Page 171 of The Way I Hate Him
I walk over to the door that leads to the stairs and hold up a small bag. “My overnight shit.”
“So were you planning on staying here the whole time?” she asks, arms folded.
“I wasn’t planning on letting you out of my sight,” I say. “Not when I’ve slept like shit the past few nights. I need some sleep, and I know you’re the only way I’ll get it.”
“You’re just inviting yourself over?”
“Yup,” I reply. “Problem with that?”
“Maybe I do have a problem with that.” She places her hands on her hips.
“Too damn bad.” I move past her and straight into the bathroom, where I get ready for bed.
She texted Ryland to let him know she’d be staying at the apartment tonight so he doesn’t worry about where she is. Everything we bought for Ryland’s room is stored in my SUV, and we’ve already had dinner, so now . . . now it’s time to relax.
I turn on her shower and wash my body quickly from today’s hard work, and then find a towel under her sink. I dry off, brush my teeth, and then slip on a pair of fresh boxer briefs before exiting her bathroom, where I find her sitting on her bed. A look of disbelief in her eyes as they take me in, starting at my thighs and traveling up the way to my face.
“That was quick.”
“I don’t want to waste any time.” I nod toward the bathroom. “Your turn.”
She stands from the bed and moves past me to the dresser, where she pulls out a few things. “You smell good,” she says. “Did you bring your own body wash?”
“Yeah, thought if I went to bed smelling like you, I’d have a hard dick the whole night, which would negate the fact that I want to sleep tonight.”
She just smirks and slips into the bathroom. I hear the shower turn on as well, and as she’s washing up, I lie across her bed and click on the red notification in my text messages.
Ruben:Haven’t heard from you in a while. Getting nervous.
Love the guy, but also hate him so fucking much.
Hayes:What would it take to get out of this contract with the label?
The bubbles on the text thread appear so fast that it makes me chuckle. I can only imagine he’s been sitting by his phone, waiting for my response.
Ruben:If you’re serious, I can look into it.
Hayes:Is it even an option?
Ruben:Anything is an option. Can I call you?
Hayes:Not at a good place where I can talk.
Ruben:Okay, can you tell me why you want out of the contract?
Hayes:Tired. Worn down. I want to do something for myself. I like staying here, at home.
Ruben:You’ve worked tirelessly for the last year. I’m sure you’re enjoying the break.
Hayes:I am, and I met someone. Not saying I want to give things up for her, but I want to at least take a break from it all so I can just live my life. Enjoy my life. Enjoy the money I’ve made.
Ruben:I can completely understand that. If you want out of the contract, I know there’s a loophole I can work on. But you know they won’t ever sign with you again if you cut out without delivering another album.
Hayes:I know, and I’m okay with that.
Ruben:How about I give you a week to think about it. And then if you tell me you’re ready to cut out, I’ll make it happen. Does that sound okay?
Hayes:I think that’s fair.
