Page 35 of F Buddy

It took me a moment to realize we’d come to a stop, but I didn’t care. I tipped my head back and stared up at the stars, closing my eyes and taking in deep breaths, letting out all the stress.

I was letting too much get to me, and a lot of it was Scarlett’s fault. I took advantage of the moment to clear my mind, hoping it would stay clear when I went home. After a while, when I felt so relaxed I thought I might fall, I righted myself and opened my eyes.

Out of nowhere, Abigail was suddenly pressed against me. My eyebrows jumped in surprise, and my mind was almost not quick enough to get me to react when her face was suddenly close to mine. I made myself move back, my hands going to her shoulders as I gently, but very deliberately, pushed her away.

“What was that for?” my voice sounded incredulous, but she stood there smirking like I was acting like an idiot.

Which, to be fair, I was. There was only one reason why people kissed in my book, and that was exactly what she’d been trying to do.

But how else was I supposed to react? I hadn't seen any indication she wanted that kind of relationship with me. Abigail was attractive and outgoing; she was a favorite at the office. She could have just about any man she wanted, so why would she even bother with me? But the look in her eyes let me know that she most definitely wanted to take me to bed.

“You’re smart enough to guess if you haven’t clued in yet,” she told me. “You’re hot, Zach, and we’ve been working in much closer proximity since we moved to Tokyo. I’m interested in you.”

I frowned at her. She was too blasé about this. And while there were times when I found myself in the position she was taking, that didn’t mean I was okay with it. If anything, I was suddenly sympathetic to the women who had to deal with me. I liked my sex life easy, but because of how people were, that wasn’t always possible. There were women, even knowing what I was like, that thought they would be the one to make me fall. I set them straight quickly. Usually.

“Look, Abigail,” I started slowly. “Thank you for bringing me out tonight, I needed it, but—”

“But what?” she asked, tone playful but with an edge I hadn't heard before. “But your girlfriend would disapprove? You’re not together, remember? And hasn’t she been avoiding you? Maybe she’s trying to tell you she doesn't want anything to do with you.”

It was so close to what I’d been thinking it made me freeze. She took advantage of my preoccupation, stepping closer again. Her arms were around my neck before I realized she’d got so close, and I felt her breath wash over my face.

Nothing she’d said was in any way wrong. But at that moment, I couldn’t let her kiss me. My body moved instinctively, my head pulling back a little as my hands went to her shoulders, and I pushed her off me. It wasn't hard, but she still stumbled on her heels, a shocked look on her face that probably matched mine.

She looked angry. “What the hell was that for, Zach?”

I frowned, my back straightening at her tone. “I never gave you permission to kiss me, Abigail. Why shouldn't I stop you?”

She gave me an incredulous look, then dissolved into laughter. My frown dissolved into a glare.

“Oh, please. Since when have I needed permission? It’s just a kiss, for one. We’re both here, both single. What’s so wrong with getting together and having some fun?”

I grimaced because it was too close to what I’d told Scarlett. Abigail and I were alike in a lot of ways. That didn’t make the situation any better, though.

“You’re an attractive woman, Abigail, I just... can’t do this with you.”

Instead of looking angry like before, she looked curious now. She stood with her hands planted on her hips, head tilted slightly as if she were trying to psychoanalyze me. I fucking hated it. Abigail was starting to get on my nerves, but at the same time she was the only person I could talk to. Shit, I never needed someone to talk to until now. Everything was so fucking messed up. I wished I’d never taken this job in the first place.

“What does she have that I don’t?”

It was a genuine question, not just her pitching a fit.

“It’s nothing like that,” I said with a wince, even though my mind jumped to plenty of answers. “I’d just really like to talk to her before I make any assumptions when she’s already mad at me. She and I are still friends and I don’t want to lose that over something stupid.”

She pursed her lips. “So, you’re not saying no to me?” she asked, holding up a hand when I went to answer immediately. “Technically.”

I sighed. “Technically... no. I just can’t, not until I’ve spoken to Scarlett.”

For some reason, she looked pleased. Then she turned around. “Well, we can continue our walk if you’d like. I promise not to try anything again tonight.”

The way she said it made it clear that she would be trying something another night, and I winced at the thought. She shot me a coy look and a wink over her shoulder, and her hips swayed as she walked.

But I hardly paid attention. I’d hoped to relax, and I had until Abigail ruined it and now thoughts of Scarlett were flooding my mind again.

Abigail had made her interest more than clear. She was there, available and willing—convenient, just how I liked my sex life. And yet, I couldn't stop my thoughts from jumping immediately toward Scarlett.

Chapter 15

Scarlett