Janet Read online

  “I’m sorry I snapped at you,” I whispered.

  “I deserved it.”

  I averted my gaze.

  “I love the color of your eyes. They’re beautiful.”

  “I love yours.”

  He smiled. “Mine are cliché. Yours are unique. There are splashes of yellow and orange. I could stare at them forever.”

  “And I could stare at yours forever. You have white and gray in yours.”

  “I guess we aren’t that unique after all.”

  “Maybe it’s something only you and I share.”

  He nodded. “Maybe.”

  I finished my coffee and put it aside. I knew I’d be up all night but at least I didn’t feel so drunk anymore.

  “Let’s go home.”

  “Okay.”

  We walked to my apartment in silence. Scott kept his hand on my waist and held me tightly. I just wanted to lay in his arms, cuddle next to his strong chest. When we walked inside, Beatriz was sitting on the couch. She didn’t acknowledge us.

  “I’m going to change,” I said to Scott.

  “I’ll be here.”

  I left and walked into my bedroom. After I found the sexiest flannel pajamas in my closest, I put them on. I didn’t have sexy clothes or anything like lingerie. These were the most flattering things I owned.

  When I walked back outside, Scott was sitting on the couch with Beatriz, talking quietly. I sat beside Scott and immediately placed my hand on his thigh, claiming him. I knew my sister only tried to sleep with him because she was drunk, but now I felt a little jealous about. Scott eyed my hand then smiled.

  Scott turned to Beatriz. “How was your night?”

  She shrugged. “It was fine.”

  “Anything good on?”

  She flipped through the channels. “No.”

  I wanted to go into the bedroom, not make small talk with my sister. I leaned toward him and squeezed my hand.

  “What do you like to do for fun?” he asked.

  “Nothing,” Beatriz said.

  He smiled at her. “Come on. There has to be something.”

  “I used to run every morning.”

  “I love running,” he said.

  She eyed him. “You look more like a weight lifter to me.”

  “I am,” he said. “But I need to burn fat somehow.”

  She looked away and stared at the television.

  “Let’s go running together in the morning,” he said.

  “What?” Beatriz asked.

  I felt my heart race.

  “It’ll be fun,” he said.

  “Why would you want to run with me?” she snapped.

  “Because I like you,” he said with a shrug. “You’re cool to hang out with.”

  She averted her gaze. “I am?”

  “Yeah, of course,” he said. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Okay,” she said quietly.

  He smiled. “Great. I’m looking forward to it.”

  I glared at him but he ignored me. “Let’s go to bed.”

  Scott turned to me. “Now?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Okay.” He turned to Beatriz. “Make sure you have some good running shoes.”

  She smiled. “I think I have something.”

  “Good night,” he said.

  “Goodnight.”

  I walked into my bedroom and he followed behind me. When we were alone, I turned to him. “What the hell was that?”

  He flinched when he saw the anger on my face. “Excuse me?”

  “Running with my sister who tried to sleep with you? What’s wrong with you? You’re my mine, not hers.”

  Scott smiled. “What was that last part?”

  My cheeks turned red when I realized what I said. “I just think it’s weird.”

  He came close to me then placed his hands on my hips. His eyes looked into mine. There was both amusement and annoyance in them. When he looked at me that way I felt weak, like I wanted him to control me. Every time we touched, I felt like I would crumble under his grasp. My heart raced so quickly I thought it would stop beating. I never felt this way for anyone.

  “Janet, your sister is going through a hard time. I want to help. That’s all.”

  “But she tried to sleep with you.”

  He sighed. “And she didn’t succeed. And more importantly, she wouldn’t do that again because I’m your boyfriend.”

  “No you aren’t.”

  He glared at me. “Yes, I am. Now drop it.”

  “Fine.”

  “There’s nothing to worry about, baby. I’m doing this for you.”

  “You are?”

  “Yes,” he said. “Exercise is a good way to get her back on her feet. I’ll increase her confidence and make her feel like she’s working toward a goal. We can go to her AA meetings and show our support. We can help her.”

  My eyes softened. “It’s not your responsibility.”

  “We’re a team.” He rubbed his nose against mine. “I want to help.”

  “Scott, you’re so sweet. I never expected that.”

  “Because you didn’t give me a chance,” he said with a laugh. “I’m a very likeable guy.”

  My throat went dry. “I never thought I would find anyone.”

  “Neither did I.”

  “Yeah right.”

  “Hey, finding the right girl is hard. You’re the first person I’ve found that’s made my heart beat like this.”

  “I am?”

  He nodded.

  “I really, really like you, Scott. I’m sorry if I’m being emotional or clingy about it.”

  “I like it when you’re clingy.”

  I placed my hands on his chest. “I’m sorry I took so long to let you in.”

  He smiled. “I like to work for it.”

  I pressed my face close to his and closed my eyes, enjoying the feel of his hands on me. The moment was intense and heartfelt. I never felt that way before, where I didn’t want it to end. He was everything to me. In the short amount of time we’d been together, I was becoming more obsessed and needy. I wanted him all the time. It was scaring me. I even liked the arrogant and argumentative side to him. I wanted to be possessed by him, taken care of, protected. It was the first time I felt that way. “I want you to meet my brother.”

  He remained steady. “I would love to.”

  “He’s my best friend besides Layla and Cassie.”

  “I assumed you were close.”

  “Does that change anything?”

  “I’m honored that you would introduce me.”

  “He’s my family,” I said. “I care about his opinion more than anyone else’s. Are you sure you want to do this?”

  “There’s no doubt.”

  “I wouldn’t be introducing you if I weren’t serious.”

  “I’m not stupid,” he said with a laugh. “I get it. You’re putting yourself out there, taking the plunge. Baby, you won’t fall. I won’t let you down.”

  I took a deep breath. “He’s never met one of my boyfriends.”

  He smiled. “I’m even more honored now.” He grabbed my face and kissed me gently. I melted under the touch, just like I always did. He made me feel excited and happy at the same time. My heart throbbed in my chest, stinging me painfully. But it was a good hurt. “Let’s get to bed.”

  “I’m so wired I don’t know if I can.”

  “We can talk all night.”

  I eyed him. “You’re too good to be true.”

  He laughed.

  “You’re a sensitive woman underneath those layers of man.”

  “My sister and I used to be close. Ethan will be always be her best friend but I’m a close second.”

  “So you understand women?”

  “A little better than most.” He stepped back and pulled his shirt from his body, revealing the muscled torso I had wanted to see for so long. Every valley and groove was tantalizing. He
was perfectly carved, almost unreal in all his finery. I felt my breathing increase as I stared him.

  “You’re—wow.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re so cocky.”

  He pulled down his jeans and stood in his boxers. “I’m just glad you like what you see.” Scott pulled down the covers and lay down. I moved to the bed beside him.

  “How do you look like that? Are you Photoshoped?”

  He laughed loudly. “No. But thank you.”

  “Is that why you eat a salad every time we go out?”

  “Well, I like to drink beer so I have to compensate.”

  “You make me feel obese,” I said with a laugh.

  “But you aren’t.” He turned on his side then slid his hand up my shirt, resting on my tummy. “You are perfect.”

  “You haven’t even seen me.”

  “And I can’t wait for that.”

  “I’m lucky you’re a chubby chaser.”

  He rolled his eyes. “You aren’t chubby. I love your body. I mean that. I don’t like really skinny girls. I like normal girls. The media is ridiculous in its portrayal of women. If you aren’t a hundred pounds, you’re overweight.”

  “It’s difficult on men too.”

  “Not really,” he said. “I never have to starve myself. In fact, I have to eat more. Women are the opposite. They have to go without adequate nutrition just to be the right size. It’s stupid.” I smiled at him. “I’m liking you more and more.”

  “I told you I was pleasant.”

  “And there’s that arrogance again.”

  He chuckled then scooted closer to me. “So, why do you like me?”

  “I think that’s obvious.”

  “Not to me. You’ve pointed out my flaws many times.”

  I pressed my hand against his chest then felt the muscled underneath. He was strong and powerful, perfect in every way. I wanted to lick him. “I guess I’m fond of your flaws.”

  “Really?”

  I nodded.

  “I like how sensitive you are. I never expected that.”

  He shrugged.

  “And I like your heart. You have a big one. And the most obvious reason of all, you’re really fine.”

  Scott chuckled. “I’m glad you think that. For the longest time, I thought you didn’t.”

  “Oh I did.”

  “I wished I had asked you to the gala before Ryan did.”

  “Why? Nothing happened.”

  “He still touched you.”

  I rolled my eyes.

  “Sorry,” he said. “I’m a bit weird when it comes to stuff like that.”

  “There’s no reason to be jealous.”

  “I can’t help it sometimes.”

  I wrapped my arm around his waist and snuggled close to him. “I’m sorry I don’t have anything sexier to wear.”

  “What are you talking about? Flannel pajamas are hot.”

  I hit him lightly on the shoulder.

  He laughed. “I think it’s cute. And I appreciate it. I wouldn’t want to be tempted.”

  “Why not?”

  Scott was quiet for a long time. “I’m really happy. I don’t want to ruin that.”

  “I don’t either.”

  “Then I’m okay with how everything is.”

  “Me too.”

  He kissed my forehead. “You want to play a game?”

  “Sure. What is it?”

  “Word association.”

  “I’ve never heard of it.”

  “You just say the first word that comes to mind.”

  “Okay…”

  “Bird.”

  “Cage.”

  He nodded. “You got the jist. Orange.”

  “Giants.”

  Scott smiled. “Catepillar.”

  “Ew.”

  He laughed. “Ew?”

  “They’re weird.”

  “They are like worms.”

  “Which are also ew,” I said.

  He stared at me. “Pancakes.”

  “Carbs.”

  Scott rolled his eyes. “Me.”

  “Yum.”

  He nodded his head. “Good answer.”

  I blushed.

  “Kyle.”

  “Dumb.”

  He laughed loudly. “Oh, that was awesome. I’m telling him that.”

  “I don’t think he’s stupid,” I said quickly. “It just came out.”

  Scott smiled at me. “Layla.”

  “Manipulative whore.”

  “Ryan.”

  “Annoying.”

  “Good answer,” Scott said. “Very good. Bed.”

  “Sex,” I blurted.

  He looked away. “Horses.”

  “Budweiser,” I said. “My turn.”

  “Okay.”

  “Hippos.”

  “Uh…elephants.”

  “The Yankees.”

  “Suck.”

  I shook my head. “You and my brother will not get along.”

  He laughed.

  “Macaroni and cheese.”

  “College.”

  I smiled. “I used to eat Top Ramen.” I searched for another world. “Beatriz.”

  “Sad.”

  “Ryan.”

  “Hope that stupid motherfucker dies and burns in hell.”

  My eyes widened. “Wow…”

  “Sorry,” he said quickly.

  “Kyle.”

  “Dumb.”

  We both laughed loudly.

  I thought of another word. “Toy Story.”

  “Tear jerker.”

  “It really was,” I said.

  “When I went with my niece and nephew, we all walked out crying.”

  “Kids.”

  “Three.”

  “Three?” I asked.

  “I want to have three kids,” he said.

  “Oh,” I said. “Janet.”

  “Yowza.”

  I laughed. “Good answer.”

  He winked at me.

  “Lawyer.”

  “Suit.”

  I rubbed his chest. “Car.”

  “Sex.”

  I raised an eyebrow.

  He shrugged. “We should try it sometime.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Boat.”

  “Immigrant.”

  I laughed. “Hippo fish.”

  “Uh…what the hell is a hippo fish?”

  “Just answer the question,” I said.

  “I don’t know….Africa.”

  I laughed. “Mexico.”

  “Aztecs.”

  “Marriage.”

  “You.”

  I stilled at his response.

  He stared at me like he didn’t say something he shouldn’t.

  I kept going. “Harry Potter.”

  “Best book ever.”

  “Morgan Freeman.”

  “In every movie ever made,” he said.

  “That’s totally true,” I said with a laugh. “Basketball.”

  “The Kings.”

  “Purple thong.”

  “Janet.”

  I smiled. “Good answer.”

  He stared at me. “Boyfriend.”

  “Scott.”

  He nodded. “I like the way you think.”

  I sighed. “I guess I should just accept it.”

  “You really should.”

  I moved my hand down to his stomach and felt every muscle. He was perfect. I pulled the covers down and moved on top of him, kissing his chest. He lied back and sighed quietly, enjoying the feel of my lips on his skin. His hand moved into my hair.

  I licked his nipples then trailed my kisses to his hips and sides. His skin was warm and tasty. I felt like I was kissing concrete because he was so hard. “I love your body.”

  He moaned.

  I trailed my lips to his neck then gave him a gentle kiss on the lips.

  “Can I kiss you?” he whispered.

  “It won’t be as fun.”

  He sat up and laid me down. He lifte
d up my shirt and kissed my stomach. His lips moved across the surface, tasting me. Scott moaned while he explored my body. I lied back and watched him. When he moved closer, I felt his enormous erection. I moaned when I felt him press against me. My thoughts became more sinister than they already were.

  Suddenly, he pulled away. “Enough of that.”

  “What?”

  “I’m not going to be a gentleman if I keep that up.”

  “Maybe I don’t want you to be.”

  He stared at me, looking into my eyes. Scott said nothing for a long time. Finally he lied down and stared at the time on his phone. “I have to be at work in a few hours.”

  I sighed. “I hate work.”

  “Me too.”

  “At least your job is awesome.”

  “It’s stressful,” he said.

  “But you make a difference in the world.”

  “You do too, baby.”

  “Not in the same way.”

  “There are pros and cons to every job,” he said.

  “I know.”

  He cuddled me to his chest. “I can’t keep my eyes open.” His hand moved to my lower back and he held me close. I wasn’t tired because of all the caffeine but I loved lying there, staring at him. I could do it forever.

  11

  When Beatriz came back from her run with Scott she was in a better mood than she had been for the past month. She was sweating and breathing heavily, but she looked like she had some energy. “Hey,” she said as she wiped the sweat from her forehead.

  “Did you two have fun?”

  “We did if you think running three miles is fun.”

  I smiled. “That’s far. Congratulations.”

  “My ass is going to fall off.”

  I laughed. “I bet it’ll look really nice in a few weeks.”

  She poured herself a cup of coffee and took a sip. “I’m so tired I could go back to bed.”

  “Nope,” I said. “I have errands for you to do.”

  “Errands?”

  “I just need a few things from the grocery store. It’ll get you out of the house.”

  “I have my soap operas to watch.”

  “Please tell you’re joking.”

  She sighed. “Fine, I’ll go.”

  “And we have your first meeting tonight.”

  “What meeting?” she asked.

  “Your Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.”

  “I don’t need to go to go that,” she said. “I haven’t been drinking since I got here.”

  I stared at her. “You’re going. I need to know that you won’t start again as soon as I’m gone.”