I was two episodes into the riveting crime show when the door keys jingled. I hadn’t heard that sound in so long I almost cried.
When last had I seen Denton, my best friend and roommate? I didn’t know. I stood and greeted him at the door. I probably looked desperate.
“Hey babes, I get an entryway greeting!” Denton smiled and hugged me.
We had been friends so long. He made me feel safe and loved, I didn’t get that from anyone else.
Denton was muscular, a very high build type and it made him stand out in the fashion world. He had dirty blonde hair, always nicely cut and highlighted. He was very good looking and broke women’s hearts everywhere.
“Yes, I missed you!” I hugged him so tight, wrapping my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck. He even smelled the same and it was all so familiar.
“I missed you too babes. What’s been going on?” He set me down and looked me over. I looked rartty in my sweats and he looked amazing in his designer jeans and leather jacket over a plain white tee.
“Oh, nothing. More boring stuff of me being jobless, peanut butter ice cream?” I offered as I walked back into the living room.
“No thanks. Oh no, no job yet?”
I shook my head slowly, looking in his kind brown eyes. “No. I’m really sorry. I know I need to help with rent this month and you’ve helped me out so much.” He silenced me by laughing.
“Oh babes, it’s fine. I can live here on my own and you are more than just a roommate. Find a good job—the best job, not a rent paying job. I don’t want you doing things you don’t want. I’m here for you.”
Thank God for Denton. I was so worried I was cutting him short and using him in some way. But he didn’t see it that way. Denton had always been my sweet and caring best friend. Understanding too.
“Anything else got you down? I know I’ve been gone for a minute.” He wiggled his brow.
I had to lie because of the contract but all I want to talk about is Maverick and Jude. How good they felt and how cheated I feel now.
“Nope. Same old me, but you have been doing well, I see.” I smiled and squeezed his hand.
“Yeah. I signed a few new deals. We should celebrate—a great new club opened up downtown.” He gushed.
I rolled my eyes. I was never one for the party scene or club scene. I didn’t do it in college and rarely in my adult life. I never had a need for it, and it was never fun. Denton dragged me to some of them, and I went and he made it fun. But I was just feeling so down I didn’t want to do anything. Didn’t want to be seen.
It was hard to believe that just a week ago I was very seen and very in the light. By two alpha men who wanted to do anything and everything to me. who made plans to see me again. But didn’t go through with it.
“I don’t know… I’m tired—”
“From what, you’re jobless!” He laughed and the way he said it made me laugh too. He could always make me laugh.
“I know… but Denton.”
“But nothing. Come on, I need to get laid and I’m not going to the gay bars so I need a wing woman to make me look good. Don’t even argue with me on this.”
“I—okay. Just for you.” I smiled softly.
He grinned and hugged me. “Fuck yeah. Let’s go make you hot babes.”
He pulled me into my own closet and started rummaging my things. He left nothing unturned and found the hottest thing for me.
I stared at the outfit laying on my bed and wondered what Maverick and Jude would do if they saw me in it. They would freak, for sure, and want me in seconds. How could they make me feel so wanted, and unwanted at the same time?
Only men like them could give you everything and make it seem like nothing.
15
Henley
The bright red dress was a beacon for trouble. Sex… trouble. That I couldn’t even get into because I signed that damned contract. I knew it wasn’t really enforceable in any court, but I still signed it and as a lawyer I respected anything notarized and dated.