Page 2 of Wish You Knew
Why was I even entertaining the idea of taking someone I barely knew to a club I knew I’d hate, when my ex-slash-friend-with-benefits appeared to be making a play for me?
Stalling for time, I turned to the woman. “Didn’t you say something about meeting your friends?”
Her brows knotted together. “No…”
“Sure you did, isn’t it time you went?” I made a play of air kissing her on both cheeks. “It’s been fun, but we both know it isn’t going anywhere.”
The sting of fizzy liquid in my eyes made it obvious she hadn’t taken my dismissal well. Rosie’s hand flew to her mouth, trying to cover up a bout of giggles. Saff’s jaw dropped. I shook my head, and wiped my eyes, blinking. “Wow. Classy.”
“You’re an absolute prick!” The woman yelled in my face.
“Can’t argue with that,” muttered Rosie, under her breath.
“At least I’m being honest, babe. Imagine if I’d slept with you first, then dropped you. How cheap would you have felt?” I was doing everything to live up to the popular perception of me.
“Oh my God, did you really say that?” She threw the empty glass to the floor, causing it to shatter at our feet. “I’m leaving before I do or say something I’ll really regret. I thought you’d be different.” Without another word, she flounced away.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
Saff sucked in her lips. “Ouch.”
“Come on, it was the truth and you know it. I did the right thing in getting her to leave now, before she humiliated herself.”
“Because you did that for her,” snapped Rosie. “You really are a prick.” She turned on her heels and stalked off, giving me an exquisite view of her arse encased in tight black leather jeans.
I did it because of you, Rosie,I wanted to say. But she was already walking away.
“What the hell was that all about?” Saff frowned.
I let my head fall back and stared up at the ceiling, still stained with cigarette smoke even after all these years. “Fucked if I know.”
It had already been an interesting evening. I’d have been happy for it to end with me and Rosie going off somewhere, but it didn’t look like that was on the cards. And when Tris whisked Saff away to their hotel, I was left alone like Billy No Mates.
I could have gone home, probably should have.
There was more than enough bait to take me away from reality, both in human and chemical form. I knew after the tour I should rein it in, take a break, let my body and mind recover.
I needed a lull, some respite from the excesses.
I needed a piss.
Stepping away from the bar, I thought about my planned trip to my mum and aunt’s place. A whole week in the country, away from any stress and more importantly, away from any temptation.
A vision of Rosie Tatton walking away from me in those tight leather jeans filled my mind, and I grinned.
Talk about temptation.
As if I’d conjured her up, she appeared in front of me.
We stood in the centre of the hallway to the restrooms, people pushing past on either side.
“Hey,” I said. She went to walk past me, but I caught her arm. “About earlier…”
“You don’t have to explain. It’s not as if I don’t know your reputation.” Rosie tossed back her mane of blonde hair. “Trying to make me jealous?”
“Damn, you got me.” I hung my head in mock shame. Through the thin material of her top, I could see the outline of her erect nipples. The corner of my mouth curled up. “It’s one of the things you love about me, right?”
Her amber eyes studied mine. “Love? As if.”
