Page 28 of Leather & Lace

“Damn this is fucking good.” We both look at one another and laugh. I can’t stay mad at the asshole. No matter how hard I try.

“Look at this,” he says as he hands me his phone out of his back pocket. Unlocking the screen, I see a text message from Brook.

“Ouch,” I say as I let out a small chuckle. “A baby dick, huh?” He rolls his eyes and puts the phone back into his pocket.

“Yeah, I didn’t reply. Probably best I leave that alone.” I can see hurt in his ashen eyes. I know this is not what he wanted. This self-sabotaging has him in a spiral.

“Well, you know youcanmessage her or call her. Explain yourself,” I offer as he shakes his head.

“No, Dane, this is for the best. I can’t give her what she needs. Hell, I fucking pushed her into the fridge.” He looks down at his fried rice, poking it with his chopstick.

“Look, Eli...she was okay. Your anger was not geared at her. If you just get some help--” He cuts me off right there.

“Not this fucking shit again, man. I have tried! Nothing helps.” He is a stubborn fuck.

“Look, it’s your life, Eli. If you want to stay miserable, then fine. But I can’t keep cleaning up your messes.” His eyes jump to mine, hurt, shading them.

“I don’t ever expect you to do anything for me, Dane!” Getting off the bed, he storms out of my room and slams my door.

Well, that went just great.

I headed to pick up Jenny from her dorms the next day. Eli and I are again on a ‘no talking’ term. He’s been quiet, though. Held up in his room. I am glad to see no late-night booty calls showing up like he would normally have. Especially after a massive episode.

I plan on making some dinner tonight for Jenny. Spaghetti...it’s her favorite. Okay, so maybe I am not actually making it. I’ve hired a chef for the evening. I pull into the university parking lot in my black Lamborghini.

All the students have their eyes planted on my car. Some of the girls are shooting glances my way, waving and smiling. I see Jenny make her way through the gawking crowd, shaking her head and rolling her eyes as she approaches the car.

“Really, the Lambo?” A cocky grin spreads across my face.

“Yeah, dollface. I wanted to pick you up in style.” I send a quick wink in her direction.

“Mmmhmm, you trying to impressme, or those girls?” She points at the group of blonde cheerleaders that have planted their eyes on me.

“Only woman who has my attention is you, dollface.” I leaned in and took her chin into my hand, giving her a deep sultry kiss. She lets out a light moan when my tongue collideswith hers. I watch her roll down the window and smile at the girls, then flip them off. Their smiles turned to disgust.

“Nice.” I laugh as I put the car in drive and burn out of the parking lot towards the small country back roads.

“So, you said you had a surprise for me, what is it?” She glances at me impatiently.

I take a deep breath. “Okay. Don't get mad at me.” Her smile turns into a flat line.

“What do you mean, Dane?” Her tone is sterner now.

“Well, I hired a chef for the night. So, we could relax and maybe take a dip in the new jacuzzi.” Her eyes slanted. She looks pissed off.

“Are you fucking kidding me, Dane? I don’t want to be anywherenearEli.” She lets out a low angry growl.

“Well, guess what, that’s my best friend that I just so happen to live with. So, until I get my own place, you will just have to deal with it.” My tone is a bit sharp. I fucking hate drama.

“Oh, that’s cute.Deal with it?What I am a fucking child now, and you tell me what I can and can’t do?” She huffs, pulling out a cigarette from her purse.

“I told you I don’t want you smoking that shit in my car.” I take her cig out of her mouth, roll down my window and throw it outside.

“Asshole! Pull this fucking car over, now!” She demands as I keep my hands placed firmly on the wheel. My knuckles are turning white from the grip. She starts to breathe heavily as she laughs then starts to open the door. “If you won’t stop, then Iwilljump out!” She says, yelling and unbuckling her belt, the car door opening a little.

This fucking woman is insane.

“What the fuck, Jenny!” I pulled my car over to the side of the road and stopped, just in time for her to jump out, grabbing her purse. “What the fuck is wrong with you!”