“That boxing match is tonight. I figured we could watch it at your place, all come over, have some food and beer.”
“Sounds great, I’ll order it when I get home. Just stop over whenever.”
Derek came out of the house and asked if we were watching the fight tonight. Mark told him the plans and he got excited.
“Hell yeah. I was hoping we’d get to watch it on your big screen. Let’s go,” he said, hopping into the backseat. I looked over at Mark who just shrugged. What could you do?
Mark immediately ordered the show on whatever premium channel it would be streaming on. Next, he went and brought a TV from his practice room and set it up next to the other TV. When I asked him what he was doing he explained that the second one would be for gaming.
“We can play the game while we watch the pre-fights and stuff. Plus, Derek and I are probably gonna play afterward. They just added some DLC last night.”
I rolled my eyes but didn’t complain. Derek helped him set it up and as soon as it was good to go, they both sat down and started up the game. I went to work in the kitchen, pulling out chips and beer. I brought them out for the guys to enjoy while they played.
“Hey, you should make those things, with the bacon. You know,” Derek asked, not looking away from the screen.
“What, poppers?”
He nodded excitedly.
“Yeah those. That and the mushrooms. Make those.”
I put my hand on my hip and didn’t move.
“Please?” I said and I saw his jaw clench. Instead of answering he chose to ignore me. Mark, who wasn’t looking away either asked if I would make the food.
“I love those mushrooms. You wanna order pizza too? I’ll go get it if you call,” he promised. I was skeptical but called anyways while I started on the appetizers. When there was a break in their game Mark came into the kitchen.
“Everyone just got here. How’s cooking going?” I turned away from the counter.
“Why does he purposely try to irritate me?”
“Who, Derek? He does that to everyone. He just knows he can get under your skin easier. Ignore him and he’ll go away.” He came over to hug me. I relaxed into his warm, toned body.
“I’m this close to kicking him out. I don’t know how much more I can take,” I murmured.
“I know. I’ll bring it up again tomorrow, and really push him to start looking,” he assured me. Derek yelled from the other room for Mark to get back. He reached for a mushroom, popped it in his mouth and hurried out.
Realizing I still didn’t want to be around him right now I decided to make a few more snacks. I made a dip for the chips and then brownies for later. When everyone began to arrive, I brought the food out. Setting the bowls and trays out on the coffee table, I had bent down. Suddenly I felt a light slap on my bottom.
I jerked upright and turned around. Derek had been the one to smack my ass. He gave me a wink and reached for a popper.
“Thanks doll, keep up the good work.” I stared at him in shock and anger. I balled my hands up in fists.
“You do that again and you won’t have a hand to smack with,” Mark growled. Taking a deep breath, I left the room. This was too much, I needed a break. He could not stay here anymore. The timer in the kitchen went off, telling me that it was time to get the pizza. I returned to the living room and told my husband.
He groaned but handed the controller to Adrian.
“Alright, Derek come on.” Derek shook his head.
“Nah, make someone else go with you. I’m on a kill streak.” Mark looked around for takers and finally Ethan volunteered to go. Mark reached for a kiss, but I just wasn’t feeling it right then. He frowned.
“Oh, come on. Don’t be mad at me for his mouth. That’s not fair,” he pouted. I kissed him quickly and hurried into the kitchen. I poured myself a glass of wine and stared at it. Was I making a big deal out of nothing? No one else seemed to be as bothered by it as I was. Why was that?
Cleo entered the kitchen and asked me if I was alright. I shrugged. “I guess, just- am I being crazy about Derek? He’s driving me nuts. He eats my food, sleeps on my couch, throws up in my bathroom. He’s annoying and rude and I don’t know how much more I can take of it!”
Cleo stared at me for a moment before cracking a smile and then chuckling.
“You’re not nuts. He has been pretty bad lately. Worse than usual. I think it’s because Mark’s his last buddy. Adrian and I are more focused on the kids and our husband’s. Mark’s freedom is coming to a close. Well, you know what I mean. No more late nights playing video games and binge drinking. He misses that and is holding on to Mark for dear life.”
