Page 241 of One More Kiss

The door across the hall opened, and Pam stepped out. “There a problem?”

“This doesn’t involve you,” Brett growled at Pam and then turned back to Bailey. “So what, you used me until you were done dealing with my stepmom? Wanted to whore your way to the top?”

She was so taken aback by his anger that she didn’t even notice Simon step into the hall with them.

“You need to go.” He moved to stand in front of Bailey so he was between her and Brett.

“Who the hell do you think you are?”

“Bailey’s friend and someone who won’t hesitate to kick the shit out of you, in this hallway, if you disrespect these women again.”

Brett scoffed. “Oh, you think? I’ve been doing taekwondo since I was in diapers. Good luck with that.”

“Okay, boys, pissing contest is over.” Bailey stepped between them and put her hand on Simon’s chest.

“Oh, this is perfect, isn’t it? Fucking your new roommate? That why you’re ending things with me?”

“We’re just friends, Brett.” She pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Oh yeah, sure you are.”

“Come on, Bailey.” Pam reached for her, and Brett spun on her.

“I told you that this doesn’t involve you,” he roared, and Bailey’s anger snapped.

“Listen here, asshole. I tried to end things cordially, but apparently, you can’t do anything without acting like a giant douche-nugget. I am not interested in you. I didn’t even want to go out again after our disastrous first date, but you pushed me into it.” She poked him in the chest with her finger.

“Oh, I pushed you into it.” He scoffed. “More like I’m richer than you will ever be, and you saw a gold mine.”

She laughed in his face. “Are you serious? Get out of my building. Now.”

“I’m not going anywhere until you admit that you’re sleeping with him.” He pointed at Simon.

Bailey drew in a deep breath and sighed. “I don’t have to admit to anything. Leave now before I call the police.”

He glared at her. “You’ll come crawling back to me as soon as you realize it’s the money you’re after, and when you do, I won’t take you back.”

He spun on his heel and left the apartment.

“Well, that was fun.” Pam offered. “Thanks for coming out, Simon.”

“Yeah.”

“Want to come over for pizza?” Bailey asked, and Pam shook her head.

“I’m in the middle of a salad and a book, but thanks.”

“Anytime.”

Bailey and Simon walked back into the apartment. “Well, that went swimmingly.”

“No kidding. He’s a much bigger ass than I thought.” Simon locked the door. “And trust me, I thought he was a pretty big ass.”

Bailey snorted and handed Simon another beer. “Thanks for coming out.”

“I won’t ever let anyone talk to you that way.” He stepped closer, and Bailey looked up at his face.

“I know you won’t. You’re a good friend, Simon.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest.

Simon’s arms came around her. “You’re a good friend, too.” The words hurt coming out. Someday, he was going to convince her that they should be more.

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