Page 160 of Stage Dive: Short Stories & Novellas
I head down a hallway to the bathrooms and see to business before washing my hands.It is nice to be out of sight of anyone for a moment.The muffled music thrums through the walls, but it’s quieter back here.I can collect my thoughts and put things into perspective.And the fact is, I still feel weird about the way Dean gave me the cold shoulder and dismissed me.Without even so much as anexcuse meor whatever.I don’t want to be treated that way.My mother raised me to believe that manners matter.My father taught me that some people will behave as badly as they can get away with.Sad but true.
Am I also letting my jealousy get the better of me?I don’t know.It’s not as if I have any claim over Dean.Though other people looking at him with bedroom eyes does not make me happy.Jealousy hasn’t been a huge issue in any of my previous dating attempts.At least, I don’t think it has.
When I walk out of the bathroom, it’s to find Dean waiting for me.The man remains every bit as built and handsome as before.He leans against the wall with his hands in his pockets and his foot tapping to the music.He lifts his head and gives me a warm smile.But I’m not quite feeling the magic.
He takes a step closer.“Hey.”
I give him a pleasant smile.“Hi.”
At which point, he stops and stares at me.Then his dark brows descend.The man is no longer happy.“Lena was right.”
“About what?”
He nods to the far end of the hallway, farther away from the music and anyone who might wander this way.The light is also dimmer down here.If this isn’t prime make-out territory, then I don’t know what is.Not that I’m here for those reasons.For the first time since I met Dean my libido has shut down.The needy beast sleeps once more.Which is probably for the best.
“Lena said I was a dick to turn my back on you to talk to that woman the way I did,” he says.“That I wasn’t treating you with respect.”
I say nothing.
His frown increases tenfold.It’s quite a sight to see.Then he walks forward, not stopping until I am backed up against the nearest wall.They way he looms over me is a lot.
“Dean.”I put a hand to his chest.“That’s enough.”
“I’m sorry you thought I was being dismissive.That was not my intent.”
“What was your intent?”
“I don’t get approached a lot like Jimmy or the guys.But it does happen now and then,” he says.“I put you behind me and out of her line of vision because I didn’t want her attention on you.She’s a complete stranger.I don’t know if she’s going to be cool or not.There’s always a small chance she might be dangerous if I don’t give her what she wants.People can be wild when it comes to something they feel possibly entitled to.”
“Oh,” I say, starting to understand that things might not have been what they seemed.
“Did you know someone pushed Anne once to try and get to Mal?Just about shoved her off the sidewalk into traffic.Another reason why I can do without being a rock star.”He sets his hands on either side of my head.“But I am known in certain circles.Like tonight, people occasionally want to say hi or compliment me on my work or see if I can aid their rise in the industry.”
“Right.”
“That’s why I turned my back on you.I can understand how me doing that seemed rude as fuck.But please know that it was not my intention.I am out tonight with you, and you are important to me, Jude.I’m not chatting up another woman.This was my way of trying to keep you safe.”And he just stares down at me.
“Okay.I guess that all, um, makes sense.”I squeeze my eyelids shut tight and take a deep breath.“Here’s the thing.It’s been a long time since I dated.And my dating history is not the best.”
“Give me an example.”
“Well,” I say, “the last time I was about to meet with someone for the first time, they texted me an hour before to ask if he needed to wear a condom or not.”
“Seriously?”He practically growls.
“Oh, yeah.I said wearing a prophylactic out to a coffee shop sounded uncomfortable.But he should of course feel free to do as he pleased.”
His jaw clenches.“What did he say?”
“He blocked me.”I sigh.“I don’t think I missed out on much there.”
“I don’t think you did either.”He seems to get control of his anger towards condom guy.“I’m sorry that happened.”
I just shrug.What’s there to say?Dating sucks.“Dean, it’s been a long time since I’ve had all of these sorts of feelings for someone.And I know we’ve only known each other for like a day and a half, but you inspire a lot of emotion in me.I feel like there’s a real connection between us.That’s the truth.”
“Okay,” he says in a calm voice.“I feel that too.”
“Just so you know, flying into jealous rages isn’t my thing.I can adjust to the idea that you used to date a supermodel, and I can get used to people approaching you.”
