by E. L. Todd
“Anyway…” Cato turned back to me. “I like blondes.”
“Thank you for sharing,” I said sarcastically.
He chuckled. “I like you. Most guys like girls who are pushovers. I like them hotheaded and bossy. We’ll get along just great.”
“Good to know.” I waved down the waitress and ordered a coke.
Cato put his arm over the back of my chair. “So…interior decorator?”
“Yep.”
“That’s pretty cool,” he said. “Kudos.”
“Thanks.”
“You can decorate my bedroom anytime,” he said bluntly.
I cocked an eyebrow while I looked at him. “Do you talk to all girls like this?”
“Give her space, man,” Rhett said. “When I said I would introduce you, I didn’t mean for you to attack her.”
“Sorry…” Cato pulled his arm away. “When you walked inside, I didn’t expect you to be so hot. I’ll back off.”
“Thank you.” I gave Aspen a glare.
She smiled innocently.
Cato tried talking to me again. “Seriously, my apartment needs to be decorated. It’s literally couches and a foosball table. Not very homey or inviting.”
“I’m more than happy to help you,” I said.
“Troy said you did his beach house,” Cato said. “And you did a good job.”
“I always do a good job,” I argued.
“Sass…” He wore a smug grin. “I like it.”
The food arrived and we ate quietly. I found myself talking to Cato more than Aspen and Rhett. Perhaps they did this on purpose. If they did, I’d have to kick some ass.
“We’re going out when Aspen gets off work,” Cato said. “You should come.”
Was he asking me out? This was dangerous. I was seeing Troy secretly so I couldn’t tell them that. I wouldn’t be doing anything wrong if I went out with Cato but I felt guilty anyway. Troy could never give me something more but that didn’t mean I wanted something more from someone else. “Actually, I’m busy tonight…”
“No, she’s not,” Aspen said quickly. “She’ll be there.”
I shot her a glare that said, “What the hell are you doing?”
She responded with her own look that said, “This is happening. Do not fight it.”
I really didn’t have an excuse to get out of this. As far as Aspen knew, I hadn’t been seeing anyone for the past two months. It made sense for her to hook me up with a hot guy. And it was totally out of character for me to refuse the idea. I was stuck and had no defense.
“She’ll be there,” Aspen said.
“Sweet.” Cato winked at me. “I’ll make sure you have a good time.”
“Will you not say cheesy lines, then?”
He laughed. “I’ll try.”
***
The second I got off work, Aspen walked into my office. She wore a blue dress that was tight on her chest. She looked hot, like usual. “Ready to go?”
I gave her that look that warned her I was about to speak my mind.
“Come on, Cato is really cute. Why wouldn’t you want to go out with him?”
I had no excuse. “He’s Rhett’s friend. Isn’t that a conflict of interest?”
She rolled her eyes. “You guys are both adults. You’ll be fine.”
I wasn’t sure why I felt so guilty about this. Troy and I were just friends and I wasn’t doing anything wrong. But I felt like I was betraying him anyway.
Aspen spotted my unease. “Give me one good reason why you don’t want to go.”
“I just…he seems like a manwhore who keeps tally of the chicks he fucks.”
“So?” she asked. “When have you ever cared about that? You really need to get out and stop stressing about your sister and her engagement. And when was the last time you’d been with a guy? I’m doing you a favor.”
I needed to drop this act otherwise she would know something was off. “You’re right.”
“I know I am,” she said. “Now let’s go.”
“Right this second?” I asked. I hadn’t even had a chance to call Troy and tell him what was going on. “Can I change first?”
“Why?” she asked seriously. “You look great. Your legs look awesome.”
A grin stretched my face but I quickly wiped it away. “Well, I need to touch up my make up.”
“No,” she said. “You’ll take an hour and a half. I know you. They are already waiting down at the bar.”
I guess I could just text Troy on the way. “Fine.” I grabbed my purse and walked out with her.
She moved beside me, her brown hair moving in the breeze from the speed of our walk. “You know, Rhett was a manwhore before we met. He’s completely different now.”
“Interesting.” Why was she telling me this?
“Cato might be a little out there but he’d come down to earth if he met the right gal.”
“And you think I’m the right gal?” I asked incredulously.
“He said you were hot.”
“I would never date an escort,” I blurted.
“Why?” she demanded. “There’s nothing wrong with it.”
“You really don’t care that every time Rhett works, he’s putting his arm around some girl and she’s looking at him like he’s the sexiest man she’s ever seen? That would get under my skin quick.”
“But that happens on a daily basis no matter what he does. Even if he goes to the grocery store women go ga-ga over him.”
I pulled out my phone and kept walking. “I’m the jealous type, Aspen. When I have a man, I don’t share him with anyone.” We were almost to the bar so I sent out a quick message to Troy. I got caught up in something. I’ll let you know when I’m free.
You better hurry the hell up. My dick misses your mouth.
Even when he said crude things it made me smile.
“What are you smiling about?” Aspen asked.
I returned my phone to my purse. “Nothing.”
***
Cato got me another drink then cornered me in the booth. He kept his voice low and pretended the other two weren’t even there. “I had a girl ask me to marry her—like actually marry her. She was willing to offer me million to be her real husband for the rest of my life.”
Both of my eyebrows shot up. “That’s the creepiest thing I’ve ever heard.”
“I know,” he said with a laugh. “No amount of money could get me to settle down with a stranger. Fucking psychopath.” He drank his beer then regarded me with his green eyes that reminded me of moss on the north side of trees. “I love blondes.”
“You already said that.”
“I’m saying it again. You’re a perfect ten, Harper.” His eyes showed his sincerity.
I found it ironic that both Troy and Cato said the same thing. Perhaps Troy talked about me and referred to me that way. It made me feel warm at the possibility.
Cato leaned closer to me like he was going to kiss me.
“Whoa, buddy.” I put my hand on his chest and kept him back.
A cocky grin spread across his face. “I promise you won’t want to stop once it starts.”
“I promise I’ll knee you in the balls once it starts.”
Instead of being offended, he chuckled lightly. “How many more drinks do I have to buy?”
“None.”
“Then let’s go in the bathroom,” he blurted.
“You think I’ll put out for free drinks?”
“I think you’ll put out for a real man.”
I rolled my eyes. “Does this crap work on other girls?”
He backed off and confusion came into his face. “Yeah…”
“Well, they must be stupid.”
“How about you lighten up and give me a real chance?” he asked.
“How about you actually respect me and we’ll see?”
“Fine.” He leaned back, giving me some space.
“I’m not easy, so if that’s what you want, then you’re wasting your time.”
“Smooth…”
He chuckled then clanked his glass against mine. “I like a challenge, Harper. I’m not deterred easily.”
The truth was, if Troy weren’t in my life, I’d probably go for him. He was too good-looking for his own well being, and he had a playfulness I found attractive. Troy and I were nothing and we never would be, but that would be too awkward to be with Cato. Plus, it just didn’t feel right. Anytime Cato came too close to me, Troy came into my mind and I felt like I was betraying whatever I had with Troy—as complicated as that sounded.
Rhett was making out with Aspen when his phone rang. “Hold that thought.” He held up his finger then looked at the phone. “This will only take a second.” He took the call. “What’s up?” He paused. “At the bar with Aspen, Cato, and Harper.” He stared at Aspen then snuck a kiss. “Yeah, Harper. Why?”
That caught my attention. Was he talking to Troy?
“We’ll be here for a while so come down whenever. Bye.” He hung up.
Shit, was that Troy? That would be awkward.
“Who was that?” Aspen asked.
“Troy,” Rhett answered.
Fuck.
“Cool,” Aspen said.
“Hopefully, he finds a date,” Cato said. “Because I’m busy with this fine number over here.”
I glared at him. “This fine number has a name.”
“Harper,” he said. “My apologies.”
How would I explain to Troy what was going on? I didn’t want him to think I was voluntarily dating his friend. Or maybe he wouldn’t care at all. He didn’t have any deep feelings for me other than friendship. Maybe it wouldn’t make a difference to him. But if it didn’t, that would hurt more than I would ever admit.
Troy
Why were the four of them at a bar? Two guys and two girls? That sounded like a double date. Or maybe I was overanalyzing it. Why would Harper go out with Cato? He didn’t seem like her type. But then again, I didn’t know what her type was. I always thought—hoped—it was me.
I walked inside and found their table. To my horror, Cato’s entire body was turned toward Harper and he had her backed up into a wall. He was smiling while he spoke to her, and it was clear he was giving her his best moves. I’d known him long enough to understand when he was hitting on a girl, even from afar.
Pain suddenly landed on my shoulders and I felt sick. Betrayal and hurt washed through me. I thought Harper was mine but she preferred someone else. She didn’t even tell me about it. It was Alexia all over again…
I stood there, unable to move or think. But then I realized something. Harper wasn’t my girlfriend. She was just a friend I was seeing casually. There was nothing meaningful between us and I never wanted there to be. So why was I so devastated by this? Why was I so hurt? Why did it remind me so much of Alexia?
“Are you just going to stand there or actually join us?” Rhett asked when he spotted me.
I snapped out of my moment and pretended I was perfectly fine. In reality, a small part of me just died. “What’s up?” I pulled up a chair and sat at the end of the booth. I purposely didn’t look at Harper, unable to fight the hurt I felt.
Cato turned away from Harper to look at me. “You look like hell.”
I really wanted to rip his face off. He was way too close to Harper and I didn’t like it one bit. Jealousy coursed through me and I wanted to break every bone in his body. Then I wanted to cut off his dick so he wouldn’t be able to put it anywhere near Harper. “Go fuck yourself.”
“Whoa...” Cato raised both hands. “Damn, did you have a bad day or something?”
“Or something.” I still didn’t look at Harper.
“Everything alright, man?” Rhett asked as he patted my shoulder.
I pushed it off in a defensive way. “I’m just…stressed out.”
“About?” Aspen asked.
“One of my clients…” That was all I could say.
“Nate’s parents still won’t come around?” Rhett questioned.
“Yeah.” That seemed believable enough.
Harper looked at me, and I could feel her gaze penetrate into my skin. “Hey, Troy.”
I kept my eyes glued out the window. “Hey.”
“Dude,” Cato snapped. “I know you’re having a bad day but don’t take it out on my date.”
“Your date?” I hissed. “She’s not your date.” My voice came out so venomous I couldn’t believe it.
“Why don’t you just go home since you’re such unbearable company?” Cato asked. “Because being a shithead isn’t suitable to you.” He turned to Harper. “Let’s dance, baby.”
What the fuck did he just call her?
Cato stood up then pulled Harper with him.
She turned to me when we were close together. An apologetic look was on her face.
That didn’t mean shit to me.
They walked away and joined the dance floor. I tried not to look but it took all my strength not to. Why was Harper with him? She was way too good for him. He didn’t respect her the way I did. He didn’t care about her like I did. She was too good for me as it was, but she was better than every guy in that bar.
“You okay, man?” Rhett asked.
“Fine.” My strength broke down and I looked at the dance floor. Cato was dancing close with Harper, and they were swaying together with the music. I wanted to vomit. When Cato hugged her waist and pulled her close to his chest, I wanted to flip the table over. Without thinking, I stood up and marched over there.
“What’s he doing?” Aspen asked Rhett.
“I haven’t got a clue,” Rhett said.
I reached the dance floor and moved through the crowd. When Harper was just a foot away, I grabbed her wrist and yanked her away from Cato. She flew into my chest and hit me hard.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Cato demanded.
“My turn.” I pulled Harper with me and found a place a few feet away. Then I pulled her to me and danced with her slowly. But the anger coursed through my limbs when I looked at her. The sense of betrayal wouldn’t go away. “What the fuck? Why are you with him?”
“Let me explain,” she said quickly. “I was dragged into this.”
“Dragged?” I asked incredulously.
“Aspen set us up and I didn’t have a choice. And if I refused, she would know something was off. I couldn’t tell her about us. It would be too difficult to explain and it makes me sound pathetic. What other choice did I have?”
“Not date Cato.”
“Look, it’s just for tonight. I’m not going to go out with him again.”
That calmed me down. “You aren’t?”
“No, of course not.” Her eyes softened when she looked at me.
I realized how crazy I was being. I was acting like a psychopath. “I’m sorry…I don’t know what overcame me.”
“It’s okay.”
“Promise me it’s just for tonight.” I watched her face as I waited for her reaction.
“Promise.”
“I don’t want to share you with anyone.” I stared at her and restrained myself from kissing her. I wanted that comfort of our two lips combining together. I wanted to hold her and never let go.
“I don’t want to be shared with anyone.”
“Get through the rest of the night. But you’re coming home with me.”
“That sounds nice.”
I stared at her for several heartbeats before I reluctantly let her go. “I’ll let you get back to Cato…”
“Okay.” Sadness was in her eyes, like she didn’t want me to leave her.
I wanted to crush my mouth against hers and claim her for everyone to see, but I managed not to. Without another word, I walked away and returned to the booth where Rhett and Aspen watched me.
I sat down and released a deep sigh. My eyes didn’t turn to
the dance floor again. Just because Harper didn’t like Cato didn’t mean I could stand to watch him touch her. It made me sick.
Rhett watched me carefully. “Everything alright?”
“Yeah.” I crossed my arms over my chest and looked out the window.
“Are you sure…?” Rhett pressed.
“I said I was fine,” I barked.
“Do you have a thing for Harper?” Aspen asked.
I wanted to admit the truth and say I did. I didn’t want to hide Harper and share her with my friend. And that scared me. I wasn’t ready for another relationship and I didn’t think I could ever trust someone to try again, but the idea of Harper being with anyone else….made me want to die. “No.”
“Then what was that about?” Aspen asked.
I turned to her. “I’ve known Cato for a long time. I know what kind of guy he is. Harper needed to know the truth. I care a lot about her.”
Aspen seemed to believe me. “She’s a big girl, Troy. She can take care of herself.
I wanted to take care of her.
***
We migrated toward the bar an hour later and ordered our drinks. Cato was talking quietly with Harper, and they were paired off like a couple. I tried not to watch them but I couldn’t help it. I hated the way Cato eye-fucked her. It made my head want to explode.
Rhett and Aspen were just as invested in one another. I felt like a third wheel. Normally, I would pick up a girl in this situation, but the only girl I wanted to pick up was with another guy.
I scanned the bar and tried to find something to entertain myself. I didn’t want to stick out like a sore thumb by standing alone but there were only so many things I could do.
When I spotted someone I recognized, I felt sick to my stomach. Stress weighed on my shoulders, and I hated the fact she still instilled this pain within me. I suddenly felt like a coward, wanting to run and hide. I hated looking at her. The last time we spoke, my hatred only increased. There was no bottom to the depth of my despise. “Fuck…you’ve got to be kidding me.” She was going to see me stand alone like a loser. My friends were paired off and I was left out. And the fact she was holding hands with some guy didn’t make me feel better.
“What?” Rhett turned to me.
What the fuck should I do? I wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. I didn’t want her to see me. I didn’t want her to see the hurt on my face. I didn’t want her to know I was still hurting over her even after all this time. “Alexia, she’s coming this way.” I started to panic. I could turn around and face the bar but she would probably still recognize me.
