Next I apply my foundation, pressing the blending sponge over and over until I’m satisfied with the coverage.
Trouble…
A smile creeps across my face, but I shoo it away. I need to do a better job of keeping him at arm’s length. After dinner last night, all bets are off.
I can feel it. Something changed between us—shifted. If I want to preserve my loyalty to Dylan, I have to pull my armor on. Remind both of us why this is such a bad idea.
My phone vibrates against the counter again.
I promised your brother I’d make sure you were safe.
The laugh that rumbles from my lips is cold and humorless. The familiar shield of bitchiness hugs me like an old friend.
Not only am I 100% confident he’s not even in Thailand yet, I’m also not interested in being babysat. Leave me alone, Gareth.
Flipping my phone over, I ignore it as best as I can despite it buzzing immediately after. My makeup won’t apply itself, so I turn back to the array of bronzer, blush, eyeliner, shadows, and mascara, and set to work.
By the time I’m swiping on my crimson lipstick, I can’t take it anymore.
You work at a biker bar. It’s less babysitting and more personal protection detail.
My fingers fly across the screen.
You’d last ten minutes at the biker bar, Golden Boy. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.
You and Dylan act like he’s there every night to walk me to my car. I can’t even remember the last time Dylan came in for a drink.
A vast sea of black greets me when I slide my closet door open and reveal my clothes. Knowing it’ll be a long night, I grab my favorite pair of black jeans and pair them with a see-through black lace top and dress quickly, completing the look with my favorite pair of black boots.
Grabbing a leather jacket, I toss it over my shoulders, then look around for my purse.
My phone buzzes again, and like an idiot, I immediately look.
I just want to make sure you’re safe.
There’s an ache in my heart, the soft organ betraying me yet again.
Why the hell does he have to be so perfect?
Lodging a knife in my own heart, I choke on my next words as I type them, hitting send quickly.
It's not your job to worry about me. I have a boyfriend, remember?
Locking my condo door behind me, I walk to my car, clicking the key fob twice to unlock it before I slide into the driver's seat. I slam the door unnecessarily hard, then start my engine, letting it rumble awake.
Oh that’s right, Zach. How is he doing, anyway? Maybe you should have taken some leftovers home to him last night.
I laugh out loud, surprise causing me to shake my head in appreciation, lips pursing.
So Gareth does have teeth.
Dang Golden Boy, look who has a little bite.
Guess I've been spending a little time around a certain troublemaker. Picked up some claws.
A quick glance at the clock on my dashboard reminds me I’m running late thanks to this text exchange. I need to put an end to it,now, so I can get to work.
Silly you, doggies don’t have claws. Don’t come to the bar, Golden Boy. I can make it twenty feet to my car without your stellar bodyguard skills. Have a good night!
