by Nikki Mays
“You okay?” I can hear that laughter in his voice.
I give him the finger with the hand that’s holding my head, causing him to chuckle. “It’s your fault.” I grumble.
He laughs even louder causing the bed to shake. “I’m not the one who forced you to drink your weight in wine last night. If anything, I deserve a big thank you for taking your drunk ass home and putting you to bed.” The smug ass says.
I peek at him again. “Did we have sex again?”
He looks at me like I’m stupid. “You passed out before we even left Mason’s house.” He says slowly.
“So, that’s a no?”
He blinks at me a few times. “Yeah, that would be a big no. I like my women conscious and to be willing participants.” He drawls.
I ignore the acid burning in my stomach from his comment. I’m sure it has nothing to do with him talking about having sex with other women and everything to do with all the wine I drank last night. Yup, that’s definitely what’s causing me want to vomit even more than before.
“Thank you for bringing me home last night.” I say, trying hard not to think about sex despite the fact that he’s in my bed.
“You’re welcome.” He says and pauses for a moment. “Do you know that your dog is wearing a studded collar and what looks to be a dragon costume?”
I yawn loudly and lay back down carefully. “Yeah, his name is Dragon. He’s a mini Pincher but thinks he’s an actual Doberman. So, I gave him the collar and outfits to make him feel more secure about his size.”
“There’s more than one outfit?” Ben’s tone sounds strange. As if he’s about to choke.
I open my eyes and look into his electric blue ones. “Of course he has more than one.” I huff. “He has to have an entire wardrobe. I would be a bad mommy if I didn’t dress him properly.”
“You do know that he’s a dog and not an actual child… right?”
I roll my eyes. “Duh.” I mean come on, I’m not stupid. “But he’s my fur baby and deserves to live his best puppy life, thank you very much.”
Ben holds up his hands in surrender with a smirk on his face. “Okay, I got it. You’re a fur momma. I understand.” I ignore the way his eyes are dancing.
I look around my room for my ball of fur and frown when I don’t see him anywhere.
Ben must realize what I’m looking for because he answers my unasked questions. “I already let him out and gave him some food. He barked at me until I turned the T.V. on for him from his spot on the couch.”
“Yeah, he likes watching animal planet.” I shrug and say easily.
Ben’s just looking at me with the smirk that does funny things to my stomach. “Right, well how about you get up and we’ll get some breakfast, that way you can soak up all that wine.”
“Please don’t mention the W word right now.” I moan pitifully.
“Noted.” He says with only a small amount of humor in his voice. I appreciate the effort.
I start crawling out of bed to get dressed when it hits me what he just said. “Umm, wait.” I look over my shoulder at the good looking, grinning, yummy slab of man in my bed. “What are you still doing here? And why would we be going to get breakfast?”
Do you ever have one of those bad feelings and just know that something bad is going to happen? I’m getting one of those right now as Ben is just calmly looking into my eyes with a serene smile on his face. My fight or flight is starting to kick in, except, I’m better at the flight part. Fighting has never really been my strong suit. Probably because I was beaten down over the years watching my parents… and I’m just going to stop those nasty thoughts right there.
He gracefully, a lot more gracefully than someone his size should ever be able to move, rolls out of my bed and stands in one fluid movement. I won’t even lie and pretend that I didn’t watch the way his abs and ass moved.
He stands to his full height and smirks down at me with knowing eyes. I just roll mine, knowing that I was caught gawking at him. Whatever. He knows that he’s good looking. Anyone with functioning eyes could tell him that much.
“Well, I originally stayed because I wanted to be here in case you got sick during the night and needed me.” Damn, sweet, thoughtful bastard.
“But, I’m still here and taking you to breakfast because I’ve decided that I’m not going to go along with your decision.”
And that foreboding sensation is back. “What do you mean?” I ask cautiously.
He gives me a huge smile that only slightly creeps me out. Okay fine, it doesn’t creep me out, what he says next does. “I’ve decided that we’re going to give this thing between us a chance.”
I purse my lips and cross my arms, only just realizing that I’m not wearing a bra. I look down at myself and see that I’m in my normal bedtime attire of sweatpants and a loose shirt.
I raise an eyebrow at him and he just gives me a boyish grin and shrugs. “I didn’t want you to be uncomfortable. Plus, I’ve already seen and licked every inch of you.”
Damn him! I can feel my entire body grow hot at his words. This jackass knows exactly what he’s doing if his fake innocent look is anything to go by.
I ignore my clothes situation, since that will obviously lead to talks of other things. “Back to you deciding that we’re going to go to breakfast.”
He lifts his index finger and wags it back and forth. “No, what I said is that we’re going to give this thing between us a chance. Breakfast is just to soak up some of that alcohol that your stomach is still swimming in.”
I get up and possibly stomp my foot a teeny, tiny bit. “I thought that I already said that we weren’t.” I may or may not sound like a petulant five-year-old. In my defense, I really do have a bitch of a hangover dammit.
He shrugs carelessly, pissing me the hell off. “And I’ve decided that we are. A relationship takes two people after all.”
I narrow my eyes and put my hands on my hips. “It’s not a relationship if both people don’t agree to be in it.” I growl earning an even bigger smile from the gorgeous pain in the ass standing in front of me.
“Yeah, I figured that you might say that. So, I’ve come up with a few ways to make you want to be in this relationship.”
I can feel my right cheek twitch. Most people don’t tend to piss me off, mainly because I don’t allow them to get under my skin. Unfortunately for me, Ben has been under my skin and skirt. And dammit, I need to stop those thoughts right now. I will not be swayed into a relationship that’s not going to work out just because he was the best sex that I’ve ever had. Truthfully, compared to him, my other three previous partners were seriously lacking in the skill department.
“And how do you plan to go about that?” I say while walking towards my closet. I have a feeling that he isn’t going to let up anytime soon. I might as well throw on some jeans and a bra. I mean, a girl has got to eat.
“I’ve come up with a plan to make sure that you see how amazing it is to have me around.”
I look over my shoulder with a dubious look.
He rolls his eyes. “Fine, seeing Rocco last night gave me an idea.”
“I’m almost afraid to ask.” I let the rest just hang in the air.
He takes a seat at the end of my bed and starts putting on his shoes. “You think that this won’t work out between us.”
“Because it won’t.” I chirp but he just ignores me and keeps going.
“But, I think that it will. You can’t fake the chemistry that we have between us. We owe it to ourselves to see where it goes. Whether your stubborn ass agrees or not,” he says trying to get his point across.
I finish getting dressed and walk out to find him standing once again. “So, what’s your master plan that can’t fail miserably?” If I added any more sarcasm into my voice you would be able to cut it with a knife.
“I’m going to pull a Rocco.” Ben states proudly.
I just stand in front of him with a droll look on my face. “Care to explain?”
<
br /> He places his hands on my arms and spins me towards the door. He gives me a little shove and we start walking out of my bedroom. “Simple. I’m just going to insert myself into every aspect of your life.”
I stumble at his words. Luckily he has quick reflexes and catches me before I smash into a wall. “S-say what now?” I stutter.
He has me out the door and into his truck before he answers me. Not that I really put much effort into stopping him since my mind is going about a million miles per hour. Every thought says this is a bad idea.
He gets behind the wheel and starts the engine before looking over at me. “I am going to make sure that I am around for everything, whether you want me there or not. Eventually, you’ll start to realize that you like having me in your life and that we work together and make sense.”
I shake my head at the nutcase sitting next to me. “None of this makes sense!” I shriek as he just drives us along on his merry freaking way. “You are absolutely insane if you think that I’m going to go along with this.” I cross my arms and huff.
“That’s the beauty of it, you don’t have to. But I’m going to be there anyway.”
“This idiotic plan is absolutely ridiculous. There is no way that I’m just going to let you into my life. That’s stalking Ben! You get that I could have you arrested or something for trying to do this?” I say with more conviction than I’m feeling. I have no idea if this would classify as stalking but I know what I’m looking up later tonight.
He looks over at me with a smug grin. “We’ll see.”
I turn my head and look out the window. “Yeah, we’ll see.” I mutter to myself.
Two Weeks Later:
Apparently, it’s not stalking if none of your friends help you. And by that I mean, my traitorous best friend makes sure that Ben is everywhere that I am. I am not even going to get into the fact that I was pretty much laughed out of the police station when I went to try to complain and file a police report. Of freaking course it was Rocco who was taking my statement. I may or may not have considered how much trouble I would get into for kicking a police officer in the middle of the police station. But I was running late to work and didn’t need to be arrested. But you can guarantee that I’m doing it next time I see him when he’s off duty!
Ben has inserted himself into almost every aspect of my life. He’s at the salon nonstop and even brings me lunch almost everyday. He’s figured out that I walk Dragon each night and makes sure to come along, so that I don’t get kidnapped or whatever bullshit he stated that first night. He even has Kellie on his side. I can’t even go over to my best friend’s house, which is really Mason’s and hers, to hang out. I mean, okay, sure, it’s his brother’s house too but Kellie doesn’t have to inform him of when I’m going to be there.
No one seems to take my pleas for help seriously. The only one who has given me any sympathy for having someone disrupt my life was Lavender when I saw her at the grocery store. All she did was give me a small smile, a pat on the arm and told me “not to fight it.” Can you believe that shit? No one else even cares that I’m going to lose my ever loving mind. Everyone just smiles at me like I’m stupid.
“What has that look on your face sweetheart?” Doris Smith asks from her seat in my chair.
I look back at her through the mirror. “I’m contemplating how many murders I could get away with.” I say seriously, because, well, I am. My ex-best friend is at the top of that list too.
Doris just blinks at me in shock. Truthfully, I’m not usually a very grumpy or moody person. But a six-foot giant sized someone can make a girl pissy.
“Don’t bother with her Doris.” Kellie says from her chair a few feet over. “She’s just upset because she has a hot guy who is trying to get her to agree to give him a chance. And she’s being a shit and complaining about it.”
“I’m being stalked!” I growl at the traitor.
“Who’s stalking you honey?” Doris asks with concern in her voice.
“Ben Ross.” Kellie and I say at the same time.
Doris raises her right eyebrow. “Honey, I wouldn’t mind being stalked by a man who looked like that. If anything, I would make sure to leave all of my doors and windows open to give him easy access.” She cackles, causing everyone else in the salon to join her.
“Why are you complaining about someone with all those muscles wanting you?” Kellie’s eighty something year old customer Sylvie asks.
I look up at the ceiling and shake my head. “Because it just won’t work out, so why bother getting feelings involved when it will only end in heartbreak.”
“Says who?” Doris counters with an unsettling gleam in her eyes. I forgot that her and Dee are friends. Damn my luck.
“I just know that it won’t.”
Kellie gives me an annoyed look and shakes her head. “She doesn’t think that she’s good enough for him.”
“Can you not tell everyone things that I tell you in private.” I hiss.
She blinks with false innocence. “Oops.”
I shake the hairbrush that I have in my hand at her. “You’re at the top of my kill list.”
“Hit list sweet girl. It’s called a hit list.” Doris states calmly.
“Kill list, hit list… whatever. You’re still going to be first.” I huff.
Kellie rolls her eyes and smirks at me. “I would be afraid if you didn’t cry every time you see a dead animal on the side of the road. I’m not even going to get into what a mess you become when you see the animal shelter commercial with that Sarah McLachlan song.”
“Anyone who doesn’t get sad seeing the poor, sweet animals while hearing that song is a freaking psychopath. That is the absolute saddest commercial in the entire universe.” I tell her with conviction. Seriously, name five people who don’t get sad when they see that commercial. It’s impossible not to.
“Yeah, I’m terrified.” Kel states like an asshole.
“You’ll see.” I mumble while combing Doris’ hair. I’m going to get back at her somehow for going along with Ben’s stupid plan. I don’t know how yet, but I will.
“Good grief.” Doris huffs. “You’re pouting like that boy is Quasimodo instead of an insanely good looking, successful and sweet young man.” She eyes me disapprovingly. “You could do worse.” She frowns.
“She has.” Quips Kellie.
“Can we not talk about this please?” I say as the bell chimes over the door.
“Not talk about what?” The bane of my existence questions as he walks in looking as yummy as the bag of food he’s holding smells.
I tilt my head to the ceiling and close my eyes. I just can’t catch a break.
“We are not to talk about you and your efforts to woo sweet Jessie.” Doris says slyly.
I open my eyes and glare at the older woman through the mirror. “Really?” I drawl.
“Hmm, really what sweetheart?” She blinks and tilts her head like she’s full of innocence. Innocent my ass.
“You know what.” I grumble into her ear. “You should be careful, if I get too upset you might end up with a mullet.”
Her eyes narrow onto mine, but she wisely chooses to stay silent. You never mess with the person who can have you walking around in a hat for months.
“Ah, okay.” Ben states looking between all of us. He holds up the bag that he’s carrying. “I brought lunch.” He looks at me with a smile before looking over at Kellie. “I got you something too. Mason said that you need to take a break and eat what I brought.”
Kellie shakes her head with a smirk. “I’m a grown woman and can decide for myself when I need to eat.” She grumbles.
He holds up his hands. “Hey, I’m just the messenger. Call my brother and take up your annoyance with him. He’s the one who insisted that I tell you to eat.”
“Fine.” Kellie sighs. “Can you go put that in the back for us to eat as soon as we get a chance, please?”
His lips twitch. “Should I tell him that you didn’t actually promise to e
at too?”
“Ever hear the saying, snitches get stitches?” She cocks out her jean covered hip.
“You’re about as scary as a puppy.”
“Your mother’s not.” Kellie says smugly, making me a little proud, even though I’m mad at the traitor.
Ben’s eyes turn to little slits. “I’ll remember this.” He grumbles as he walks into the back towards the breakroom.
I can’t even help the laugh that escapes my lips. “I can’t believe that you just threatened a grown ass man with his mother.”
Kellie shrugs. “It worked, didn’t it?”
“That’s just wrong on so many levels.” I say before pausing. “Do you think I could threaten him with her to leave me alone?” I muse out loud.
My question is met with a series of laughs and chuckles. “Sweetheart, that woman will be helping her sons get matched up. You have a better chance of seeing pigs fly, than getting help from Dee in this matter.” Sylvie tells me seriously.
“Damn,” I mumble, much to everyone’s amusement.
I fix my mouth to speak when I feel my phone vibrating in my apron pocket. I take it out and look at the caller ID. My expression instantly goes from annoyed to dark at just one glance at the caller’s name. I promptly hit the FU button on the side making the call go straight to voicemail. The last thing that I need to deal with today is the man who has made my life a living hell since the day I was born. The only thing he ever calls me for is money or just to berate me even more when he’s drunk for being a useless, ugly whore of a daughter.
“You okay sweetheart?” Doris asks in a sweet tone but her eyes are observant when I glance up to meet hers in the mirror.
I plaster on the fake smile that I’ve used since I was a kid. The one that most people never take the time to look past and nod my head at the kind woman. “I’m good.” I lie. “Just one of those annoying telemarketers. Probably some prince from Africa telling me that I won a million dollars and that I just need to send him my bank account information for the transfer.”
