Page 56 of The Nerd & the Ex-Con

“Ashamed for what?”

“For giving me that innocent look while you’ve obviously been roughing it out on some guy’s dick last night.”

“I’m a grown man, Jay. I can ride whenever and whoever I want to.”

“So catty this morning, are we?”

“Just go take a shower and put on some decent underwear.”

He shoved his hand inside the waistband and scratched. “What’s with my underwear?”

“I can see your…”

“My what, Scottie?” He grinned. “You act like you don’t already know what my dick looks like.”

I averted my head. I did. We’d been friends for too long for me not to have seen him buck naked. Several times. But it felt…wrong seeing his penis after being ruined on Griff’s last night.

“Jay! Just get your behind in the shower!”

“I’m going. I’m going.” He threw me a glance over his shoulder. “I’m not sure I like how this new fuck buddy of yours is changing you. The Scottie I know would never yell at me.”

Although he pouted, the color was returning to his face. Good. If I stayed the day with him, then I could cheer him up. I’d already worked my magic on Griff last night. Now it was Jay’s turn, and I knew exactly what he needed. Warhammer.

I opened the windows to let in some fresh air and grabbed a trash bag, then picked up the empty beer cans and discarded popcorn bags scattered around. He’d had so much to drink last night. If I’d been around, I could have helped him through the turmoil of his emotions. Instead, I’d run off to check on Griff.

Some friend I was.

Memories of last night flooded my mind, accompanied by a wave of guilt. I was here now, making it up to him.

I vacuumed the floor and the couch, then spritzed the lemon-scented air freshener I loved. The light tones of the citrusy smell got rid of the lingering, stale air.

My phone chimed, and I picked it up from the coffee table. Griff? Why was he calling me? He knew I was with Jay. I glanced around me to confirm I was alone and answered.

“Griff?”

“You didn’t call.”

“I was supposed to call?” I didn’t remember him asking me to call before I left. Hadn’t I been paying attention?

What I did remember was him insisting on walking me to the car, then holding my chin while he kissed me deeply, like we had all the time in the world and no one else was around. Someone had wolf-whistled, so at least one person had seen me with my arms wrapped around his neck, popping my leg like they did in the movies, and moaning into his mouth. Yeah, he deserved a leg pop after last night.

“Yes. How else will I know you got home safely? It’s bad enough I can’t drive you home to ensure you get there in one piece.”

“I’m fine.”

Though an attack of butterflies swarmed my tummy. Early in dating my ex, David, I’d called him to let him know I had arrived home. He’d only reacted by asking me, “and?” I’d never called him again for that.

“Next time, don’t forget to call. Or send me a message if you can’t talk.”

“Okay. I will.”

“Ensure you do. Don’t make me worry about you, Scottie.”

He ended the call before I could reply. And not a second too late.

“Who were you talking to?” Jay asked. He looked much better because of his shower. Despite me telling him a million times he could use my blow dryer, he’d toweled his hair. The black tresses weren’t fully dry, leaving wet spots on his blue sleeveless shirt.

“Umm.” I didn’t want to lie to him, but I couldn’t tell him the truth either. Ugh, why did I think I could be good at this secrecy stuff? I wouldn’t be able to keep my relationship with Griff from him for long.

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