I highly doubt that. Mwah!
I sigh and roll my eyes. Courtney always knows how to brighten my mood, even if it’s at her expense. I click back to my messages and read over Jason’s.
Jason
Any chance you’d be interested in joining me for a Battle of the Bands Wednesday night? I promise it’s not as lame as it sounds.
I’m a little surprised he’s asking me out again. I figured Travis would’ve scared him off, and if it wasn’t for the way he looked at me as if he wanted to eat me for dessert, I’d be giddy as fuck for his invitation. But Jason doesn’t make me feel anything. There’s no spark. However, it’d get me out of the house for the night and give me more ammunition against Travis.
Since I’m not in the business of using guys and leading them on, I tell Jason the truth. If I’m going to get back at Travis for his stunt with my vibrator, it might as well be testing his jealousy limitations.
Viola
I’d love to go! But I have to tell you it’d just be as friends. You cool with that?
Even if he does agree to just be friends, Travis doesn’t have to know that. In fact, I think I’ll even make a trip to the mall beforehand for some essentials.
Jason
Honestly, I’m glad you mentioned that. I was thinking the same thing, so I’m glad we’re on the same page. You’re a cool chick to hang with, and if I can avoid Drew’s foot in my ass, I’d rather take that route.
I let out a nervous giggle and send him back a smiley emoji.
Jason
Pick you up around seven.
“Fucking piece of shit!” Travis’s deep roar makes me jump, and for a split second, I forgot he was here. “The hell you work this thing?” His fingers are furiously stabbing the keyboard.
“You mean it’s not doing exactly what you say even after you sweet-talked it?”
“Not now, Viola.” His shoulders tense.
“Ooh,Viola. You must mean business,” I mock, ignoring his harsh tone.
He glares at me, not at all impressed with my backtalk. I turn back to my Kindle, ready to ignore him once again. But then he surprises me and grabs my attention in a much softer, helpless tone.
“Any chance you know the common restrictive regulations for advertising in the European market?
“I might,” I say, not even looking up from my book.
“Do you think you could maybe help me out before I smash my fist through the screen?”
“You mean to tell me you actually don’t know something?” I ask, smug. “But I thought you kneweverything?”
“Do you always have to be a sarcastic know-it-all?”
“Well, I don’thaveto be, but I think it adds to my appeal.” I smile, gloating.
I finally look over at him and see a disheveled Travis. He looks more tired than usual, maybe even mentally exhausted. Hell, it’s only day three of this two-week roommate arrangement, and I’m mentally exhausted from whatever it is we have going on. The back and forth, the tormenting one another, the emotional exhaustion that comes with hating him one moment and wanting his hands all over me the next.
I clear my throat to distract myself from those thoughts. Showing any signs of vulnerability around him would only make things worse. He’d use it in any way possible to get back at me.
“All right, smart-ass. So, can you help me or not?” His tone isn’t as harsh, but I can see he’s frustrated.
Hmm…a little frustration and groveling might be good for him.“Well, I could…” I linger, not quite ready to give in.
He exhales roughly, tightening his grip on the armrest. “Willyou?” His features tighten and his jaw locks, frustration written all over him. I almost feel bad for messing with him.Almost.