Not only am I in love with two different men, I also have feelings for a third, Josh. We were going somewhere before Hank got hurt, and well that kinda fell onto the back burner. Hiding just below the surface, just enough to be a reminder.
Not that it would’ve mattered. Hank wants me to choose, and I can't. I won’t. At least there’s only three hearts affected by my poor choices instead of four.
My alarm goes off, the incessant beeping annoying, as if I wasn't already awake. Instead of reaching over and turning it off right away, I let it continue to go off. Finally, not able to bear it anymore, I roll to my side and reach to grab my phone from the dresser, shutting it up.
A voicemail from Hank pops up just before it powers off. Shit! I've gotten so used to him plugging my phone in at night that I forgot to charge it. My blanket falls to my lap as I sit up. I let out a deep sigh; I really need a do-over of yesterday, like in the movieGroundhog Daythat Hank made me watch. If only life were that easy, anytime life got complicated or didn't go our way, we could do it over until we get the desired outcome.
Slowly getting out of bed, I plug my phone into the charger and head to the kitchen. I'm in desperate need of coffee, even though I'd prefer a stiff drink, preferably tequila. And not just one, but a few of them. So many that I get black out drunk and pass out. Finally being free of my turmoil for just a bit.
Turning on my electric kettle, I go about putting the coffee in my mug, along with some creamer, as I wait for the water to heat. Gripping the counter, I let my head fall forward, my hair hanging in my face as I try to sort out how I ever let myself end up in this situation. I'm the tough bitch, the one who doesn't take shit. With anyone else I'd say screw them, but these men have my insides twisted up in knots. I can't let them go that easily.
I stare at the steam rising from the kettle, making it whistle as it heats until it clicks off. I've just finished pouring the water into my mug while savoring the intense aroma when there's a knock at the door. Fuck, can't a girl get just one damn sip of her coffee before someone interrupts?
Picking up my cup, I carefully take a sip, but fail miserably, burning my tongue while the knocking grows louder. Rolling my eyes, I try to calm my temper as I walk to the door.
If my alarm just went off, I know for a fact it's only eight in the morning, so who the hell is knocking on my door this fucking early? I'll tell you right now if I had worked last night, I'd be ripping someone's head off right about now.
Making my way toward the sound, my anger grows with each pound that continues. I flip the lock and pull open the door. "What?" I blurt out sharply.
"Oh, sorry. Did you forget I was coming?" the deep voice on the other side of the door asks, as he looks everywhere but directly at me.
Glancing down, I see I'm still in my sleep clothes that barely cover more than a bathing suit would. I'm in tight booty shorts, half my ass cheeks hanging out, with ‘Bite Me’ written across the back of them. Thankfully, he can't see that. My top is a thin, tight cami, clearly showing my pebbled nips.
"Oh shit. I did," I say, trying my hardest to cover my chest with my free hand. "Come in." I glance down at my body. “Um, just give me a minute to run and change.”
"I can come back if you need me to."
"No, it's okay. Coffee’s in the kitchen if you want some and the water’s already hot." I make small talk, trying to ease some of the awkwardness building between the two of us.
"Thanks, but I’m going to pass. I had the night shift in the ER, and if I drink anymore, I'll never go to bed.”
“Okay, I’ll be right back.” Turning I make my way down the hallway, almost tripping when I hear him groan. Fuck me, he’s got a prime view of my ass.
I set my cup down on the dresser as I pull open the drawer, taking out a pair of cotton shorts and an oversized shirt. I slip them on over my night clothes and pick up my coffee, heading back to the living room.
Josh is still standing there, right where I left him.
“I just came by to do my final check on Hank. I just want to look at that pesky wound one last time. Is he still asleep?” Josh lifts his hand, scratching the back of his head as he glances around the room, and down the hall past me.
"Umm, shit. Guess Hank didn't reach out to you?" I move across the room, desperately needing to sit down on the couch. I can feel Josh's movements behind me, following me as I go.
"No, he didn't. Is he not here?" His face holds confusion mixed with fatigue and I hate that he drove all the way to my house to check on someone who's not even here. He should have gone straight to his place and crashed.
Hell, in the time since Ash was rescued the first time until now, I've never figured out where he lives. Does he have his own apartment? House? Does he stay at the clubhouse? Guess I've never taken the time to talk to him and really get to know him. Our conversations were never about anything that personal. Or I never tried to find out.
"It’s kind of a long story depending on how many details you want," I tell him, causing him to laugh. He takes a seat on the couch to my right, angling his body so he's facing me.
Crossing my legs, I turn to the side so I can look at him. Fuck he has gorgeous eyes and full lips. Nope, not going there. I need to get a grip on my hormones.
He runs his fingers through his short brown hair as his deep blue eyes look right into my soul. "What happened?" he asks.
Leaning forward, I sit my mug on the coffee table before pulling the throw blanket off the back of the couch, covering my legs.
"So, yeah, Hank's not here. He actually went back to his place. We had a fight."
Josh's face holds no emotion to tell me what he's thinking. Leaving me sitting in silence, waiting for a response.
"Damn, I feel like shit now. I woke you for no reason. I'm sorry, Veronica."
