Page 109 of Dozer

“Last hit,” he said, giving me the roach. My fingers were smaller and held the paper. I pulled in three puffs.

Dozer took the joint from me and flicked the last bit toward the door.

Both of his hands held my hips. I wanted to breathe into him, but if I got close to his lips, I was going to kiss him.

If I kissed him…

I choked on the hit, losing my opportunity. The smoke puffed out of my lungs. I coughed hard. “Sorry,” I said, trying to catch a breath. “Oh god,” I coughed with a laugh. I wasn’t an amateur weed smoker, not since I started hanging with Hana.

I rolled off his lap.

Dozer handed me the bottle of schnapps. “Take a drink.”

I tipped the bottle to my lips, hoping I didn’t cough in the middle of a swallow and spray him.

The slide of liquid calmed my lungs. “Thanks.”

I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. And then I laughed. It felt so good. My mind floated on a delicious high. My lips curled into a smile, and my tummy tumbled.

My life was so fucked up. School, family,boyfriends.

Something dark and dangerous glinted in Dozer’s eyes. “I’ve missed your laugh.”

I settled in next to him and swallowed another mouthful of sweet liquor. “You’re not getting drunk with me.” I handed him the bottle.

“I’m fine,” he said.

“I don’t think you’re fine, Dozer.” The weed and drink had loosened my tongue. “We’re not going to lie to each other ever again.”

“Hmm.”

I adjusted and faced him with my legs crossed. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“I haven’t lied to you.”

I smiled and laughed again. “You know I haven’t lied to you either, but we’re still fighting.”

“Hmm.”

“The next thing out of your mouth has to be words.”

“Words, huh?” He stretched out his legs and crossed his ankles. Lifting my hand, he laced our fingers. “I’m sorry. So fucking sorry.”

“We both have blame. We don’t lie to each other, but we don’t trust each other with the truth. You don’t trust me,” I said.

“I don’t trust anyone.” He leaned his head back.

“Because of your mom?” I wanted to know. Both Blade and Romeo had hinted that there was more to the story than cheating.

His hmm, sounded more like a growl. “You want to know if I have mommy issues?”

“Not if you don’t want to talk about her.”

“I don’t want to talk about her.”

I gnawed on my lower lip.

“I’ll talk, but I need something in return.”

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