Page 76 of Clashing
“I need to talk to you.”
“I’m busy,” she clipped.
“Scarlett, come on. You’re not going to let me explain?”
“Explain that I told you I had feelings for you, and you flaunted your other fuck buddy in my face?” She finally faced me, hands planted on her hips. “No, Ryker. I don’t need a fucking explanation for that. And in case you’ve forgotten, this,” she gestured between us, “isn’t a thing anymore. Nor will iteverbe. So, you don’t owe me an explanation. Fuck someone else’s wife to your heart’s content.” She stalked off before I could respond and I clenched my jaw.
It hadn’t looked good, but she could give me a fucking chance. If every stool and chair in the place weren’t occupied, I’d grab her and make her listen. I flexed my hand and stayed where I was, reminding myself that getting frustrated wouldn’t help. She and I had a bad habit of colliding tempers at the worst moments. Always clashing.
She bustled around and I remained silent so she could get her work done. As soon as it died down, I’d talk to her, and she’d understand. Shehadto. I missed her so fucking much. Her pissed at me was better than nothing.
Sort of.She wouldn’t refill my drinks and blatantly flirted with any guy who gave her eyes.So pretty much all of them.Only once did she spare me a glance and maybe I shouldn’t have glowered at her because she flipped me off on her way to flirt with another customer.
Damn her.She knew how to push all my fucking buttons, and she was pushing them all at the same time.
A piss was a good excuse to leave the bar and take a breath. Both of us angry at each other was a recipe for disaster, and I wanted to make up. Bring her home with me tonight and make the dogs’ night, then make her and my night.
Don’t be an asshole. Handle this maturely.I returned and Tammy refilled my drink. Thank God. I needed it to endure douchebags eyeing Scarlett’s cleavage all night.
My mantra to remain patient faltered when she returned to the register.Fuck, I didn’t want to wait until it slowed down. I wanted to clear the air, but she wouldn’t look at me.
She turned her back to me and I scrubbed my hand over my face. I’d never fought with a girl like this before and didn’t know how to fix it. If I were upset with her, all it’d take for me to forget it was a blow job. Something told me this wasn’t the right time to ask her if I could lick her clit until she wasn’t mad anymore.
“Hey, you good?” Tammy approached, gaze flicking toward me as she addressed Scarlett. “You want a break?”
Thank you, Tammy.
“I’m good.” Scarlett dropped a lime in one drink then poured vodka into another. “I don’t need a break.”
“I heard your favorite artist is having a show a couple hours away.” Tammy typed on her phone. “Are you going?”
“I wish. It’s ridiculously expensive and at this point, it’s probably sold out.” Scarlett’s shoulders deflated. “Maybe when I’m not paying for an art class. It would be a dream to go.”
My phone buzzed.
Tammy:You’re loaded. Buy tickets to Cath Riley’s art show and take her. She can’t say no to that, upset or not. The artist is way too important to her.
I owed Tammy big time.
They moved on with their drink trays and I tried to get tickets, but Scarlett was right. Sold out. But I knew people.I might be able to work something out.Even if I couldn’t, I had to talk to her tonight. I couldn’t stand this tension. Couldn’t stand her thinking I’d treat her that disrespectfully.
An opportunity arrived when the crowds died out. Scarlett returned to the register and my heart thudded. Waiting until she was off her shift flew out the window. I stretched over the bar and closed my eyes at the smell of her perfume, the warmth of her body close enough to touch.
“Scarlett, I didn’t sleep with Nat last night.”
She stiffened and sent me a doubtful glare.
“I didn’t. I swear I didn’t. I wouldn’t do that to you, sugar. I’ve never lied to you and I’m not about to start.”Well, except that one time about not feeling anything for you.
Her expression softened a fraction, but she refocused on the register. “Whatever. It doesn’t matter. It’s none of my business,” she muttered, tearing off a receipt. “You’re not mine to feel jealous over.” The last part was barely audible under her breath as she stalked away.
After dropping off a check and taking an order, she breezed past me into the kitchen. Groaning, I dropped my head into my palms.You could’ve avoided this if you hadn’t turned her down the first time. Idiot.
“Rough night?”
The unfamiliar voice dragged my attention to the right, and I resisted the urge to curl my lip. I hated nosy people.
“Something like that.” I tipped back my glass, swallowing a gulp.
