The only reason I agreed to let Benji set me up tonight was because I need to get my mind off Boone. I’ve always found him attractive, and it’s never been an issue. Hell, he’s the guy when I was younger who made me realize I even liked men. Apparently, until now. I’m attracted to plenty of people, but that doesn’t mean I actively want to hook up with them or that I have actual feelings for them.
I don’t know if it’s just all this time I’m spending with him now that I’m staying at his house and Jade is gone, or the fact that I know they’re getting a divorce, so my mind is like“Ha! He’s up for the taking now!”even though that couldn’t be further from the damn truth. But it’s like feelings I’ve never had toward him before are popping up, and I don’t know how to make them stop.
In hindsight, the evening wasn’t terrible, overall. The movie was good, the food was delicious, and getting to hang out with Benji was fun. Even the guy—Jacob is his name—was nice enough. But it was just uncomfortable. I felt like I needed to entertain this stranger, which I guess on a date, you kind of do. That’s the thing, though…I didn’t want to. I wanted to hang out with my friend, and that’s it.
Now I’m stuck driving this guy home because Benji thought it would be a “fun idea.” Benji means well, but he’s about one more fun idea away from getting bitch slapped. All I want is to get home already, change into some pajamas, and go the fuck to bed. This Jacob fucker lives clear on the other side of town. And he’s chatty.
“I can’t believe we’ve never met before now, living in the same town,” he mutters.
Gripping the steering wheel so tight my knuckles blanch, I blow out a breath through my nose. I am peopled out. “Well, I’ve spent the last three years away at college for nine months out of the year,” I reply with a smile, hoping it hides how I’m feeling. I don’t want to be rude. It’s not his fault that I have absolutely zero interest in small talk right now.
“I had fun tonight.”
I throw him a quick glance. Of course, he’s already looking at me. “Yeah, me too.”
It’s a white lie. It’s okay.
“Take a left right there,” he instructs. “My place is the second one on the right.”
Coming to a stop against the curb in front of his house, I don’t bother putting it in park. “Well, it was nice to meet you, Jacob,” I say politely.
“You too, Grady.” He unbuckles his seat belt, but makes no attempt at reaching for the door. Instead, he turns his body toward me and slides his hand over, resting it on my thigh. I lookdown at the appendage in my lap, then over to him, confused. Jacob inches closer.Oh, no. Please don’t tell me he’s going to try to kiss me.“Hopefully, we can do it again.”
And then he moves even closer. I panic. Kissing is the very last thing I want to do right now, but I don’t want to hurt his feelings either. Right before his lips meet mine, I jerk back as far as I can and blurt out, “Cold sore!”
Jacob sits back, a puzzled look on his face. “What?”
Fuck, why would I say that?“I, uh…” Breathing out a laugh, I say, “I’ve got a cold sore on the inside of my lip.” I shrug my shoulders. “You know, they say you’re not supposed to kiss someone when you have one of those because they’re contagious.”
“Oh.” Jacob’s eyebrows dip and slash together as he nods. “Right, yeah. I have heard that. Well, damn. Maybe next time.”
There will be no “next time,” Jacob.
“Yeah, maybe.” I offer him a smile that I’m sure looks forced. “Well, better get home.”
“Can I get your number?” he asks, his hand on the door handle.
Fuck.“You know, I recently just got a new phone and I’m not sure of the number, but I can find it and give it to Benji to give to you later.”
“Or you could text me and then I’d have it?”
Jesus Christ, he’s a persistent little fucker.
“It’s dead,” I lie, offering another smile.
“Dang, alright. Well, yeah, give it to Benji, and I’ll hit you up sometime.”
“Sounds good!” I say, way too eager to get him the fuck out of my car.
As soon as the door closes, I let out a breath. Thank fuck that’s over. Turning the music up, I make the drive home, thrilled when I finally put the car in park in front of the garage.The house is quiet as I enter, which makes sense since it’s almost eleven o’clock. I drop all my shit off in my room, wanting to take a shower. Kicking off my shoes and letting my pants fall to my ankles, I step out of them before reaching behind my head and pulling my shirt off. In only a pair of briefs, I grab my phone and head to the bathroom, which conveniently is right beside the bedroom I occupy here on the main level.
I turn on the light and check under the sink for a towel.
No towel.
Dammit.
The laundry room is upstairs, and with Jade being gone, it’s become abundantly clear how much both Boone and I suck at laundry. Neither of us have any problem washing or drying, but the folding and putting it away aspect seems to be a bit much for either of us. I hate to go up there when I know Suzy is sleeping, especially since Mabel sleeps with her most nights, and if the dog hears me, she’ll most likely wake Suzy up, but the laundry roomisclear on the other side of the upstairs and I’m barefoot, so surely, I can be quiet and quick enough that I don’t wake her up.
