Page 108 of Painting Her Fate

I want to ravish my woman, is that too much to ask?

Sighing, I peck Lili a few more times for good measure then pull my device from my pocket, finding exactly what I expected.

Ford-Get your ass to your place, man!

Shark-Dude! Bros before… not hoes.

I chuckle, knowing these two being together can only mean one thing:trouble.

Lili studies me, a broad smile on those kissable lips, “Go, have fun. I have a call to finish with Gran and I want to paint a little before I head to bed.”

I entwine myself with her body, her arms coming around my neck and pulling me in for a chased kiss.

“Maybe I want to stay here with you.”

“If we want this to work, we are going to have to enjoy time apart, otherwise we will get sick of each other.” She lands another quick kiss to my lips and starts to pull away.

“I’d ever be sick of you.” I pin her to me, making her giggle, “that kiss wasn’t nearly enough to hold me over until tomorrow.” I lean in, “I think we can do much better than that.”

Just as we lock lips my phone decides to chime with Shark’s ringtone. I growl, “Ignore it, it will go away.”

“How can I ignore it?” Lili’s laugh is boisterous, “I’m not going to ask why your mobile is singingUnder the Sea.”

We pull away as I join in her amusement, “It’s inside joke Ford and I have with our buddy Shark. You will get to meet him tomorrow.” I swipe the call before it goes to voicemail, “This better be damn good, you cock blocker.” My snarl holds no true hostility, just razzing.

Shark laidback laughter rings over the line, “Hey! I’m not sorry! Dude! Get your fucking ass here! You said we’d chill as soon as I got in. I’m here, you’re not. What’s the fuckin’ hold up?”

There is music blasting in the background; my neighbors are going to hate me this week with Shark deciding to take his vacation here. He is ready to scout the bars for women. Can’t he do that with Ford and Gavin? I already have my woman, right here.

Lili waves me away, silently telling me I need to get out of her hair.

Decision made for me, I sigh and shake my head, my irritation dwindling, “Fine. I’ll see you in a few.” I hang up and stuff my phone in my pocket, the events of the day catching up to me.

Not sure how long I’ll stand being out with these hooligans.

“Go have fun. I will see you tomorrow.” She stands on her tip toes, our kiss is a quick one; her mind set on a different task.

“See you tomorrow.” I reluctantly pull away from her and head towards the door, already missing her.

You need space, or this will not work.

I can tell myself that all I want, it’s not going to stick.

Last night I may have drank a little more than I wanted and stayed up far later than necessary. Cotton mouth is strong this morning and there is a headache to boot. That still isn’t enough to ruin my day. I did this to myself. Lili will make me feel better, she always does.

After brushing my teeth for the third time, I wander downstairs to assess the mess we made. There is about a thirty pack of beer that was consumed between the three of us, plus Shark drank quite a few shots of Jack.

He might be a hurtin’ unit when he wakes up. Ford is passed out on the couch, mouth ready to catch flies, and one leg slung over the back, his body barely fitting the damn thing.

I need strong coffee and greasy food.

Padding to the kitchen, I start a pot of coffee, then pull out the pack of bacon and the carton of eggs from the fridge. While cooking, I get my phone out and scroll through it. I’m never on my phone this much, it’s weird. I find a few new messages from Lili; my smile is immediate as I begin whistling a little tune.

Shark drags himself to the kitchen holding his head and groaning in pain, more than likely still a little drunk.

“Ugh, the fuck, man.” He looks up, “What has you so chipper, Corporal?” He pulls out a dining chair from the two-person table that never really fit in here.

I set my phone on the counter to scramble the eggs, the same time the beeper goes off for the air fryer.

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