To make things worse, Theo’s words prove correct. Dean doesn’t like me. He’s not interested in getting to know me on a meaningful level. On any level, really. Every question out of his mouth sounds forced, and he pays no attention to my answers. He wants to sleep with me, but the scowl tainting his features hints frustration. He must’ve thought I’d play ball.
Sorry to disappoint.
More long minutes pass. The atmosphere turns awkward, and his patience slowly evaporates, evident by the nervous tapping of his long, slim fingers on the tabletop. He checks the time on his wristwatch as if he’s gone into this with a set timeline of events and can’t believe the plan is falling apart.
“You’re not here, Thalia. What’s going on?”
I’m not here? He ignored my last two questions, gawking around as if checking whether a more willing woman stands by the bar, awaiting his company.
“I’m here.”
He huffs a frustrated puff of air. “Let me guess. This,” he points between us, leaning back in the chair, “won’t happen, right?”
I chew my cheek, fishing ice cubes out of the tall glass with a red straw. “Maybe it would if you weren’t just hoping to stick your dick in one of my holes.”
Instead of swallowing, he inhales a sip of the golden whiskey, breaking into a coughing fit.
Was I supposed to sugarcoat the subject? Come up with a plausible, politically correct excuse, or feign a headache?
Again,sorry to disappoint.
“I like that filthy mouth, babe.” His eyes sparkle again. “Listen, you’re beautiful and seem like a smart, fun girl, but I’m not looking for a girlfriend. We’re adults. We have needs. All I want is one night.”
“I appreciate the honesty. You would’ve saved yourself time and money if you laid your cards down sooner and asked me if I wanted to sleep with you.”
“You don’t?” The sparkles fizzle out like cheap fireworks. “Figures. I’m not a Hayes. I should’ve known you’re Theo’s shiny toy when I found out you live at his place.”
“I’mnotsleeping with Theo,” I hiss, bracing against the edge of the table. “Were friends. As a matter of fact, he’s the only person I trust around here.”
Point invalidated by my unwillingness to listen when he said Dean only wants sex, but I won’t say that aloud to benefit my date.
God, this was a bad,badidea. The plan failed miserably, and to top it off, I’m about to make an enemy out of a Country Club member, which might earn me an earful from Jared when Dean requests another cart girl.
He scoffs with a mocking grin, pulls out his wallet, and throws a fifty on the table. “If you think he’ll date you, you’re not half as smart as I pegged you for. He’ll throw you out of his house like a cheap slut once your holes stop meeting his high expectations.”
My mouth falls open. A hoard of insects crawls up and down my skin, but a sort of untamable violence hissing in my head scalds away humiliation.
I lurch forward, snatch a fistful of his shirt, and yank him closer, the tornado of my thoughts spluttering like a defective neon sign. “You don’t know me very well, so let me give you a quick rundown. I’mnota slut, and Idon’tlet people walk all over me as they please. Have some dignity. Learn to lose like the adult you claim to be.” I shove him back, slide off the stool, and flip my hair over my shoulder, walking away, chin high, back straight.
There was a time in my life when I had no courage, will, or strength to fight my battles, but life taught me well. The only person who’ll always have your back isyou.
Cabs line the curb on both sides of the road, waiting for people to exit many bars and restaurants. I take the back seat of the one closest, give the driver Theo’s address, and press my forehead against the glass, staring out the window while unsure what annoys and hurts more: that Theo was right about Dean or that Dean might be right about Theo.
Not thethrowing me out of the housepart. Thehe won’t date youpart spoken in a degrading tone, as if I’m not good enough for a man like Theo.
I swat the thought away before it sprouts roots and grows. It’s not me. At least notjustme.
The Hayes brothers refrain from commitment, enjoying their youth. That’s perfectly understandable, but it also means I need to bury the growing affection before I end up hurt and crying. Theo hasn’t brought any woman home since I moved in with him, but that’s not to say it won’t happen soon. It’ll be safer for my heart to cap the feelings while it’s not too late.
“Could you close the window, please?” I ask the driver, my skin dotted with goosebumps. “I’m a little chilly.”
The driver glances into the rearview mirror, eyebrow raised, because who the hell is chilly in the middle of summer in freaking California?
Lack of quality sleep is starting to affect me.
Ten minutes later, the driver pulls up outside Theo’s condo complex. As if the evening can’t get any worse, I spot the man in question resting by the wall, a cigarette between his lips. Leaving a generous tip, I exit the car too quickly. Headrush hits, sprinkling my vision with black spots, while evening air introduces shivers and more goosebumps. I hold onto the trunk, swaying on my feet.
“How much have you had to drink?” Theo clips, clutching my forearm, creases lining his forehead.