Fuck Stratton Lee.
“Dahlia!” Stratton’s voice was rough as I ducked into my car, his purchases abandoned as I zoomed from the parking lot. I looked away, not caring about his crumbled expression, because I refused to feel guilty about being upset at what he said.
God. Had he really said that?A lost puppy?
I was not that! Right? I wasn’t like that, that needy and clingy… at least I didn’t try to be. My heart squeezed as pain sharpened the blow, making me realize that I really was possibly in deep with my emotions for Stratton and had been for a bit. I loved all of my men, whether I could admit it to them or not, but I knew most of them would never say something like that, even if we just stayed friends. I just didn’t get it.
Stratton may have been distant, but never mean. Why had he said that? Did he mean it? Was I that clingy? That much of a bother? Betrayal and humiliation washed over me as I drove through the gates and pulled up in front of my house. Without thinking, I quickly hopped out and called out to my mom that I left the bags in the kitchen.
I needed to get out of here before he got home. Before my parents or my guys could ask what was wrong. Shit. I guess I was going to the twins’ match alone… unless. My gaze moved over to Dermot’s house as I took a chance and jogged across the street, needing to be around someone that wouldn’t ask a million and one questions.
Before I could even knock, the front door was opening, and my eyes widened at Dermot standing shirtless in just jeans, clearly intent on going to grab… mail, maybe? Like that? Holy Christ. I blinked, but when I heard the community gate open, I ushered him back into the house without a word and shut the door, going up on my toes to see Stratton’s car pull in.
It was only then that I realized my hand was on Dermot’s bare chest as I looked away from the door and up at the sexy, somewhat sleepy man.
“I need to go to the twins’ match and I have to avoid Stratton,” I blurted out. “Help?”
Dermot examined my face before he broke into a smile, putting up a finger to signal for me to wait before jogging upstairs. I watched Stratton through the door as I heard the floorboards shift, letting me know Dermot was getting ready. I cringed as Stratton stood in his driveway looking towards my house, then scowled when he decided to walk back inside his own. Don’t get me wrong… I wasn’t there, but it still made me angry.
Angry was good.
“Out of curiosity—and not that you need a reason, lass—but what are you angry about?” Dermot’s voice had me turning sharply to find the man standing in my space, looking far more awake—and unfortunately, more clothed—than before. Had I said that out loud? Crap.
“Later,” I huffed and tightened my grip on my purse. “Let’s get to this match first.”
I found myself loving Dermot all the more as he intertwined our fingers, surprising me a bit, and leading me towards his garage. Honestly, I knew King or Yates would have had far too many questions, so this?
This was exactly what I needed.
At this moment, Dermot was exactly what I needed.