Page 46 of Clashing
That embarrassed flush returned. “It’s the only one I get.”
“That’s ridiculous.” I stood and crouched beside the TV. “You have an antenna.” I adjusted the device, and the picture flickered. As was typical for these things, it had a delicate nature, and I had to keep moving it until it finally calmed down. I tightened the connection, then tried another station.
“I tried to fix it,” she whined. “No fair. That’s it. You’re teaching me how to do stuff around the house.”
Returning to the couch, I plopped down and draped her legs over me again. An action so natural it startled my spine straight.What the fuck am I doing?This was more relationship-level shit. Yet I couldn’t leave her helpless and in pain. “What do you need to learn for when you have me?”
Why’d I say that?I couldn’t be at her beck and call. But I hated the idea of her never needing me for anything.
“I like being self-sufficient,” she grumbled. “You’re no longer allowed to fix anything without explaining what you’re doing.”
I saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Don’t call me ma’am. I’m not old yet.”
“Sorry. Yes, sugar baby.”
“Be nice to me.” She pouted. “I’m sick.”
“Fine. Yes, my poor sick Scarlett.”
She shook her head, battling amusement.
I shouldn’t have stayed. But every time she curled up with a whimper, I couldn’t find the motivation.It’s because she’s vulnerable and won’t lock the fucking door, meaning anyone could come up here.She was in no position to defend herself.
So I stayed. Much longer than I should’ve. It only made everything worse because I cracked sarcastic jokes, and she fired retorts back. I knew I was in too deep when she fell asleep, and I couldn’t stop staring. Why did she have to be the whole package?
I laid a blanket from her bed over her, then turned off the TV and locked that goddamn door on my way out. I waited at the stairs until Dan vanished, the creak of the kitchen’s swinging doors informing me the coast was clear.
I settled into my regular seat, and Nick approached. He sat next to me with raised eyebrows.
“What?” I snapped.
“Careful, Ryker. You’re going to get caught.”
“I’m not going to get caught. Besides, it’s over. I’m ending it. I only didn’t because she’s sick.”
“Yeah, I usually go shopping for sick girls I’m about to tell I won’t fuck anymore.”
I glowered. “Fuck off.”
Nick gave me a side-glance with a knowing guffaw that balled my fists. Thankfully, he left, and the crowds died down, so I was able to get more scotch. I normally looked forward to Dan being available to chat for a minute but going behind his back changed that.
Unfortunately for me, he noticed. Fortunately for me, he wasn’t the type to pry, and I left without many questions.
I had to end it with Scarlett. The best time to do it was while I couldn’t fuck her. So, I returned on Wednesday, figuring after three days she couldn’t be as sick. Dan took the night off and I’d seen the light in his house on as I drove by. Without him around, I hurried straight up to her apartment.
I knocked on the door. No answer. Again, I knocked, but the result didn’t change.Maybe she’s not home.I started down the stairs but paused. She would lock it if she wasn’t home, wouldn’t she?
Returning, I tried the door and took a deep breath when I found it unlocked. I sighed and pushed it open. I’d lock it, and if she forgot her keys, too bad. She could ask Dan.
Inside, I found her in the kitchen, cooking. She looked a lot better, given she was standing and swaying her hips.God, please let her still be on her period.
Not only did she not lock the door, she also had headphones in. She wouldn’t notice if anyone snuck in. I flung the door, and it shut with a loudslam, but she didn’t react.That’s it.I couldn’t let this slide.
I tapped her on the shoulder. She squealed and pulled out her headphones, retreating so hard she rammed her lower back into the counter.
“Oh my God.” She placed one hand over her chest, the other rubbing the spot where she hit the counter. “You scared the shit out of me.”
