Page 15 of Taming Drew

Does that mean I can bail and go home?My eyes flick to his face, which has a shit-eating grin.

“I hope you’re not thinking you can leave me. I might have a relapse.”

I’m thinking my being here has been totally unnecessary. But Lily’s my boss. “Okay. Have you touched base with Lily?”

He stops the fork midway to his mouth. “Um no. She’s pissed. I’d rather not step into that difficult situation this morning. You mentioned her kid is sick.”

I nod, setting my fork on my plate as I glance up at his questioning face. “What?”

“Tell me about your daughter.” He leans back on the barstool, crossing his arms like he’s getting ready to interrogate me. “Who’s the daddy?”

“A man from college.”

“Where is he now? Are you still with him?”

“No.”

He tips his head and his face softens. “Come on, Chloe. I’m interested. What happened?”

“Seriously? We’re sharing now?”

“Well yeah. I know I was a dick to you in high school. In my defense, I was dumb enough to think it was funny. I didn’t figure out until later that it was hurtful. Not everyone likes my annoying personality.”

“You’re kidding, right? My breaking down in tears when you and your friends humiliated me wasn’t enough for you to realize what you were doing was hurtful? Damn, you’re stupid.” I stand up and take my plate and glass to the sink, setting them down gently even though I’m gritting my teeth because it would be therapeutic to drop them and have them smash into a dozen pieces. I look up and freeze.

Drew is sitting still. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him not moving, especially his stupid mouth. He sits there with a thoughtful expression on his face, and my heart cracks the smallest amount.

“I’m sorry.”

My breath catches in my throat and my brain races to wrap itself around the words.I didn’t know a heartfelt apology from my high school bully could carry so much weight.“Why?”

“I didn’t realize at the time that I was being mean and hurting you. It makes little sense, but I thought I was doing you a favor by pointing out you needed to lose weight. You were a bit chunkier than you should be and life is harder for fat chicks.”

“Wow. Just when I thought you weren’t a total douche canoe, you bring me back, smack me in the teeth, and remind me that you’re scum.” I walk around the counter to head back to the guest room. He reaches for my arm and pulls gently as I whip my hand around and slap his cheek with a loud smack.

Drew recoils and his hand slips off my arm, raising to his face. “Well, that doesn’t help my headache.”

A brief moment of regret bubbles up as my inner voice scoffs. I don’t turn around. I just flip him the bird with a loud, “fuck you.” I keep my pace slow and deliberate.Do not hurry. Show no regret.Get to the bedroom and close the door.I walk into my temporary room and gently pull the door to a quiet click. I dart into the adjoining bathroom and strip off my clothes.I need to wash off my past.Turning to close the door, my breath catches. Drew stands in the doorway with a sad appearance. I scream, while pulling my knee forward in front of my other leg and using my forearm to cover my breasts. “Get the fuck out!”Oh God, you can’t see me naked.That fight-or-flight thing that everyone talks about is hitting me hard. “I mean it. Get out!”

He holds up his hand in silent resignation. “I deserved that slap. I’m sorry.” He takes a step forward. “I’m, what did you call me? A douche canoe? Good word, by the way.”

“It’s a phrase, dumbass.” I stand, feeling the blush creep up my body, fighting embarrassment. I bite my lower lip. “What do you want?”

“I wanted to apologize.”

“You should take out a fucking billboard with an apology for all the shit you do on every given day to unsuspecting people.”

Drew’s face brightens with a huge smile. “Damn, you’ve got a smart mouth.”

“Yeah. You’d rather have it wrapped around your cock. I know the saying.”Oh shit, Chloe.

“You’ve fantasized about putting my cock in your mouth, I take it.”

“Dream on. It’s just the next phrase that was going to come out of that mouth of yours.”

He chuckles, and my body reacts without my permission. My core warms, and moisture coats the apex of my legs.

Drew licks his lips. “I can tell you want me. Your eyes are dilated, and your face is flushed.”

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