Hellion, a New Adult Romance Novel(52)

 

She backs up so I can’t slap her like I want to. “I’m just calling it like it is. Don’t get mad at me.”

 

I sigh loudly. “Fine. Kidnapping isn’t cool. But I don’t see it as a kidnapping.”

 

“Typical,” says Mick, obviously disgusted.

 

“No. Huh-uh,” I say, holding out a finger. “Do not go there.”

 

“Go where? You’ve fallen for his bullshit just like every other chick before you.” He rubs his stomach first and then his chest, wincing.

 

I look at my best friend, battling for control over my emotions. “Tea, you need to hold me back before I hurt a person.”

 

“That person?” she asks, pointing to Mick.

 

“Yes! That person!” I turn back to him. “Why is it so hard for anyone to understand that I do not like Colin that way? Yes, I like him as a friend, okay? He’s is a nice person … at least he is to me. And he’s incredibly talented, and I’m not afraid to say it or compliment him on it. But … does that mean I want to run around naked and do the junk-a-dunk with him? No, it doesn’t.”

 

I’m fuming. My hands are on my hips and it’s possible some spittle came flying out of my mouth to land on the car’s windshield with that last sentence. I ignore Teagan’s giggling off to my right.

 

“Let’s take a walk,” Rebel says, holding out his hand for his girlfriend.

 

“Yeah, let’s do that,” she says, taking his hand and leaving me with Mick.

 

I can hear her snorting with laughter as she walks down the sidewalk. Traitors. I feel abandoned, but I don’t blame them for taking off. This is just a mess. An embarrassing mess.

 

I watch their backs like I’m really interested in their departure because I’m afraid to face the guy I kind of screwed over tonight. I feel terrible about everything. It’s all my fault. I’m a sucker for a closed-off guy with a nice ass. Colin played me like a frigging violin. How pitiful is that?

 

“Why’d you get in his car?” Mick asks in a much more controlled voice. It’s no longer accusing. Now it just sounds sad, and that’s what gets me to turn around and finally face him.

 

“I believed him when he said he was doing it for you. I know I shouldn’t have, but I did. I’m just … stupid, I guess.”

 

“You know we don’t get along.”

 

“Actually, I know you guys act like dicks to each other, but I have no idea why or to what extent this … problem between you goes.” I throw up my arms again, but with a lot less force. “How was I supposed to know he was being ridiculous? I don’t know you guys that well. Now I do. Now I wouldn’t get in his car a second time.” My arms sag at my sides. “But I guess it’s too late for that, huh?” I’m on pins and needles as I wait for his answer.

 

This thing, whatever it is between us, never had a chance. We’re a non-starter. Fate keeps getting in the way of anything happening. I should probably quit trying or caring, but looking at him makes that impossible. He is so damn attractive with his messed up hair and bad-boy, usually joking attitude. I seriously think we could have so much fun together if fate would just let us give it a try.

 

As I stand there admiring everything from his shoes to his eyebrows, his face gradually turns a funky color and his expression of sadness turns to one of confusion.

 

“What’s wrong?” I ask as he starts to sag to the side a little.

 

“Uhhhh, fuck,” he gasps out, his hand sliding down the car before catching on the handle.

 

I leap over and grab him to keep him from falling down to the curb. “What the hell is wrong with you?” I yell in his face. I didn’t mean to, it just comes out in my panic. His eyes are only half open and now his skin is downright gray.

 

“I think I got fucked up inside,” he whispers. “Take me to the hospital. It hurts bad.”

 

“Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!” I whisper as I try to prop him up. He’s frigging heavy. Jamming my shoulder under his falling armpit, I keep him from going to the ground. “Move … a little … over … to the … right …” I grunt out, getting him past the door enough to open it. Using a backhand maneuver on the handle, I get it open and then push him inside. He drops onto the seat and screams in pain.

 

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” I scoop his legs up and get them in, trying to ignore the rest of his complaints so I can get this done. “Where are the keys?” I ask in a panic once I have him fully inside the car. I’m sweating everywhere, and for the first time in my life, I do not care that my hair is frizzing to the moon.