Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 131789 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 659(@200wpm)___ 527(@250wpm)___ 439(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131789 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 659(@200wpm)___ 527(@250wpm)___ 439(@300wpm)
“Yeah,” he says, his voice thick. “I felt that.”
“Here. I brought you something.”
I reach for my bag and fish out a gift. A second later, I smash a half-melted ice pack over his eye. The ice didn’t stand a chance under the searing sun. My weather app keeps telling me the heatwave will break any day now, but I’ve seen no evidence of this.
“It didn’t survive the trip so well,” I tell him, rueful.
RJ beams at me. “It’s the thought that counts. See? I knew you were into me.”
“I thought about filling a Ziploc with glass to punish you for bailing on me.”
“Then I appreciate your restraint.”
Granted, his excuse for standing me up was justified. But I might still be a little bitter. I don’t want him getting the idea to make it a habit. And maybe some of my lingering irritation also has to do with how unexpectedly disappointed I was to realize I wouldn’t see him last night. When I wasn’t paying attention, I’d started to give a shit about this guy, and I’m not sure I’m okay with that.
There’s something about a boy who gets under your skin that you just can’t trust.
“Well…” I know he has another joint on him. I wait for him to take the hint and light up a second. “I hope you’ve used your time wisely.”
“Meaning…?”
“I didn’t just come here for a social call. Let’s see some groveling.”
“Right. I was just getting to that.”
He passes me the joint while he gives me the abridged version of what happened. That someone at the bar had seen us and the rumor mill quickly spun its way to Duke.
“Serves me right for studying with the door unlocked,” he finishes with a shrug.
Some part of me knew this would happen, seeing as how Duke is a macho, territorial dickhead who likes to turn everything into a blood sport. One of the many aspects of his personality I never learned to love.
“I am sorry, though,” RJ says roughly. “I wouldn’t have bailed on you for anything less than severe head trauma.”
His visible regret goes the rest of the way to getting back into my good graces. And I suppose taking an ass kicking for a single date deserves some points. “Fine. You’re forgiven. This time.”
“Help me understand it. How did you two even happen? Because I’m having a hard time figuring out what you saw in the guy.”
I go silent for a moment, mulling over my time with Duke. He was my first proper boyfriend, to use the term loosely. Before him, I’d hooked up here and there, but nobody managed to hold my interest for longer than a weekend or so. Somehow, Duke broke that weekend barrier. Looking back on it, I honestly can’t understand why I let him. But whatever. I don’t know any girl who isn’t at least somewhat embarrassed by the romantic choices they make in high school. I still cringe at my freshman yearbook photo. Mistakes were made all around.
“It was mostly a physical attraction,” I confess. “I can’t think of a conversation we had that was longer than a commercial break. Not a lot of substance there.”
“But you were together for a while,” he says, prodding for a more thorough explanation.
“Off and on. Truthfully, it was mostly swinging from hookups to fights. We’d argue about everything. Maybe you’ve noticed he’s sort of insufferable. Hence breaking up every other week.”
“But you’d always take him back.” An air of annoyance falls over RJ. His expression hardens, even though he’s trying hard to appear unbothered.
“Well, not always. I’m here, aren’t I?”
“Duke still seems pretty attached.”
“He was always possessive. At first, I guess, I was attracted to it. I thought it was one of the things that made him seem passionate. Now I get he’s just a prick.”
RJ pauses for a beat. Then, “You two still hook up?”
I can’t help but snort at the accusation. “Have you not been paying attention?”
He doesn’t react, remaining coldly annoyed. “I mean, I don’t know. What I heard in your description just now is you never really liked the guy but if the dick is good…”
“Oh. I get it.” I crack a smile and chew on my tongue to bite back a laugh. “You’re jealous.”
“Nah. Just trying to figure where I stand in all this.” He pulls the ice pack off his face. The small bag is now a floppy pillow of warm water.
“Nah,” I mimic. “You’re jealous.”
I think it’s hilarious he’s having a little tantrum over Duke and me, even if it’s totally unwarranted. Trust me, I’m never going back there. Got my hand stamped and a T-shirt. All good, thanks.
RJ voices another flimsy denial. “Nope. Only wondering if these visits from your ex are going to be the status quo.”
“Don’t worry,” I assure him. “Knowing Duke, it’ll get much worse.”