Scott wrapped his arm around me.

  I pulled away and hugged Layla.

  She eyed me for a moment. “You don’t hate me?”

  “A little.”

  “Well, I was right, wasn’t I?”

  “Which is the only reason why I’m forgiving you.”

  She smiled. “I knew you couldn’t stay mad for long.”

  “Not when I’m this happy.”

  Layla smiled at me and hugged me again. “You’re falling for him.”

  “I might be…”

  She eyed me. “I’m happy for you.”

  “Me too,” I said.

  “And if he’s anything like Kyle in the bedroom, he’ll rock your world.”

  I shook my head. “We haven’t had sex. We’ve been on, like, two dates.”

  “Well, you must be dying.”

  “Shut up,” I said as I shoved her.

  “Are you ready to play, ladies?” Kyle asked.

  “Let’s do this,” I said.

  Scott and I headed to our side of the court.

  Scott looked at me. “Baby, do you know how to play?”

  I narrowed my eyes at him. “Yes, I know how to play.”

  He laughed. “I just wanted to make sure you knew all the rules.”

  “I’m probably better than you are.”

  He smiled. “You probably are.”

  “Loser pays for dinner,” Kyle yelled.

  “You’re on,” Scott said. “And Janet eats like a famished bear, just so you know.”

  I elbowed him in the stomach.

  “Layla eats more than I do,” Kyle said. He threw the ball in the air and served it. Scott was good, but he kept trying to hit the ball, giving me nothing to do. It was like he didn’t trust me. We started to get competitive with each other. We raced to hit the ball first. Scott grabbed my ass a few times to distract me so he could make the hit. I would shove him with a smile on my face.

  “You have a nice ass,” he said.

  “You’re such a pervert.”

  “And what’s your point?” He hit the ball before I could react.

  The score was tied most of the time. By the end of the match, it was a close call. Scott and I were victorious. Layla looked like she didn’t care at all. I knew tennis was here least favorite sport.

  “Good job, baby,” Scott said as he kissed me.

  We were both covered in sweat. I imagined what Scott looked like shirtless, the hot drops of water dripping down his chest and to his stomach. Then I imagined him in the shower , and the thoughts just became worse. My lips were slightly open and my cheeks were burning.

  Scott stared at me. “What are you thinking about?”

  “Huh?”

  He smiled then kissed me again. “I can’t wait until we are alone in your bed.”

  “I want to see you with your shirt off,” I blurted.

  “I’ll show you when we get home.”

  “I’m sorry,” I said, realizing what I was saying.

  “For what?”

  “For saying that.”

  “Don’t be,” he said. “I like knowing I make you weak in the knees.”

  Since he used to be a model, I was sure he was lusted after all the time. I doubt he enjoyed it. I wouldn’t. And he probably couldn’t tell if girls really liked him for who he was. They were probably just infatuated with his body, which was exactly how I was at the moment.

  We went into the locker room and showered before we met outside the gym.

  “Tully’s?” Kyle asked.

  �
��Yeah,” Scott said. He put his arm around my waist and walked me up the street. I liked feeling him claim me in public. I hadn’t felt affection like that in so long. It was so novel.

  We came to the restaurant and took our seats.

  Kyle glared at us. “I think you cheated.”

  Scott rolled his eyes. “You’re just mad that Janet actually knows how to play.”

  “Hey!” Layla said.

  “It’s true,” I said.

  She narrowed her eyes at me.

  Scott ordered our drinks and food then Kyle did the same for Layla. I realized they were very similar in the way they treated their women. They were very authoritative and aggressive. It was odd. I didn’t know very many men who behaved that way.

  “Why are you guys like that?” I asked.

  Kyle looked confused. “Like what?”

  Scott stared at me, waiting for me to explain.

  “You’re both so…controlling,” I said.

  Kyle shrugged. “I don’t know. I wasn’t always like that. Layla makes me that way.”

  “So you’re blaming it on us?” I asked incredulously.

  “Women make us do crazy things,” Scott said.

  Layla shook her head. “I don’t get it either. Kyle used to bed every woman in New York, and now he can’t stand to be apart from me. It’s weird.”

  “It’s because I’m in love with you,” Kyle said.

  “What’s your excuse?” I asked Scott.

  He avoided my gaze.

  Kyle changed the subject. “So, did you get rid of that guy?”

  I sighed. “Scott did.”

  “That doesn’t sound good,” Layla said.

  “He threatened to tear out his throat,” I said.

  Kyle looked at his brother. “That was a little overboard.”

  “He was at her apartment,” Scott said with a deadly voice.

  “Oh.” Kyle stared at him blankly. “Then I’m surprised Scott didn’t kill him. If some guy showed up at Layla door, I’d be breaking legs and arms.”

  Layla sighed. “How do we put up with this?”

  Kyle laughed. “If you think Scott is bad, you don’t want to see me. You two haven’t even been dating long.”

  “I keep him in line,” I said.

  “For now,” Scott retorted.

  I narrowed my eyes at him.

  Scott didn’t back down.

  “This is awkward…” Kyle said.

  Scott finally broke the trance.

  “So is this serious?” Kyle asked.

  I looked at him. “What do you mean?”

  “Like, are you in a relationship?” Layla asked.

  “Yes,” Scott said automatically.

  “We’re just dating,” I said.

  Scott glared at me.

  Layla turned to me. “Cassie said you referred to him as your boyfriend.”

  Scott smiled triumphantly.

  “It just slipped out,” I said.

  “Sure…” Layla said. “Now we’ll have more double dates. We need to find Cassie someone.”

  “Too bad there are no more Benedicts,” I said.

  “Or perhaps that’s a good thing,” Layla said with a laugh.

  Scott placed his arm over my shoulder. “You look very beautiful right now.”

  I stared at him incredulously. “I just played tennis for an hour.”

  “Yeah,” Scott said.

  “I look like hell.”

  He laughed. “You look adorable, baby.”

  “I don’t know about that.”

  “I do.”

  The waiter brought our food and drinks. I was starving so I practically inhaled my food. I downed my margarita and ordered another one.

  Scott eyed me. “I have a feeling I’m going to have to carry my girlfriend home.”

  “I’m not your girlfriend.”

  “That’s not what I’m telling everyone,” he said.

  I felt my mind buzz with the alcohol. “You’re really hot, Scott.”

  He smiled, a slight tint reddening his cheeks. “Thank you.”

  Layla laughed. “I love drunk Janet. She’s so much better than regular Janet.”

  “Hey!” I said.

  Layla laughed again.

  I turned to Scott. “I can tell you have a big…package.”

  Scott smiled again. “Your instincts are right.” He grabbed my margarita glass and put it at the other end of the table, out of my reach. He placed a glass of water in front of me instead. “Drink up, baby.”

  “I’m going to the bathroom,” I said as I left. When I reached the door, I saw Scott behind me. “What are you doing?”

  He shrugged.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Okay.”

  I walked inside then used the restroom and washed my hands. I felt hot so I patted some cold water on my face. I knew I was drunk and I needed to turn it down a notch. While it was fun, I didn’t like the feeling. I wasn’t in control of my faculties or my normal behaviors. Words spilled out of my mouth like a waterfall.

  When I came back outside, Scott was leaning against the door. “You should work for the secret service.”

  “If you caught me, I wouldn’t be very good at my job.”

  “I can take care of myself, Scott.”

  “I know.” He hooked his arm around my waist. “I just wanted to stare at your ass while you walked.”

  “I’m sure…”

  We came back to the table and he helped me sit down.

  Kyle paid for the meal then looked at Scott. “I want a rematch.”

  “Double or nothing,” he said.

  Layla looked at Kyle. “Baby, I suck.”

  “I’ll help you,” he said.

  Scott smiled. “I would love two more free dinners.”

  “We’ll see,” Kyle said darkly. He looked at me, seeing my drooping eyelids and my drunken face. “You need any help getting her home?”

  “I can manage,” Scott said.

  “Let’s go home,” Kyle said.

  “Okay,” Layla said. She got up and hugged me. “I’ll see you later.”

  “Bye,” I said weakly.

  Scott pulled me to a stand and walked me out of the restaurant. “Let’s go home.”

  “No!”

  He stilled at my outburst. “Why?”

  “I’m so drunk.”

  “Yeah…I know.”

  “My sister will be there.”

  “I’m not following, baby.”

  I sighed. “I don’t want her to see me drunk. She’s trying to get better.”

  He nodded. “I understand now. Let’s get some coffee first then we’ll head over.”

  “Okay.”

  He took my hand and we went into a coffee shop. He sat me down at a table before he ordered our drinks and returned. Nothing was said while we sat across from each other. I rested my face in my hands, trying to stop the world from spinning.

  Scott pushed the coffee and the bottled water closer to me. “Drink up.”

  I groaned then took a sip.

  “You get drunk often?” he asked.

  “Not really. I’m not into it much.”

  He nodded. “That gives me peace of mind.”

  “I drink like a normal person but I normally don’t drink that much. Layla likes to push it on me. Since she used to be a bartender, she can drink like an elephant.”

  He laughed. “I guess that makes sense.”

  “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you,” I whispered.

  He placed his hand on top of mine. “You didn’t embarrass me.”

  “Really?”

  “No,” he said with a laugh. “You’re fun to be around. I like it. And you aren’t a mean drunk so I don’t care.”

  “But I said things to you…”

  “And I liked those things…”

  I took a deep breath. “I’m so scared you’ll leave me.”

  His hand flinched slightly. “Where is this coming from?”

  “I like you for
you, not just how you look.”

  “I know,” he said gently. “I don’t think you would have rejected me so many times then decided to date me unless you thought about it extensively.”

  “Everyone is settling down and I’m so scared to be alone. But every guy I find is total trash. I gave up on finding love a long time ago. Then you came into the picture, being perfect. Well, despite your arrogance and psycho tendencies… And I really love this. I don’t want to lose it.”

  He rubbed my hand with his. “You won’t.”

  “There’s no guarantee,” I whispered. “I realize that.”

  “I’ve never given you a chance to say no. I pursued you until I pretty much forced you to be with me. And I’m just as determined to keep you around.”

  I groaned. “Why do you like me so much? You’re like a supermodel and I’m…Anne of Green Gables. I’m not interested or extremely intelligent. I don’t have seven percent body fat. I just work in human resources. My sister is an alcoholic and my brother breaks the law every day. There’s nothing good about me.”

  He stared at me for a long time. “I’m really getting sick of this.”

  “What?”

  “You keep putting yourself down and I don’t understand why. Anne of Green Gables…what the hell does that even mean? Janet, you’re a gorgeous woman. The most gorgeous one, in fact. That’s the original reason why I became obsessed with you. And I’m not a supermodel, but thank you for the compliment. And I wouldn’t want you to have a seven percent body fat. You would look like a dude if you did. And lastly, I don’t care about your family. That’s completely irrelevant to you. Stop tearing yourself down. You are your worst critique, but most of these assumptions don’t even make sense. You’re wrong, Janet.”

  I looked out the window.

  “Look at me,” he snapped.

  I turned to him.

  “Knock it off.”

  I saw the heat in his gaze, the command in his body. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” he whispered. “I know you’re emotional right now. Perhaps it wasn’t the best time to have this conversation.”

  I took a drink of my coffee.

  “Good girl,” he said with a smile.

  “Don’t say that ever again.”

  His smile dropped. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

  “It sounds like I’m a dog.”

  “That isn’t what I meant.”

  “Just don’t do it again.”

  He nodded. “I promise.”

  I stared outside the window and tried to forget about the headache pounding behind my eyes. It thudded like the speakers of a blaring stereo. Scott reached over and ran his fingers through my hair, making me relax. I closed my eyes and concentrated on the feel of his fingers. He stared at me, concern in his eyes.