Janet (5 page)

“You don’t look like you’re having fun.”

I turned, seeing Scott sitting beside me.

He was sitting upright in his chair, his hands resting on his thighs. His eyes were more beautiful than they were a few minutes ago. When he breathed, his chest rose and fell. I watched it, wondering what it looked like shirtless. “Is he bothering you?”

“Who?”

“Your date.”

“No,” I said as I shook my head.

“Then why do you look so miserable?”

I sighed. “Is it that obvious?”

He nodded. “A little.”

I looked away.

“Wanna talk about it?”

“No
, thank you.”

He leaned closer to me. “I really like the way that dress looks on you.”

I blushed, not expecting him to compliment me twice.

“Dance with me.”

I looked at him, not expecting the request.

“I’m not one for dancing.”

He grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet. “I’ll make you one.”

I stiffened at the command in his voice. His hand was gentle as it touched mine, sending electricity through me. I was aware of the callous on his fingers, the rough patches of skin. He pulled m
e to the dance floor then placed his hand on my lower back, swaying with me gently. The classical music played and the couples moved across the floor.

The smell of his cologne wafted into my nostrils. It was light, almost unnoticeable. It smelled like he just showered before he arrived. His body soap and his natural scent were soothing. He smelled purely masculine.

The fabric of his suit touched my arm. It was light and soft, indicating its obvious worth. I never bought a suit or researched the price, but I knew the nice ones could be pricey. Scott was obviously well off. Since he was a lawyer, that made sense.

I didn’t look at his face for a moment, letting him guide me across the floor. I felt his stare on my face, powerful and unyielding. Being so close to him made me feel more nervous than I ever had. I suddenly feared that my breath stank or I had something in my teeth.

“So, are you into him?”

I looked into his eyes. “Who?”

He smirked. “Your date. Is he a boyfriend?”

“No,” I said quietly.

“Is he going to be?”

“No.”

He seemed pleased by that response. His eyes changed subtly. “Why didn’t you call me?”

“Call you?”

He held my hand and spun me around before he pulled me back. “I gave you my card.”

“Oh…I didn’t know you wanted me to.”

Scott stared at me. “Why would I have given you my card unless I wanted you to?”

I fell silent, not knowing how to respond.

“You’re impossible to read.”

“Excuse me?”

His hand tightened on my waist, feeling the fabric in his fingers. “I just can’t tell what you want.”

“I’m not difficult to understand.”

His hand squeezed mine. “You’re here with a guy you don’t even like, at an event you don’t want to attend, and you took a guy’s number but never called him. That’s extremely confusing.”

“Well, life isn’t always what you want it to be.”

“Mine is.”

I stared into his eyes, seeing the confidence behind his irises. “Aren’t you lucky?”

“Why didn’t you call me?” he asked again. His voice was aggressive.

“Like I said, I didn’t know you wanted me to.”

“So you would have?”

“Uh, I don’t know…”

“You don’t know?” He stared into my face, the displeasure forming on his lips.

“Why does that bother you so much?” I asked, not understanding his random bouts of mood swings.

He held me while we danced on the floor, the heat in his eyes evident. His emotions were clearly displayed on his face, but they were still difficult to interpret. There were too many to keep track of. “They always call.”

I stopped immediately. Now I just thought he was cocky. He made me feel excited and nervous, the sweat dripping down the back of my neck, but then I saw the arrogance shine bright. “Well, I didn’t want to.”

“Why?”

I pulled my hands away. “I should get back to my date.”

He grabbed me again. “No.”

I stared him down, pulling my wrist. “Don’t touch me. Give your number to some other girl, one that will actually call.” I turned away but his voice stopped me.

“I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “Please don’t walk away.”

When
I looked at him, I saw the desperation on his face. He didn’t touch me but I knew he wanted to. “I’m not interested, Scott. Have a good night.” I walked across the room and headed for my seat. He didn’t come after me.

When I returned to the chair, Ryan was sitting there.

“Where were you?”

I ignored the question. I melted when I was with Scott, but then his attitude and cockiness just chased me away. The sexual tension was there, but he was an asshole. I didn’t care how hot a guy was. Even if he was jerk, I wasn’t sticking around.

Ryan and I looked at the different auctions in the back of the room. When I looked up, I saw Scott glaring at me, eyeing Ryan’s hand on my waist. I ignored him, not giving him the satisfaction of my attention. I knew exactly what kind of guy Scott was. He liked to get his way with women then toss them. Like a spoiled child that didn’t get his way, he hated hearing the word no.

Ryan bid on a trip to Hawaii, and I picked up the pen then put it down again. After we left the auction room, we spoke to a few guys at the office. They eyed my dress in approval. Every time I looked up, Scott was nearby, staring at me. I felt like he was a shark that was circling me, waiting to take a bite. I stayed close to Ryan, pretending Scott didn’t exist.

When the night came to end, the host announced the money raised for charity, which would be donated to the children’s hospital to study rare cancers. It was a large sum, more than most people made in a year. I clapped politely then let Ryan take me home.

When we were in the cab, we didn’t speak. I wasn’t sure how to end the night. Should I kiss him on the cheek? Or should I just shake his hand? I didn’t want to go on another date with him. He was better as a friend than a possible boyfriend. If I didn’t like him, I shouldn’t lie and drag out the affair.

After we arrived at my apartment, I turned to him. “Thank you for the lovely evening.”

“Thank you for being my beautiful date,” he said with a smile. His hands were in his pockets. He didn’t seem like he was going to do anything drastic.
“I hope you had fun tonight.”

“It was great,” I lied.

He smiled. “I don’t care for work functions either. If I wasn’t hoping to make partner someday, I wouldn’t bother.”

“Well, I think every other guy in the office is going for the same thing.”

He shrugged. “There is competition in every field.”

“Good
night, Ryan.”

Ryan stepped toward me and placed his hand on my hip. My breathing hitched when I realized what he was doing. I didn’t want to kiss him. I hated to reject him, but if I didn’t, I would convey the wrong message. I would be stuck on another date, one that would go nowhere. Ryan didn’t seem to recognize my hesitance because he kept going.

“Janet.”

Ryan stopped and turned toward
the voice.

Scott was standing in the hallway. His face appeared neutral, but his eyes conveyed his annoyance.

I wasn’t sure why he was there. I felt my heart race in my chest.

Scott came closer to me, pretending he didn’t just sabotage Ryan’s attempt to kiss me. “You won the Hawaii trip.”

“What?” I asked.

Scott opened the paper and showed it to me. “You left before they announced it. I knew you would be excited so I decided to stop by.” He glanced at Ryan, glaring at him,
and then turned back to me.

Ryan looked at me. “Why does he know where you live?”

Scott smiled at his tone.

“He took my sister home one night,” I explained.

Ryan nodded.

Scott turned to
him. “If you’ll excuse us, we’re going to discuss the reward.”

Ryan glared at him. “I’m sure it can wait until tomorrow.”

“I don’t work on weekends,” Scott said.

“Then w
hy are you explaining this to her?” Ryan asked.

“I donated it,” Scott said. “It’s my timeshare.”

I felt the tension escalate further. “Ryan, I’ll just talk to you on Monday.”

Ryan stared at me for a long moment before he turned away. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” I said quietly.

Scott said nothing.

When Ryan was out of the hallway, I looked at Scott. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Saving you
r ass.”

“Excuse me?”

“You look repulsed by the idea of kissing him. I was just giving you a way out.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Why are you here?”

“I just explained. Good thing you have your looks.”

“Excuse me?” I grabbed my keys from my
purse and put them in the door, trying to get away from him.

He snatched them from my hand. “You need to lighten up and take a joke.”

“Give me my keys,” I demanded.

“If you invite me inside.”

“You’re unbelievable,” I snapped.

“I’ve heard that before,” he said with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes.

He dangled them in front of me. “Come on.”

“I don’t invite strangers into my apartment.”

“I’m not a stranger. I took your sister home, safe and sound. I’m a very trustworthy guy.”

I ignored his last comment. “I didn’t bid on any of the vacations.”

“I know,” he said. “Like I said, I was giving you a way out.”

“I can’t believe you followed me home. You are psychotic.”

His eyes lost their humor. “No, I just get what I want.”

“I’m not something you can
get
.” I eyed the keys, waiting for him to return them.

“We’ll see.”

I grabbed the keys but his hand moved away, hiding behind his back.

“Let me come inside,” he said.

“Why?”

“So we can talk. Have a cup of coffee.”

“I’m very tired.”

He sighed. “Okay. I think we got off on the wrong foot.”

“I don’t think we did.”

Scott stared at me. “May I please have your number? I’d love to ask you out.”

“No. Give me back my keys.”

“No.”

I shifted my weight, my knees starting to hurt from the heels of my shoes. “I’m not interested. And to be frank, I’m getting sick of this.”

“Then tell me why you won’t give me a chance.”

“You’re a selfish, cocky, arrogant, asshole. That’s why.”

He chuckled lightly. “Wow. I can’t think of a single thing I did to earn that title.”

“I can think of many.”

“Look, I know I came off a little strong, but I’ve never had to chase a girl before.”

“There’s that cockiness again.”

“What?” he said. “I’m being honest.”

“I don’t want to have sex with you.”

His eyes widened. “I didn’t ask you to. I just want a date.”

“Well, I don’t.”

He put the keys in his pockets. “This is going to take a while
…”

“So you’r
e forcing me to go out with you? That’s so romantic,” I said sarcastically.

Scott sighed. “I’ve never had to resort to such extreme measures.”

“I’m sick of this.” I kicked the mat away and pulled out the extra key to my apartment. “Keep the keys. I don’t want them.” I opened the door then slammed it in his face. When I was inside, I put my purse on the table and stood there, waiting for something to happen.

Scott opened the door then walked to me slowly. He had a solemn expression on his face, the light absent in his eyes. He tossed my keys on the table. “Don’t ever give a guy your keys again.” He stared into my face then left the apartment, slamming the door behind him.

6

Since Layla was dating Kyle, I didn’t mention the incident to my friends. I figured it was a conflict of interest. But that didn’
t stop Layla from prying. She called me the next morning and asked me how the gala went.

“So, how’d it go?”

“It was okay,” I said while I drank my coffee.

“Are you and Ryan going out again?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Do you like him?” she asked.

“Why are you asking?”

“What? I’m your best friend. I’m just curious.”

“I don’t like him.”

She breathed a sigh of relief. I heard it over the phone. “Anything else happen…?”

I was starting to wonder if she was prying for Scott. “No.”

“Not a thing?”

“Nope.”

She sighed. “I don’t think you should date Ryan anymore.”

“Why? You’ve never met him.”

“I think it’s clear you don’t like him.”

“You were the one who encouraged me to put myself out there,” I said.

“And you did, but you don’t like him. Now you should try someone new.”

“There is no one.”

“Well, Scott isn’t seeing anyone
...”

I knew it.
“I’m not interested in him.”

“Why? He’s hot, successful, funny—”

“A cocky asshole, a jerk, someone who doesn’t understand the meaning of no.”

“Come on, Janet. He was just trying to get a date with you.”

“So you know what happened last night?”

She paused. “Kyle might have mentioned it…”

“Layla, I’m so envious that you found such an amazing guy to love you. I really am. But Scott isn’t one of those guys. I can see right through him. He’s hot-headed, temperamental, and a man whore. No thanks.”

“You don’t even know him.”

“I know him well enough. I’m not going to change my mind. He isn’t the right guy for me.”

“I’m your best friend, Janet. I wouldn’t hook you up with a jerk.”

“Layla, just drop it.”

“You’re so annoying.”

“So are you.”

“Fine.”

“I’ll talk to you later.”

“Bye.”

I hung up without speaking. I was irritated that my friend wanted me to be with Scott. I knew I was getting desperate and my options were limit, but Scott was the worse choice possible. There was no way someone that good-looking had good intentions with me. And that guy was the most conceited person I’ve ever met. It was just ridiculous that I didn’t want to date him. That was the biggest turn off to me—arrogance.

My sister came into the kitchen. “What are you yelling about?”

“Nothing.”

She poured herself a mug of coffee.
“It didn’t sound like nothing. Was it the same Scott I know?”

“It’s none of your business,” I snapped.

“I think it is.”

I glared at her. “You’ve been here for almost two weeks. What’s going on, Beatriz?”

She stilled at my anger. “I told you. Hank is still out of town.”

I rolled my eyes. “Whatever.”

“Don’t roll your eyes at me.”

“Don’t eavesdrop on my conversations.”

“This apartment is pretty damn small.”

“Then get your own! Oh wait, you can’t because your husband left you and you have nowhere else to go. That’s right.”

She dropped the mug on the ground. “You know?”

“How stupid do you think I am?”

Her eyes watered with tears.

“So much for having a perfect life,” I snapped.

The tears fell and she stormed into her bedroom. After a moment, I could hear her sobs. I felt bad for eliciting the pain but she pushed me too far today. I could only handle my sister in small doses. She had been here for over a week, and I really wanted to kill her. And she continued to keep the truth from me. I was more than disappointed in her. I was ashamed.

I left the house to clear my mind and went grocery shopping and ran some errands. When I came back to the apartment, Beatriz was still in her bedroom. I knocked on the door but she didn’t respond.

“Beatriz?”

No answer.

“I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I know you’re going through a hard time right now. I should be more supportive.”

“Go away, bitch.”

I breathed through the sting. “I’m ready to talk whenever you are.”

“Fuck you.”

I walked back into the kitchen and put the groceries away.

After I stocked the refrigerator, even though it would be demolished by my sister later today, Cassie called me.

“Hey,” I said.

“How was last night?”

“There’s nothing interesting to report.”

“That’s a bummer,” she said. “You get any?”

I rolled my eyes.

“I saw that.”

“No, you didn’t.”

She laughed. “But I was right, wasn’t I?”

“You know me too well.”

“Drinks tonight?”

“I could use one,” I said. “And don’t invite Layla.”

“Why?”

“I’m just irritated with her right now. And I need to get out of the house before I rip my sister’s throat out.”

“You could kick her out…like I already said.”

I sighed. “If only…”

“I’ll see you tonight.”

“Thanks for being single,” I blurted.

She laughed. “Believe me, I’m not voluntarily. When I find Mr. Right, I’m going to be too busy getting laid for you bitches.”

I laughed. “I’d do the same thing.”

We hung up and I started to do some work from the office. I wasn’t supposed to, but if I didn’t play catch up at home, I wasn’t on top of everything. And I like
d being the perfectionist. My boss always praised me for being so productive, and I wanted to stay in his good graces. My sister didn’t leave her room and I didn’t bother chasing her.

When the evening arrived, I got dressed then walked to her door. “I’m going out so you can come out now.”

She was silent.

I sighed. “You’re going to have to come out sometime.”

“Shut up, Janet.”

“You’re lucky I’m too nice to throw you out on your ass.”

Beatriz didn’t have a response to that.

I left the apartment and took a cab to the restaurant. It was a small grill, a hole in the wall. Even though the outside looked run down and old, they had the best fried artichokes and the best margaritas. I always indulged when I was there, and after the night I had, I definitely needed to stuff my face.

When I walked inside, I didn’t see Cassie anywhere. She was usually impeccable with her timing. She’d never been late to anything in her life. I took out my phone and texted her.

I’m here.

There was no response.

A strong hand moved to my lower back, touching m
e gently.  I recognized the touch immediately. It was the same one that gripped me on the dance floor. The heat felt familiar. And I recognized the smell.

“What a lovely surprise,” Scott said.

I glared at him. “Are you following me now?”

“Stalking isn’t my style.”

“Kyle is your brother.”

He laughed. “That was a good jab.”

“I’m having dinner with Cassie. You should go.”

“Why can’t I have dinner here?” he asked. “We can’t be in the same building anymore?”

“Just don’t talk to me.”

“Ouch,” he said. “You’re angry.”

My eyes widened. “You took my keys and blackmailed me to come inside.”

He shrugged. “Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

I took out my phone and texted Cassie again.

“How about we share a meal together?”

“No,” I said.

“Come on. We’re both here.”

“I said no.”

“You’re the most irritating person I’ve ever met.” The humor left his voice and the annoyance shined through.

“You aren’t used to not getting your way.”

“Clearly.”

“Then we aren’t a good match,” I said. “I won’t let you boss me around.”

He sighed. “I’m not telling you what to do. I asked nicely.”

“And I nicely said no.”

“I’m getting tired of this.” He gripped my waist and held me close to him. His nose was pressed against mine and the scent of his skin washed over me. My breathing immediately stopped when we held me to his chest, his lips just an inch from mine. Against my will, I stared at his mouth, wondering how he would taste. My anger disappeared in light of the heat between us. His arm held me tightly, refusing to let me go.

Scott brushed his lips against mine, barely kissing me. The gentle touch was enough to take my breath away. His warm mouth felt smooth against mine. The faint growth of hair on his chin rubbed against my skin, tickling me slightly. His eyes were heated while he stared down at me. I crumbled before him, feeling more heat, more desire from that slight touch than I felt with every man I’d ever been with.

He moved his lips to my
ear. “You didn’t look repulsed that time.” He pressed his face close to mine.

“I—I didn’t know you were going to do that.”

“Well, I’m going to do it again.” He moved to my mouth and sealed his lips over mine. The touch was brief but my nerves were lit on fire. His lips were soft and wet. His hand still gripped my waist, holding me so I wouldn’t fall when my knees buckled. The chemistry between us was obvious, the sexual tension paramount. His mouth didn’t open, and his tongue didn’t caress mine. Scott pulled away and stared at me, watching my expression.

I could only see my face in the reflection of his eyes. My lips were slightly parted, missing his absent kiss. My face was red, blushing from the heat that tinted the skin. A strand of hair fell from behind my ear. Before I touched i
t, Scott tucked it away.

Scott grabbed my hand and turned to the waiter. “For two, please.”

I said nothing, speechless. When I touched my lips with my fingertips, I felt the searing heat.

Scott guided me to a table by the window then pulled out my chair for me. I stared at it for a moment, feeling my mind go blank. I was still thinking about that kiss. He grabbed my hand and helped me sit down.

“I’m a really good kisser,” he said as he sat across from me.

The butterflies in my stomach disappeared. “You’re so fucking cocky.”

“I’m just confident,” he said. “And I can see your face. You obviously liked it.”

What the hell was wrong with me? I was only attracted to the jerks. I finally found a guy that burned my lips every time he kissed me, but he was a total asshole. I was seriously judging myself right now. “I strongly dislike you.”

“I don’t believe you.” He grabbed the menu and looked at it.

“I really do.”

His hand moved under the table and rested on my knee. He stared at me while his fingers moved across the skin, touching me lightly. His fingertips felt warm as they moved. I liked feeling his touch. His hand was large, taking up my entire knee. I felt my spine shiver while he touched me possessively. My anger evaporated again. “I’m a nice guy.”

I averted my gaze and looked at the menu even though I knew what I was ordering.

“What’s good here?”

“If you don’t know, why did you come here?” I asked.

“Because you like it.”

“And how did you—” The realization hit me like a freight train. “That little bitch.”

Scott smiled. “Don’t be angry with her. I pestered her all day. She fought me for a while, but like everyone else, she submitted eventually.”

“Stop talking like that,” I snapped.

“Like what?”

“Like you own everyone. You aren’t as amazing as you seem to think.”

His hand gripped my knee, his fingers slightly moving up my dress. “I’m not?”

“Take your hand off me.”

He removed his hand immediately.

“Wow. I can’t believe you actually did that.”

“I can tell when you mean it and when you don’t. And I’m not into touching women against their will.”

“That’s surprising.”

He stared at me. “I really am a nice guy. Respectful, caring, and understanding.”

“It didn’t seem that way when you kissed me.”

“I wouldn’t have kissed you unless I knew without a doubt that you wanted me to.”

“Well, I didn’t.”

“I really hate liars.”

I crossed my arms over my chest and looked away.

“If you gave me a chance, I know we would hit it off.”

“Every time I talk to you, you annoy me.”

“I’ll stop annoying you, then.”