Yes, I did.It was Joel the Cocky Bastard who thought he could ditch me for a couple of hoochies and then show up here afterwards for sloppy seconds. I frowned. Or would it be thirds?
I shuddered at the thought.
What did he think? That just because he'd mowed my lawn that I'd forgive whatever slick trick he was pulling now.Not likely.
I leaned closer to the intercom. "Joel?" I paused as if thinking. "Huh. Sorry. Not ringing a bell."
In spite of my obvious sarcasm, his voice remained calm. "Will you open the door?" He paused. "Please?"
His calmness grated on me. What was I supposed to do? Open the door wide and give him a big, happy smile."Sure, come on in. You're so hot, I'd put up with anything."
Suddenly tired of the drama, I gave up the pretense and said, "It's late."
"I know," he said. "But I wanna explain. Now c'mon. Open up. Alright?"
With a sigh, I disengaged the alarm, twisted the deadbolt, and opened the door. And there he was, looking just as good as the last time I'd seen him. That was how long ago? Five, maybe six, hours?
I stared up at him. To my surprise, he actually looked sober.
But so what? Maybe his drug of choice wasn't alcohol, but a couple of sisters in a back booth.
I crossed my arms and waited, wondering what on Earth he'd say now.
He glanced down at my clothes. "Were you sleeping?"
"No."
His mouth twitched at the corners. "Your shorts are on backwards."
I looked down and stifled a groan.Oh, crap.He was right. I should've noticed. Now that I was paying attention, they did feel kind of funny. So much for makinghimfeel stupid.
Still, I lifted my chin and said, "Is that why you stopped by? To critique my clothing?"
"No." He glanced past me, toward the interior of the house. With a look that wasalmostapologetic, he said, "I forgot my phone."
Chapter 43
From the open doorway, I was still staring. "You forgot your phone? Sothat'swhy you rang the bell?"
I felt my eyes narrow. Oh, he could have his phone, alright. In fact, I could even tell him where to shove it – and it was nowhere near his ear.
In front of me, Joel gave a low curse. "I didn't mean it like that."
"Oh yeah? How did you mean it?"
"I wanted to call," he said. "That'swhat I meant." His expression softened. "Screw the phone. I don't need it."
He looked so sincere that I almost didn't know what to think. I had to remind myself that he hadn't been out saving orphans from burning buildings. He'd been out carousing with not just one, buttwoother girls.
Should I fling that fact in his face? Or wait to hear what he'd say?
I was still pondering that when Joel said, "I brought you something."
Confused, I glanced down. His hands were empty. Unless he meant the something in his pants, I couldn’t imagine what he meant.
I gave him a stiff smile. "Oh yeah? What?"
He flicked his head toward the side of the house. "C'mon. I'll show you."
