“I can’t believe you did that,” she says, studying my face. “Why would you get into a fight because of me?”
The fact she’s asking these questions means she has no idea how I feel.
Friends. Just friends.
“Because that asshole called you a whore. He couldn’t deal with your rejection.”
“So that merits hitting him in the face…several times?” I’m not sure if she’s scolding or ready to high-five me.
I release her and brush a hand through my hair. “Lennon, listen.” I pause, trying to get my thoughts straight.
“Thank you,” she says before I can speak. Her words take me by surprise, and I’m not sure I even heard her correctly. “No one’s ever stood up for me before. When he asked if I was single, I just…froze. It was like I couldn’t get the words out. I didn’t want to say them.”
“I know, Lennon.” I give her a sincere look. “Wait. You aren’t mad at me?”
“Are you kidding? No. I mean, I don’t usually encourage fights, but hell, that guy wouldn’t get a clue even if I shoved it up his ass.”
Her words have me laughing and pulling her in for another hug, then I kiss the top of her head. Fuck it, I’m going to hell anyway for the dirty thoughts I’ve had about her.
“Still, I should’ve controlled my temper,” I say, separating us. “Sorry for wrecking your night out.”
“You didn’t.” She shakes her head. “Thanks for having my back.”
“Of course. Always, Lennon.”
Her face contorts, and I know I’m probably confusing the shit out of her right now. She has no reason to believe those words, considering how I’ve treated her in the past, but I’m determined to be exactly what she needs—a friend, someone to rely on, and someone she can trust.
We ride to the apartment in silence, and it’s not even midnight by the time we make it home. Lennon walks to her bedroom, and for a moment, I think she’s going to sleep in there tonight, but then she comes out with a change of clothes.
“It’s still early. Wanna watch a few episodes of Friends? I’m not tired enough to sleep.” The hopeful look in her eyes has me nodding in agreement.
Even though I should just go to bed and cool off, I can’t deny Lennon. She doesn’t want to be alone, so I’ll do whatever she needs.
“I’m going to wash off this makeup and change in the bathroom if you want to get out of your clothes.”
“Yeah, I’ll go grab some.” I walk to my bedroom and pull out a pair of gray sweatpants. I strip down to my boxers then slide them on. It’s been a while since I’ve done laundry, and now I can’t find my favorite California State University T-shirt.
“Hey, Lennon?” I tap my knuckles on the bathroom door. “Did I leave my black CSU shirt in there by chance?”
She opens the door in her pajamas and stands in front of me with a toothbrush in her mouth. “Huh?” Her eyes widen the second she stares up at me. Her gaze rakes down my chest, and I arch a brow at the way she’s gawking.
I clear my throat. “Is my CSU shirt in there?” I ask, leaning against the doorframe and cross my arms.
“Uh…” She blinks then looks around. “Oh.” She holds up a finger, then turns to the sink and rinses out her mouth before facing me again. “I borrowed it. It’s in my laundry basket.”
I raise my eyebrows, not saying a thing. She wore my shirt? I don’t know why this seems so sexy, but I quickly shake the thoughts away.
“I got really warm in my leggings and sweater the other night and was afraid I’d wake you if I came in to get a pair of shorts, so I grabbed the first thing I found. I’m sorry.” Her voice sounds so small when she apologizes, and it causes me to smile and laugh.
“Don’t be. I was just looking for it and couldn’t find it. No biggie. But don’t think we’re swapping clothes now.” I flash her a wink, and she teasingly shoves me.
“Funny. Now go put on a shirt.”
“What’re you trying to say? Don’t like my muscles and tats? That’s like every girl’s wet dream,” I taunt, backing away into the hallway toward my room.
“Trust me, I know. I’ve met your parade of women.” She rolls her eyes but playfully smirks, so I know she’s not really that annoyed.
Ten minutes later, we’re on the couch watching the episode where Rachel and Ross get into a fight and take a break. During the whole episode, Lennon grins, and it’s hard not to smile right along with her. It’s so damn contagious.
“Seriously,” she begins. “Who gets into a fight with their girlfriend and just jumps into bed with the first chick he finds? Ugh. He’s my most disliked character on this show.” She grumbles about it, which is freaking adorable. She’s getting all worked up over a TV show that’s almost as old as we are.