“I don’t doubt that, but now you know what type of assholes are out there.”
“Oh, Reed.” I squeeze his arm and lean in close, breathing him in as he stiffens. “I learned that alongtime ago. But thanks anyway.”
He knows about my past full of assholes, so when his nose scrunches, I laugh.
“I wasn’t there back then.” He shrugs, his face tense until he stands tall. “But I’m here now, and I’m taking you home. Deal with it.”
He hits me with a no bullshit stare and my body heats.Damn, Reed.Biting my lip, I match his intensity as I contemplate how to respond, my mind replaying his demanding tone over and over.Deal with it.
I need to get laid. By someone who isnotReed. And I need to do it fast.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Reed
Hayley texts while I’m brushing my teeth the next morning, and I know before reading it that it’s a thank you text.
Despite her pussy-blocking arguments—and there were many—when she was ready to leave last night, she found me.
And just like I said I would, I took her home, to her apartment, walking her to her door. Exactly like I would have done if it had been Bria.
In fact, it’s safe to say, my friendship with Hayley has become just as important as the friendship I share with Bria. And God knows we speak more often. Bria and I have barely spoken since Thanksgiving, and that was almost two weeks ago.
Unlocking my phone as I finish in the bathroom, I chuckle when I read Hayley’s text.
Hayley: Thanks for last night. Even though my drought continues
I wasn’t wrong, but I forgot to predict the sass.
Reed: You should thank me for that too. You were too good for those guys
Hayley: Even your teammates?
Reed: Especially them. You’re welcome
Hayley: If you say so. Are you free Friday night? You owe me for ditching me tomorrow
I chuckle as I throw my towel into my bag and grab my hat and keys. I don’t have to think about my week to know that I’m free. I’d usually see Bria Friday or Saturday but after our most recent argument—one that included her accusing me of neglect when she’s the one that’s been busy—we haven’t made plans. Despite the fact that I’ve tried calling her. Truth is, I’m not neglecting her. I just happen to have been busy on the few instances she made time for me.
Reed: I can spare an hour or two
Hayley: Good. I’ll come to you. Movie night
Reed: Only if I choose
I pocket my phone as I lock my door, but I only make it down the front two steps before it rings, making me smile.
“Okay, fine,” I whine as I answer. “You can choose the movie.” I laugh until Bria sucks in a breath. Yes, I know the way her breathing sounds.I’m that obsessed.
“I’m going to guess you thought I was someone else.” Her hurt whisper breaks me.
“I did.” I cringe as my fists clench. “Sorry. How are you?”
“Oh…ah…I’m good. Great. But I missed you. I know that’s on me but—”
“It’s not, I—”
“You don’t have to defend me, Reed,” she cuts me off, her voice significantly lighter. “I was a bitch because I was jealous.”
