Ryan and I are sitting at the break table. I was hungry when I ordered my food, but suddenly have no appetite. I’ve pushed more chicken around my plate than I’ve eaten.
“The bitch calls constantly,” I complain. “What part of he has a girlfriend does she not understand? I mean, does she have any self-respect? It’s pathetic.”
Ryan gives me a sympathetic look. “They have history and she probably feels like she had him first so she’s trying to reclaim what was hers.”
“But he wasn’t hers,” I huff and push more chicken around my plate. Ryan grabs my hand to stop me.
“In her mind he was and still is. She’s trying to run you off because you’re new and therefore irrelevant. That’s the way those bitches work.”
“Yeah, well I’m not going anywhere and if she doesn’t stop this shit I’m going to pay her a visit.”
Ryan sits back in his seat and shakes his head. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea. Take the high road. Be the better person. She’ll give up eventually.”
“I’m not so sure.”
In an attempt to be open and honest, Rooter has allowed me to read her texts. Her last text was a picture of her in bed wearing pink lingerie with the caption “Remember this?” When he opened it, he choked and turned bright red. I flipped out and demanded that he either change his number or block hers. We argued over why he couldn’t do either. He said he couldn’t change his number for business reasons and blocking her wouldn’t stop her. She’d just find other ways to make her point and it would probably make matters worse. Again, Candace wins and I’m stuck dealing with her crap.
That was the last conversation we had before I came to work. He’s been texting me cute little messages all day telling me he’s thinking of me and hopes I’m having a good night. I’m still pissed.
“It’s only been two days. Give it a couple of weeks. She’ll go away on her own.”
“I don’t know if I have another two weeks of this in me. I seriously want to choke the skank.”
Ryan laughs and pulls me into an embrace. “I know, babe.”
Girls like Candace don’t give up and go away easily. Sure, she might go and pole vault off of some random loser to make herself feel better—because let’s face it, that’s what sluts do—but she’s made up her mind that Rooter is the one she wants. She’s known him and wanted him for way too long to walk away without a fight. And if she’s truly in love with him, it’ll get a lot worse before it gets better.
“Why must relationships be so complicated?” I whine.
“That’s what makes them so much fun!” He squeals, sarcastic. The way his kind, green eyes sparkle when he laughs brings a smile to my face.
“What would I do without you?”
“I wouldn’t want to know.”
As per usual, Rooter is sitting on my steps with Dopey at his feet when I pull into the driveway. I’m at once happy and annoyed to see him. The dog comes loping over the moment I’m out of the car.
“Hey, boy,” I say and pat his head.
Rooter gives me a small, unsure smile upon my approach. I can tell he’s on edge, uncertain of how I’ll react to him since I never responded to any of his texts tonight.
“How was your night?” He asks as I unlock my door.
“Fine.” I pause and peer up at him before opening the door. “I don’t think you should stay here tonight,” he opens his mouth to protest so I continue before he can, “and not just because I’m mad.”
He crosses his arms. “Why then?”
“Because, we don’t live together and it’s not a good idea to get into the habit of spending every night together.”
Rooter grabs my hips and pulls me against him. “I think we should definitely get into that habit.”
“I’m serious,” I insist and push away.
“So am I.” He tugs at me again.
“You’re not staying here tonight. Mike hasn’t been an issue, so there’s no need.”
He lets go and takes a small step back with a crestfallen expression. “This is because you’re mad.”
I wish he wouldn’t look at me that way. It makes it nearly impossible to stand by my conviction. “Yeah, I’m mad, but I don’t think we should spend every night together.”
“Too much, too soon?” He tilts his head to the side. His expression changes from worried to hopeful.
“Yeah,” I whisper. I never thought I’d say that.
“Okay, I understand.” He wraps his arms around my waist. “Just so long as you aren’t pushing me away because of Candace.”
“Thank you for understanding,” I say, even though Candace is the biggest reason I’m sending him home.
I’ve been thinking about all the nights we’ve spent together. At first, it was about making sure Miranda and I were safe in case Mike tried anything. But, he never did and at this point it seems Rooter is staying with me more because he wants to than for our protection. We’ve only just started dating. It’s too soon. And on nights like tonight, when I’m tired and pissy, it’s better for both of us if he gives me space.
“Are we still spending the day together tomorrow?” His gentle dark eyes are disarming.
“Yeah,” I agree even though I have my reservations.
As much as I love spending time with Rooter, I’d like a little time to myself to digest everything. Maybe spend the day with Ryan or go to a movie with Miranda. Everything with Rooter has happened so fast. We’ve seen each other every single day—and nearly every night—since we started seeing each other. I realize this is what I wanted, and I still want it, but it would be nice to have a minute to take it all in. And honestly, hearing his damn phone go off every few minutes is becoming a little more than I can stand.
Rooter waits until I’m inside and have locked the door before he leaves. Although I’m irritated with him, I still watch him walk to his house. Even in loose sweatpants, the guy has an irresistible ass. Maybe I should’ve let him stay.
I get out of bed way earlier than I normally do after a work night so Miranda jumps in surprise when I enter the kitchen.
“What are you doing up?”
“Couldn’t sleep.” I rub my eyes and yawn.
It was strange being in my bed alone. I was cold and lonely and kept looking at Rooter’s window all night long. Even though it’s way too early to be spending every night together, I hated being without him last night. I like the way it feels to lay in his warm, strong arms. The way our bodies come together perfectly when we spoon. I especially like it when he mumbles in his sleep and when he kisses the back of my head when he thinks I’m asleep. It’s like we were made to sleep together.
“I didn’t make enough coffee for you since you’re not usually up this early.”
“I’ll make some,” I say and slowly pad to the coffeemaker.
“So, Rooter didn’t stay last night?”
I shake my head and rinse the carafe.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah. There’s no need for him to stay here. Mike never did anything and I doubt he will.”
“So, I have news.” She bounces with a silly smile.
It’s entirely too early for this level of excitement.
“Yeah?” I hit the side of the coffeemaker with a measuring spoon full of coffee grounds and spill them all over the counter and floor. Shit.
“I had dinner with Bear last night.”
I can’t see Miranda’s face as I wipe up my mess, but I can hear her smile. “Oh?”
“He went to Rooter’s first. He saw me on the porch and we got to talking. He ordered a pizza and stayed until eleven thirty.”
“Was Rooter with you guys?” I try to sound casual.
“No.” She shakes her head. “He left before the pizza came. Oh my God, Sophie,” she squeals much too loud. “I swear I’m going to fall in love with this guy. When he’s around, I can’t think straight. I can barely breathe.”
“I know that feeling,” I chuckle. How can anyone possibly be thi
s perky this early in the morning?
Miranda clutches my arms. “I know I gave you a hard time about Rooter being a biker, but I must tell you, I’m so sorry. I was completely wrong. And if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have met Bear. So thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I have so much to tell you,” she grabs her purse from the counter and slings it over her shoulder, “but I’m seriously going to be late for work. Will you be home later?”
“I don’t think so. Rooter wants to do something since it’s my day off.”
“I swear I never see you anymore.” She sticks out her bottom lip.
“I know.” I mimic her pout. I love her, but this is way too much conversation before my first cup of coffee.
“You’re still coming to the Red Door for my birthday party aren’t you?”
“Of course.”
“And you invited Ryan?”
“He’ll be there.”
“I’m considering inviting Bear. Do you think it’s too soon?” She’s speed talking in typical excited Miranda fashion. “I mean, we’ve never actually gone on a date.”
“Ask him as a friend,” I suggest and lean against the counter. “Tell him all your friends will be there and that he’s welcome to come if he wants. Be nonchalant about it.”
“That’s perfect!” She bounces again. “That’s exactly what I’ll say.” She scurries to the pantry, grabs a breakfast bar and flings it into her purse. “I’ve got to go! Maybe I’ll see you tonight!” She says as she rushes out of the house.
“I’m switching her to decaf,” I mutter to myself and close my eyes.
At noon on the button, Rooter calls to tell me he’s on his way. Although I thought I wanted time to think and do my own thing today I find myself excitedly anticipating his arrival.
“How’d you sleep?” Rooter asks and kisses me softly when he strides into the room.
“Good,” I lie snidely. “You?”
“Terrible,” he groans and wraps his arms around my waist. “I missed you.”
“Yeah?”
“Did you miss me?” He leans in like he’s going to kiss me, but I know the game he’s playing.
I shrug. “Maybe.”
“Maybe?” His eyes go wide and a mischievous grin plays on his lips. Next thing I know I’m on the floor screaming and thrashing about while Rooter tortures me by tickling my sides. “Still a maybe?”
“Yes,” I holler, writhing on the floor. “I missed you!”
“How much?” He continues to tickle me for his own amusement.
“A lot!”
“Be specific.”
If I don’t say something good here, he might never stop this torment. “I missed you so much I barely slept at all.” Dammit. I really didn’t want to admit that.
He stops tickling me and stares intensely into my eyes. “Really?”
“Yes,” I huff, out of breath.
“Does that mean I get to sleep with you tonight?”
I look at him, afraid to give him my answer. I really hate being tickled.
“Hmm?” He presses with a wicked glint in his eye.
“Rooter—” But he doesn’t let me finish and begins his tickle attack again.
“All you have to do is say the words I want to hear and I’ll stop,” he taunts.
“Okay, okay!”
He stops tickling me. “Yeah?”
“On one condition.”
His head tilts to the side. “Which is?”
“That we sleep in your bed.” We’re always at my house. I’ve never once stepped a foot into his. I wonder if there’s a reason he’s never invited me over.
“Okay.” He agrees easily with a shrug and helps me off the floor. When his phone rings he seems hesitant to answer it, but does so anyway. “Hey,” he answers and turns away. “Yeah, I’ll be there in thirty minutes.”
I watch him curiously while he finishes his conversation.
“I know we said we would do something today,” he begins and scratches his head, “but something came up with the club and I can’t get out of it.”
“That’s okay. Miranda asked earlier if we could do something when she got off work.” It’s not entirely a lie. I’m sure she’ll want to hang out when she gets home.
“I’m really sorry, Soph.” He bows his head as though he’s committed a terrible offense.
“Hey, it’s okay,” I take a step forward and take his hand into mine and smile. “I understand. I just can’t believe you drove all the way here from the shop to tell me. You could’ve just called.”
He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. Something feels off. “I wanted to see you before I left. You were so mad at me yesterday.”
“Yeah, yesterday wasn’t the greatest.” I look to the floor. Rooter tilts my chin up to face him.
“You believe me when I say you don’t have to worry about Candace, don’t you?”
“Of course I do. I just wish she’d go away.”
“You understand why I can’t write her off?”
I turn away and cross my arms. “Yeah, I guess.”
“You guess?”
I sigh and look back to him. “I realize you’ve known her forever and there’s history there, but put yourself in my shoes. What if a guy I’d known forever who was in love with me was calling me and throwing himself at me constantly? Would you be able to sit back and be patient until he decided to stop?”
“Probably not.” He pinches the bridge of his nose.
“I’m willing to give it a couple weeks and see what happens, but if she hasn’t let up by then you’ll need to do something about her.”
Rooter holds a hand to his chest. “I know I’m asking a lot of you, but she’s hurting right now Sophie and it’s all my fault. I should’ve never…”
“Had sex with her,” I finish for him.
In one aspect, his sympathizing with her pisses me off. But it also shows me how much of a caring, compassionate person he is. I like that he’s considerate of other’s feelings. But in this case, it means I have some chick calling my boyfriend all hours of the day and night, sending him slutty pictures and texts. In one of her texts she even said she misses the taste of his cum. That is not and never will be okay with me. I worry that sitting back and being patient is setting a bad example of what I will accept in our relationship.
“Let’s just see what happens,” he says. “I promise we’ll figure it out.”
Chapter 23
It’s Over
Rooter insisted on giving me money so Miranda and I could go do something fun while he’s gone on club business. She and I decide to go to the trampoline park for a little fun and invite Jess and Abby along to make it a foursome.
“How’s it going with your biker?” Abby asks as we enter the park.
Abby is a sweet girl, but she lives for gossip. Unless I want my business strewn all over town, I need to make sure to offer as little information as possible. She doesn’t do it with any malicious intent. She simply can’t help herself. Abby grew up in a strict Catholic household and was never allowed to do anything. Ever. As a result, she spent her entire high school career living vicariously through everyone else. A habit she’s not been able to shed.
“It’s going okay,” I offer.
“Miranda says you’re practically living together.”
I glower at Miranda. “That’s not true,” I snap. “We’ve only spent a few nights together. He lives next door.”
She holds her hands up and steps away. “I didn’t mean to piss you off.”
I force myself to speak gently. “I just… Want to keep my private life, private. You understand, right?”
“How about a little dodgeball,” Jess suggests, bringing an end to our conversation.
When Jess and Abby go to the bathroom, I grab Miranda by her shirt sleeve and yank her toward me causing her to spill some of her soda on the floor. “Why the hell would you tell Abby that Rooter lives with us?”
“It was o
nly a joke, Soph.” She lifts my hand away from her shirt. “She asked about you and him. I only meant to imply that you two are always together.”
“Well, in the future, would you please not offer information about my relationship?”
“Sophie, I’m sorry, I didn’t think it was that big of a deal.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and inhale deeply. “Abby is the town’s loud speaker. I don’t need everyone knowing my business.”
“Honestly, what’s the big deal?” Her tone is inquisitive. “So what if people know you and Rooter are together?”
“It’s not that.”
“Then what is it?”
I exhale sharply and look at my feet. “I don’t want her finding out about Candace. The last thing I need right now are a bunch of people telling me I’m an idiot for trusting him, especially if they turn out to be right.”
Miranda touches my arm and when I look up her eyes are filled with concern. “Do you think they might be right?”
“I can see it now. Little, innocent Sophie got involved with a big bad biker who’s screwing a slutty, stripper on the side. Actually, that isn’t right.” I point toward my chest. “I’d be the side bitch.”
Miranda raises her eyebrows and leans forward. “Do you really think that?”
“I don’t want to, but I can’t help it. He hasn’t done anything to stop her from calling and texting.” I grind my right fist into the palm of my left hand. “I swear if I see one more nasty picture on his phone, I’ll give that bitch the worst beat down of her life!”
A young girl, not older than eight strolls by and when she sees my angry stance, a frightened expression forms on her face and she hurries away. I quickly drop my hands and try to calm down.
“If you have doubts about him, it might not be a bad idea to talk to her and get her side of the story.”
“Like she’d tell the truth.” I roll my eyes and take a swig of my water.
“That’s why you take his story and combine it with hers. The truth usually falls somewhere in the middle. Trust me. I’ve been there.”
It is a good idea. There’s only one problem. “Rooter will be pissed if I go to her.”
Rooter (Double H Romance) Page 18