Page 252 of Hot Mess
I used them, they used me.
Oldest, most boring story in the world.
Who the fuck cared.
But I cared about this. I cared about Danica.
I had no interest in lying to her or cheating on her, or burning her.
And she wasn’t the only one I’d ever cared for like that.
I’d let myself care about Summer, yet when things fell apart, she’d quickly fallen for someone else. Elle fell in love with Seth. Amber fell in love with Dylan. Dylan fell in love with Amber.
None of them stuck with me.
Every one of them found someone they wantedmore.
For once, didn’t I deserve to get first fucking place?
Yes. Yes, I did.
I was not getting fucked around anymore.
By anyone.
And if there was even a chance that’s what was starting to unfold here…
Nope.
Fuck. That.
Except… When I looked at Danica’s face again, I couldn’t really muster the anger I wanted to feel.
It just fucking burned.
When she leaned in to talk to Taylor again, I looked back at Xander. “Thanks for the shot,” I said.
“Uh-huh.” He sipped his beer and glanced past me, at Carter. And the look in those unblinking eyes of his spoke volumes. This dude was a solid wingman.
Instead of picking up Taylor, he was watching my back so I could do what needed to be done.
I slid right around Danica, tucking her in behind me. She was still talking to Taylor, and Xander leaned in to talk to both of them. I faced Danica’s ex-boyfriend and leaned an elbow on the bar, mirroring his stance.
We were inches apart, and he looked me over, briefly. Couldn’t really ignore me, since I was right in his face.
He sized me up, actually, or pretended to. Posturing, for sure. Probably knew I could kick his ass. He’d definitely noticed Xander was with me, and Xander could definitely kick his ass.
But he didn’t look impressed. Was probably just waiting on me to tell him to fuck off, so he could act like he was above it and brush me off, tell Danica what a lowlife I was.
His gaze snagged on my tattoos and he practically rolled his eyes.
But I wasn’t gonna make him kiss my fist, or even tell him to leave Danica alone.
Didn’t need to.
When he looked me in the eye again, I just looked him over, slowly.
“Nice of you to come by,” I said. “I’m sure Danica’s happy you could make it.”
