“Sure thing.”He kisses my cheek, then returns to the kitchen to refresh my drink.And me?Well, I guess I can’t help myself.Checking to see if I’m still in Bryan’s line of sight, I cast a quick, apologetic look at Violet, then move around the banister and up the stairs without a backward glance.
Jagger doesn’t stop me, and Violet doesn’t question it.Why I feel the need to check on a certain someone when my non-boyfriend is fixing me a drink in the kitchen.
Good.Maybe I’m not so unhinged after all.
When I reach the second floor, I look around, fighting my helplessness.I’ve never been up here before.I have no idea where I’m going.Not really.Nibbling the edge of my bottom lip, I approach the closest door and reach for the handle when Violet’s warm voice echoes behind me.“Next door down.That one’s Hawke’s.”
I was so distracted, I didn’t hear her follow me.I wipe my sweaty palm with my fingers, then look at one of my best friends.
“I get it, June.Trust me.If anyone gets it, it’s me.”
“It’s not like that,” I start.
“It never is.”Her mouth lifts on one side.“Take your time.Jagger and I will cover for you with Bryan.”
“Thanks,” I whisper.
Quickening my steps, I approach the next door and reach for the handle, but hesitate.Is this a bad idea?Do I even care if it is?Making a fist, I knock instead.The sound is quiet, but it’s enough to grab Ford’s attention.“Occupado.Go somewhere else.”
I reach for the handle again and twist it open before I can talk myself out of it.With his butt planted on the mattress and his head in his hands, Ford’s head snaps up.“I said—” The words fall flat as he scans me up and down.“To what, uh, to what do I owe the pleasure, June Bug?”
Closing the door behind me, I lean against the hard surface and press my hands to it.“Is this the part where you say I should see the other guy?”
“Normally, I’d say yes, but, uh, this time, I’m the one sporting the, uh, the trophy.”He motions to his face and rolls his eyes.He wants me to think it doesn’t affect him.That it’s only a bruise.And maybe if he was talking to someone else, they’d believe him.Me?Not so much.However, if I’ve learned anything in my short friendship with Ford Harden, it’s that pushing the guy isn’t always the best way to get an answer out of him.Nope.It only makes him clam up, and I don’t have the muscles to pry him open.So instead, I try something different.I take a page from his own book.
“Good thing chicks dig scars,” I say.
A look of mirth forms at the edge of his mouth.“Good thing.”
“Mind if I take a closer look?”I can tell he wants to say no.His shoulders hunch ever so slightly, and he fights to hold my gaze.“Please, Ford?”I murmur.
Another beat passes, and I swear I can hear my own heart pounding in my ears as I wait for permission to approach him.Finally, his chin dips, and I edge closer.
The mattress sinks as I sit beside him.“What happened?”I ask.
“Once a smart-ass, always a smart-ass.”
I nod my understanding, then take his hands, checking his knuckles.They’re calloused but clean.No split skin.No blood or bruising or redness.The realization doesn’t make me feel any better as I brush my thumb against his skin.“You didn’t fight back.”
He shakes his head.“I’m, uh, I’m playing the long game.”
The long game?What is he talking about?
My gaze finds his.“What does that mean?”
“It means I’m playing the long game,” he repeats, though the humor seems to be missing this time.
“And who are you playing it with?”I prod.
“You want the truth, June Bug?”His gaze is so sharp I’m surprised I haven’t been cut.
“I want whatever you’re willing to give without feeling pressured into it.”I hesitate.My attention catches on the damaged side of his face.“Wait here,” I order.A bathroom connects to Ford’s bedroom, and I disappear inside it.Searching the stained wood cabinet, I find a washcloth and wet it with cold water before returning to Ford.He hasn’t moved a muscle.Instead, he’s staring at the wall in front of him like I’m not even here at all.Why does that not make me feel any better?I bite my bottom lip and approach him once more.“Here.”I press the cool washcloth to the angry cut surrounded by red, puffy skin on the side of his face.“It’s not an icepack, but…at least it’s something.”
“Look at you.Nurse June.Does this persona come with a naughty outfit, too?”
I peek up at him, then turn my attention back to the damage.“Only for my good patients,” I volley.
His eyes widen before mirth replaces his surprise.“Bribery, huh?Is that how you treat all your patients?”
