Page 218 of My Ruthless Neighbor

I look up and find Anderson. Captain of the football team. Famous, rich and a spoiled brat. Oh and he also hates my guts. Because I fucked her long-term girlfriend a month ago and personally told him about it.

Hey, it wasn’t my fault she couldn’t resist the temptation. She came on to me. I did what any hot-blooded man in his teens would. I fucked her. And thought it was my responsibility to let her boyfriend know he is dating a cheater. I call it social service.

Anderson’s blond hair is cropped in a buzz cut and he is wearing a black t-shirt and dark wash jeans. He smiles coldly at me.

“Leaving already?”

“I am.” I shove his hand off my shoulder and get up.

“I challenge you for a keg stand. Whoever wins would get to bang her.” He motions to the redhead who appears to be in her mid-twenties. The woman grins, winking our way.

I shouldn’t have come to this fucking party. But Rick was whining like a little bitch, promising it would be just for a couple of hours at Todd’s. Now I am fucking late and slightly buzzed because of the beers I drank.

Any other time, I would’ve taken him on his challenge, but not today. Amy must be waiting for me.

“No can do, brother.” I mock the last word and turn.

“Is Archer Kim not man enough to accept the challenge?” He speaks out loud, making a scene. The music cuts off. Everybody stops dancing.

I face him, my jaw set. “You trying to piss me off on purpose?”

He throws his hands up. “Hey, it’s a harmless drinking game, buddy. I thought you’d be down for it considering your love for alcohol.”

I stare at him hard and he merely smiles. “It’s free alcohol, bro. Todd wouldn’t mind if you steal the limelight of his party. Would you, Todd?” He looks at Todd.

Todd shrugs his shoulders. Anderson looks back at me. “We all know you love having things that aren’t yours.” He grinds out, hinting that he’s still not over his girlfriend thing.

“Look—”

“Come on, man. You scared of losing to me?” He grins and I find myself saying, “Fine. Let’s do it.”

Everyone is hollering, and cheering us up as we get ready for the match. I take out my phone and find Amy’s message.

Amy: Where are you?

I text her back.

I’m on my way. I’ll be there in a few.

I lie and pocket my phone.

???

Present

I am sitting on a couch next to Summer. My hands curled into tight fists, nails digging in my palm.

Summer senses that what I am about to say is hard because she scoots closer and covers my hands with hers.

“I lied.” I grit out. “I lied to her. It came so easily because I used to make excuses all the time if I wanted to ignore my family.” I look at her. “That one lie cost me everything. I thought I would be able to reach her in time if I drove above the speed limit.” I shake my head. “That night, one thing led to another and before I knew it, I was drunk out of my mind. So drunk that I forgot that she was waiting for me.”

I woke up the next afternoon with a sick feeling that had nothing to do with the alcohol I had consumed the night before.

The first thing I did was check my phone, finding several missed calls and voice messages.

???

Past