I hit send and stare at the screen—hoping that maybe he changed his mind. If I’m lucky, he won’t show up and I won’t have to see his stupid face. The message delivers, but there’s no dots, or read receipts. I glance up, eyes sweeping around the crowded restaurant in search of a place to sit.
I freeze, my grip tightening around the phone.
There he is. Slouched lazily in the corner booth like the seat was carved for his body. Legs spread wide, fitted cap pulled low. He’s staring at his phone, that familiar smirk tugging at his mouth. Curiosity hits, causing a million thoughts to go racing.
Which girl is he talking to now?
Did he meet her after he finished with me in the locker room?
I hate that I care, that I notice.
I move toward him, my heart in my throat, but I keep moving. One foot after the other until I’m only feet away. My phone pings and I glance at it quickly.
Asshole #1: In the back.
He looks up as I approach, all smug confidence and unbothered cool, eyes dragging over me like he’s measuring the damage he caused.
Too late to run now.
Alex throws an arm over the back of the booth. “You actually showed.”
“I could walk right back out,” I snap back even though I’m already settled into the seat.
He shrugs, cocky and effortless. “You won’t.”
I suck in a breath, tuck my chin, and peer at him through my lashes. “Sure about that?”
He smiles, wetting his lips in the process. “Yeah, I am.” Alexleans forward, bringing his face as close as the table will allow. “Wanna know how I’m so sure?”
I don’t, but I ask anyway. “How?”
“Because I made you come the hardest you’ve ever come in your life.”
My stomach caves in, my breath caught mid-pulse. Before I can respond, the waitress arrives.
“Looks like your friend has arrived?” the middle-aged woman says through a smile.
“We’re far from friends,” I seethe while glaring at him.
“She’s downplaying it. She and I have beenrealclose lately.” Still he grins, almost as if daring me to call him out in front of this woman.
“Well, that’s nice. Can I get you anything?”
I glare at him, my nostrils flared as I silently curse him. I knew this was a bad idea, the moment our eyes locked in that damn closet. I should have pushed him away—stopped him—but I didn’t, and now this jerk has something to hold over my head.
Alex finally pulls his gaze from mine and picks up the small menu. “Yeah. Let me get an espresso, triple shot.”
“All right. And you, sweetheart?” She turns to me, tapping her pen against her order book.
“Um. How about an iced latte? Caramel, please.”
“Sure thing.”
She nods and looks between us. “Would you like anything to eat?”
Alex nods in my direction. “Whatever you want. It’s on me.”
I wet my lips, taking another peek at the menu options. “Egg white and turkey sausage wrap.”
