Voyeur Extraordinaire(43)

“No,” Amy said. “Jared has a black belt. He can handle this.” A sudden burst of worry for Adrian filled me, but I squashed it. He deserved to have his ass kicked.

“Or you’ll regret it,” Jared said.

“Is that a threat?”

There was commotion, and Amy took a step toward the door. She gave me an apologetic look, then disappeared into the living room. I hesitated. I needed to get a grip on myself. Taking a deep breath, I followed Amy, bracing myself for the sight of Adrian, but he was gone. Jared was leaning against the closed front door, massaging his wrist. Amy rushed toward him, taking his hand in hers. His knuckles were red, but that didn’t seem to bother Jared. He was rubbing his wrist. “What happened?”

Jared shook his head.

“Jared?” I asked.

“He wanted to talk to you. I punched him.”

“And you hurt your wrist when you punched him?” Amy asked doubtfully.

“No, in the resulting shoving match. I’m pretty sure that Adrian guy has a black belt, too. Or at least martial arts experience. Quick bastard twisted my arm after I punched him.”

My eyes widened and I stared at Jared’s wrist that was turning as red as his knuckles. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin your evening.” This day had turned into a nightmare.

“Nonsense,” Amy said, but she didn’t stop prodding Jared’s wrist. “Jared’s wrist has seen worse. You don’t earn a black belt without your fair share of injuries on the way.” But those injuries hadn’t been my fault.

“Amy’s right. And it felt good to punch that asshole. The only thing I’m angry about is that I let down my guard and he got the better of me.”

“Then why did he leave?”

“When he saw me, he left. Maybe he didn’t want to cause a scene in front of a woman,” Amy said.

“He didn’t seem the chivalrous type when he told me he didn’t do virgins.” I couldn’t keep the bitterness from my voice. Jared looked away, probably embarrassed.

“I’m a potential fuck buddy,” Amy said, her nose wrinkled.

Jared jerked his head around, his eyes practically popping out of his head. “If he touches you, I’ll--” Amy silenced him with a kiss before he could deliver his threat. “Don’t worry, I have standards.” Her widened eyes snapped toward me. “Oh, Nora, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“No, you’re right. I should have known better.” All the anger and mortification drained out of me until only tiredness was left.

Amy put her arm around me. “You shouldn’t be alone tonight. You can sleep here.”

I gave her an uncertain look and she said firmly. “No objections.” My eyes darted to Jared who’d grabbed a bag of frozen peas from the freezer and was pressing it against his wrist.

“Don’t try to argue. Amy will only chain you to our sofa if you try to leave.”

I smiled gratefully. “Thanks. You’re the best, both of you. I don’t deserve you.”

“Stop talking crazy. Now come on. I’ll give you one of my pajamas for the night.” I’d never seen Amy in anything that came close to pajamas. Babydolls, camisoles, tiny shorts that I filed under lingerie, yes, but not pajamas. If I had a boyfriend to seduce, I’d probably go for sexy too, but as it was comfortable would do. I pushed the bitterness aside. Amy opened the dresser in their bedroom and scanned the pile of nightclothes.

“Maybe you can just give me one of Jared’s shirts?” I said, then wondered if that was something I shouldn’t have suggested. Wearing your best friend’s boyfriend’s shirts was probably a no-go. Amy, however, didn’t seem offended. She was too busy perusing her clothes. “Aha!” she exclaimed and pulled out flannel pajamas with yellow ducks on them. She held them up for my approval and I cracked a smile. “You’re wearing those?”

Amy smiled sheepishly. “Only when Jared’s gone and I need something to keep me warm and snuggly.”

I took the pajamas. They were incredibly soft. “They’re perfect.”

She nodded toward their bathroom. “I’ll wait for you to get ready?”

“Are you going to read me a goodnight story too?” Somehow the words sounded more snippy than I’d intended. I shook my head, then smiled apologetically. Amy gave me a little shove. “Get ready while I pick a story.” What would it take to get Amy angry? She was always so considerate and kind. No wonder Jared adored her.

When I stepped into the bathroom, my eyes landed on the shower. For a moment, I considered washing Adrian’s scent off of me, to wash the memories off of me, but I didn’t want to impose on Amy anymore than I already had. Instead I wiggled out of the dress, looking at it with something close to wistfulness. I wouldn’t wear it ever again. I hoped goodwill could use it. I slipped the pajamas on, then left the bathroom. Amy had already pulled out their sofa and set out a pillow and a blanket for me.