“Yeah, babe?” I ask, feeding her ego long enough to get out alive.
“Since the first time I’ve met you, I’ve always fantasized about you and how amazing it’d be if you bent me over your desk and had your way with me,” she says, licking her bottom lip.
“That’s a good fantasy,” I reply, shooting her a wink.
“Perhaps one day it’ll be a reality,” she says slyly, sucking in her lower lip. I don’t respond as I dip my head and kiss her sweetly before leaving. She’s already getting way too far ahead of herself, which cannot be a good thing. As I ride the elevator to the bottom floor, I realize I’ve been playing with fire like a foolish fucker, and it’s only a matter of time before this blows up in my face.
VIOLA
Though Jason isn’t as slimy as I thought he would be, he’s still qualifies as a sleazeball. He’s been staring at my tits for the past five minutes and has eye fucked me since we stepped out of the car. Right now, I want to scream “up here, buddy,” and it takes everything I have to keep my mouth shut.
I know by the way he’s undressing me with each glance that if I suggested we go back to his place, he’d instantly be hard. The thought repulses me. I set my fork down on the side of my plate and take a large gulp of wine. I pull out my phone to see how much time has passed because it feels like I’m in limbo. I’ll be relieved when this is over, but that’s not something I would ever admit to anyone, especially not Travis. I smile and nod my head as he mumbles with his mouth full. I’m trying to be polite.
As Jason continues to talk to my breasts about his job, all I can think about is Travis. Where was he going? What is he doing? Who is he with? I need to stop with the thoughts, but no matter how many times I remind myself, I can’t.
“You seem a little out of it tonight,” Jason says, actually looking into my eyes.
I give him a smile over my glass of merlot. “Sorry. I have a lot on my plate with graduation and all of that.” I make up an excuse, but it’s not school that I’m lost in right now. It’s the thought of a man who’s stolen my heart.
He nods, but I don’t think he really believes me. I wouldn’t believe me either.
“Drew is going to kick my ass, isn’t he?” Jason finally says as the waiter takes our plates.
I burst out laughing, relieved this date is the beginning and end of us together. “Probably.”
The mood lightens, and I don’t feel like my boobs are the center of attention.
“I thought Travis was going to break my face tonight.” He confirmed exactly what I thought.
“Sorry he feels like he has to be big brother while Drew’s away.” But I don’t mention the way he makes me feel or the dirty things he says to me when we’re alone.
“Truthfully…” Jason lowers his voice. “I think he just wants you for himself.”
Heat rises to my cheeks, and I hope he doesn’t notice. If he does, I’ll blame the wine, but honestly, I didn’t expect those words to come out of his mouth.
“I sincerely doubt that,” I choke out. “Not happening.”
He takes a drink and narrows his eyes. “Everyone knows you hate him, though. Why is that? He never tells anyone why.”
I feel like I’m under Jason’s microscope, and he’s peeling away every layer I have when it comes to Travis, which is okay because at least he’s stopped mentally peeling off my clothes. I force out a smile and think about my answer. The truth would sound immature and stupid, so I give him a basic version. “Because he’s an asshole.” …who broke and continues to break my heart, but I don’t dare say that.
Jason laughs. “True. But he’s a good guy too, and he means well.”
“Good for him.” I finish off the glass of wine, and he orders me another one.
We sit and chat a little longer before the waiter brings our check. Soon after we’ve finished our drinks, Jason drives me home. The car ride is full of conversations about graduation, professors, and my future. I actually enjoyed talking to him about school. When we pull up to the house, we sit in the driveway like two teenagers. The awkward silence pushes on until the Challenger roars into the driveway, breaking the monotony. Travis gets out of the car looking like an unruly mess and just glares at us.
“Ugh,” I say. The silent message is heard loud and clear.
“Tonight was fun,” he says. He holds out his hand, and I shake it, grateful that he didn’t try to kiss me.
“Good luck with that.” Jason laughs, referring to Travis.
“Thanks for everything.” I give him a smile, then get out of the car. Jason waits for me to turn around and wave at him before he drives off.
My heart is pounding in my chest, and for a second, I think about hopping in my car and driving around the block a few times, but it’s better to look the beast in the face without fear. I suck in a deep breath and walk inside. The living room is dark, and the only light that shines is from the kitchen. I take a few steps forward and see Travis drinking tequila from the bottle. His messy hair is falling in his eyes the way it used to when we were younger. He looks at me like he wants to say something, but I immediately start walking away. I can’t deal with him right now.
“What are you doing home so early?” he asks, his tone harsh. “You didn’t go back to Jason’s house and fuck him?”