“So more than old enough, right? You need to stop mothering that kid. Come here so you can get laid instead.”
This time there was no holding back my frustrated sigh. For two years, I’d wasted my time on this man. What the hell had I been thinking? Sure, it had been fun in the beginning, but I’d foolishly thought his selfishness was just a single-guy thing, something he’d lose, especially when he met Lottie.
Not that my girl was a miracle worker or anything. My misplaced thoughts were all down to me and my naïve wishful thinking.
Heck, my foolishness didn’t even cut it.
I didn’t have the will to get into this with him now, though. Not only did I have an early flight to Minneapolis in the morning to watch Pearce’s game, but a couple of my investments had turned to shit with the downward turn of a couple of my stocks.
“I’m going to have to pass.”
“Fine.” The bite to the one-word response was unforgiving, and I didn’t give a shit. “Tomorrow then.”
Unbidden, I smirked, knowing exactly how he’d respond when I answered him. Jesus, it really was time I cut ties with the guy. “I have an early flight to Minneapolis in the morning. I won’t be back till late the day after.”
“Of course you have. When you’ve finished playing with your boy toy, I expect to hear from you… if you can drag yourself away from the attention whore.”
“Hey now,” I interrupted, pissed off at his bitchiness. He wasn’t usually this bad. Jealous for sure, but not like this.
“Of course you’ll jump in and defend Saint Pearce.”
Another frustrated breath escaped me. “Listen, we need to talk when I get back.”
In response, he grunted out a “Yeah, whatever. I hope your team sucks ass,” and the phone call cut off.
“Shit.” I stared down at my cell and flopped back on my bed, wondering how I got myself mixed up with the man in the first place. While technically he was my boyfriend, last year, I’d half-heartedly agreed to an open relationship. Not something I’d pursued or was especially keen on. But hanging out with Wayne had times of being fun. In the beginning, at least.
Fuck. I stared up at the ceiling, knowing full well I’d been thinking with my dick. Sex with Wayne had been easy and accessible. Even though he could be a douche, he was safe. There’d been no speaking out to gossip columns, though he was happy to play the part of doting boyfriend on the rare occasion a pap took notice.
But he’d never been enough. Not really. I just felt like a dick for going along with an easy lay for so long.
The loud burst of music from my phone made me jump. I fumbled with it, a frown already forming as I glanced at the screen. Immediately, it flipped into a smile, tension rushing out of me.
Pearce.
“Hey.”
“Hey, back. Whatcha doing?”
God, it was good to hear his voice. The man had the ability to chase away my frustration and unhappiness with just the curve of his smile or the cadence of a single syllable. “Just put Lottie to bed, then going to grab a shower.”
“Thank Christ. I can smell the stench from here. Lottie begged me earlier to make sure you hosed down. The shame of traveling with you tomorrow would have been too much for her. She was threatening legal action.”
I chuckled, breathing easier listening to his goofiness. “That right? What kind of legal action we talking? If there’s a good deal on the table…?”
“Oooh, you don’t want to mess with that girl’s plans. You’d be living on Spam and butter for the rest of your life.”
“Uhm… that’s quite a combination.”
“Right!” He laughed. “She’s an evil genius.”
“Uh-huh. But considering my girl wouldn’t recognize Spam if it landed on her plate and did a song and dance, I have a feeling you’re in on this and working out the terms.” I pulled myself up, adjusted my pillows, and leaned back, relaxing into the conversation.
“Conjecture.” He snorted. “Shit, is that even the right word to use?”
I grinned. “The hell if I know. What have you been getting into?”
“A couple of games of pool with the guys.”
