Page 4 of Fueled Hate

“I couldn’t leave Andrew hanging.”

“You had no problem leaving me hanging. You could’ve at least called so I didn’t sit there like an idiot all evening.” I go back to writing in my planner even though my anger grows at his lack of concern for anything but his stupid friend. That jerk goes out of his way to cause trouble in our relationship, not that we need any help in that department.

Kyle leans forward, his lips against my ear as he whispers, “Don’t worry. I’ll make it up to you tonight.” His hand rubs up my back, sending a nauseating feeling sailing through my stomach.

I know he’s clueless, but does he really think I’m going to jump on his dick and pretend everything is fine? There hasn’t been much in that general department in the last two years, so why would this make that any more likely? Nothing has been the same in the last two years.

“Or now if you want to go back to my place,” he says as he moves to kiss me, his hand dropping to my ass.

“Don’t touch me.” I shove my hands against his chest, forcing him back as I jerk away. My elbow hits my planner and knocks my coffee over. “Damn it,” I mumble, standing to swoop all my things off the table before they’re covered in coffee. Willow jumps up to grab some napkins.

“Way to go, babe,” Kyle mocks.

The muscles in my hands tense as they clutch my rescued belongings to my chest, and I stare down at the spilled coffee. The coffee that I really needed. I’m barely holding myself together, and Kyle sure as hell isn’t helping. “You need to leave. Now.”

“I think that’s the best idea I’ve heard all day,” Willow says as she drops a pile of napkins onto the table, grabbing a few as she begins wiping up the liquid.

“No one cares what you think,” Kyle hisses as he glares at Willow.

“I care what she thinks.” And she’s right. She’s always right. I’ve just avoided admitting that the hopeless idiot is as pointless as our so-called relationship. I help Willow wipe up the mess as I say flatly, “You can go now.”

“Sadie, I’m sorry. My phone was dead, and it was late by the time I got home, so I didn’t want to call in case you were already asleep.”

I don’t want to hear his bullshit excuses, and I won’t allow him to be rude to Willow. Just because I put up with it doesn’t mean I’ll let him treat my best friend like that.

“Need a hand?” a deep, familiar voice says from behind me. The Good Samaritan steps beside me, looking at the spilled coffee.

“What are you doing here?” The question pops out before I can think twice.

“Getting some coffee.” He motions to the table as he continues, “Looks like you could use another cup too.”

“Who are you?” Kyle asks, to which his only answer is a chuckle from Willow.

“No. Not here. Here.” I wave around the room, feeling as crazy as I probably sound. “The same school. The same class. The same coffee place. The same road last night.”

“Last night?” Kyle asks, standing from his chair as he moves beside me. “What happened last night?”

Ignoring Kyle, I keep my attention where I can’t help but focus because none of it makes sense. Maybe him being a student, but what are the chances he’s in my class too? And why the hell is it bothering me so bad? “Who are you, and why are you here?”

“Dylan, and I’m guessing for the same reason you are. This is a university, after all. And I happened to be passing by last night. Didn’t know I left such an impression on you.”

Oh, he left an impression all right. Last night and right now, although the charming smile he’s flashing my way is having a much different effect now than it had last night on the side of the road. It shouldn’t be. Yet, my eyes are focused on his mouth. Which he takes note of, and his smile grows bigger.

“What the hell is going on, Sadie?” Kyle interrupts, stepping between me and Dylan, effectively blocking my view.

“Nothing. Will you leave already?” I’d assumed he already had; all thoughts of him evaporated when I focused on Dylan. That can’t be a good thing … at least not relationship-wise.

“It doesn’t seem like nothing. Who the hell is this, and what did you do with him last night?” Kyle jabs a finger in Dylan’s direction but keeps his accusatory glare on me.

“Really, Kyle? Now you’re concerned about what I was doing last night.” How ironic. My night had been the last thing on his mind a few minutes ago.

“Yes. Last night. What. Happened?”

“I watched her change … a tire.” A devilish smile replaces the charming one when he pauses halfway through the sentence, his eyes never wavering from mine. Dylan might be trying to push Kyle’s buttons, but he’s freakin’ hammering on mine merely with his presence. There’d been a time when I’d gotten giddy at the sight of Kyle, but I don’t ever remember feeling like this … like there’s an invisible pull drawing me to him.

“Oh, wow,” Willow says with amusement. “Glad someone was there for her last night.”

Kyle ignores the remark as he remains focused on Dylan.