Page 31 of Burnout
“I don’t care,” she says. “I want to know every word he said.”
I think back. “Umm…well, first he apologized, and then we argued over if he meant it or not. Then I think we insulted each other some more. He said I was sexy when I was pissed off, that he didn’t care if I accepted his apology or not, and that he no longer wanted my help because he couldn’t afford to waste time fighting with me. I’m sure I’m forgetting a few insults.”
“He said you were sexy?” The smile on Quinn’s face is way too excited. And her boyfriend’s matches.
“When I’m pissed off.” Which is really only around him.
“Still. That’s nice.”
“You’re sexy, baby,” Colter says to her.
She turns to face him. “Aww. You too.”
Colter drops a hand to one side of her neck and kisses her sweetly.
I take the bag of pretzels from Quinn without her noticing, hop up to sit on the counter, and chow down while I watch them be all cute.
My friend is flushed when they come up for air. I’m used to them being like this, so I pick up the conversation like nothing happened.
“No. He wasn’t trying to be nice. He also implied I was dumb because I’m blonde.” Only after I suggested he was, but I leave that part out. “He’s annoying. I swear he was getting off on it. Iwonder if his mom knows he’s a chauvinistic asshole who insults women for fun.”
Colter shakes his head. “His mom died when he was pretty young, so doubtful. Although he’s always had a certain charm with the ladies.”
My heart stops beating, and I get the sick feeling in my stomach like when I’m midair on a dismount and know it’s not right or when I’ve put my foot in my giant mouth. I swallow the suddenly very dry pretzel crumbs. “I’m such a jerk. I had no idea.”
“Why would you?” Colter shrugs. “I know Knox isn’t sunshine and rainbows, but he’s a good guy. He’s been through a lot and his first instinct when his back is against the wall is to fight.”
“Makes sense,” Quinn says quietly. “I’d be a trainwreck if I’d lost a parent as a kid.”
“Agreed, but it’s not just that. He…”
Quinn and I are hanging on Colter’s every word, but he must think better of saying more because he shakes his head again. “Just cut him some slack, all right? For me? You don’t have to help him, but know that he has his reasons for not being the most easygoing guy.”
I manage to nod.
“Thanks,” Colter says, then stands straight. “I should get back outside. Some of the guys are going to head home tonight and I want to say goodbye.”
He and Quinn start for the door.
“You coming?” she asks, looking over her shoulder.
“Yeah, I’ll be right out. I’m just going to splash some water on my face.”
When I return to the party the music is louder, some girls have started dancing, and people are back in the pool splashing around.
I find Knox by himself, standing near the back door of the main house. He’s pulled on a white T-shirt and is staring down at his phone as I approach. Slowly, his chin lifts.
“Princess,” he says by way of addressing me.
I take a cleansing breath and remind myself that I promised Colter I’d cut his friend some slack.
“I can’t promise that training with me won’t be a waste of time or that it will do for you what it did for Colter. Partly because I didn’t really set out to help him or anything, it just sort of happened, and because every time I talk to you, I end up wanting to strangle you. But I’m at the gym every evening until eight or so. If you can come by for an hour a few times a week, I’ll do my best to help.”
He says nothing, but his brows lift slightly.
I hold my breath. “Are you in?”
TWELVE
