As if conjured from my thoughts, he appears in front of me, dropping my purse onto the porch. “Need this?”
My gaze travels from his bare feet, along his jeans to that V leading to his abs, up and over his crazy beautiful man chest. I continue past his frown to clear green eyes. His brows knit over a pained expression.
If I didn’t know better, I’d think I hurt his feelings. Right. Like that’s even possible.
I let out a huff of air. “Thanks.”
I stand and pull the hem of Danny’s shirt down as far as I can; it hits me mid-thigh.
I dig out my key and unlock the door.
Danny stands in my doorway, his fingers hooked to the top of the outside doorframe, showing off his ripped torso to perfection. I ignore the desire bubbling in my lower belly.
In my room, I grab some shorts and a top of my own. I stop in the bathroom to brush the funk out of my mouth. I even hop in the shower. Perhaps it will clear my head.
If I take long enough, he’ll leave.
Nope.
When I return to the living room, he lounges on my sofa as if he belongs here.
“Feel better?”
I rub my forehead, frowning. “No.”
He heads into my tiny kitchen. In just a minute, he’s back with two cups of coffee. “Here, I made this while you cleaned up. It might help.”
“Thanks.”
Whatever. I don’t have the energy to argue with him. I used it all up earlier.
I set the cup on the floor and flop onto the couch. Rolling to my side, I throw my feet up on the opposite end. Will he get the message, or will I have to spell it out for him?
He picks up my legs and settles under them. His finger circles my ankle, sending little electric vibes to parts of me that have no business feeling anything from Danny.
I jerk my foot, but his big hand grabs it and pulls it firmly against his abdomen. “Relax, will you? You need to rest; you had a rough night.”
My stomach knots. Do I ask? Should I just forget it? Does it matter if I don’t remember?
“What happened once we made it home, aside from my vomiting all over us?”
He chuckles. “You don’t remember?”
I bite my thumbnail and shake my head.
His grin spreads wide, and his eyes twinkle. “Well, you had the most incredible sex of your life—your words, not mine. You were a wild thing. I tried the best I could to keep you off me, but you weren’t having it. So, of course, I had to give you what you wanted. You’re welcome by the way.”
I kick him in the gut and swing my legs to the front of the sofa. “No way!”
He crosses his arm over his stomach, that shit eating grin on his face. “Oh yeah, Sweets. You said I’m better than any of your previous lovers.”
A wave of calm flows over me. Thank heavens. “So, enlighten me: How was I? Good? Do I stack up to your many and varied lays?”
“Meh. Passable. But with a little practice, I think you could improve.” He rubs circles on my back. “Too bad you don’t remember, it being the best experience of your life and all.”
With a roll of my eyes, I stand and head to my bedroom.
“You can let yourself out, Romeo. I’m going to take nap.” I turn back. “Oh, and if you’re going to tell a big fat lie, you should get all your facts first.”
I close the door.
Liar and manwhore.
Dick.
* * *
It takes a little work, but staying out of Danny’s path is possible.
For someone with no job and no classes, he comes and goes a lot. And there are a ton of people coming and going with him. Probably girls, girls, and more girls. I’m not sure of that—I haven’t seen them. But, knowing Danny, it stands to reason.
Monday and Wednesday and Friday are easy. Between school and the shelter I’m able to stay gone for much of the week. Plus, both have the advantage of keeping my mind off Danny and the thoughts that blast through my brain the rest of the time.
But, today’s Sunday. Danny’s mom isn’t here to miss me, so I’ll skip church. I’ve got no classes, no volunteer hours, and no friends. Not to forget, no pool—thanks to the jackass.
Turning on the stereo, I set the volume just loud enough to hear outside. I grab my sun lotion and head out back, leaving the door open so the music can keep my mind occupied. I have to do something besides stare at these four walls.
I love that the guest house is situated so it backs up to a wooded area that wraps around its sides. Privacy is so underrated. But here, I indulge in my one bad girl activity. Rachel and I started a couple of summers ago. It’s our secret.
Nude sunbathing.
The warm sun on my breasts is heavenly. The way the breeze stirs my curls relaxes me. I spread lotion on my arms, working it over my chest and my nipples.