Page 12 of Hate You Forever

She nods and leaves to get the items.

She’s back within minutes, handing over the things I asked for. “I’ll be in the living room.”

I get to work hanging the picture frames just as she had them laid out. It only takes a few minutes, and when I walk out of the dining room, I find her sitting on the couch.

“Done already?”

I nod. “Yep. Anything else you need help with?”

“Well…”

“Just name it, Jade. I’ll help out any way I can.”

“My bathroom ceiling has been getting a little dingy. I guess from all the steam from the shower and the lint from the washer and dryer. I bought somepaint for it, and I attempted to do it myself, but I just made a mess. If you have time…”

“Done. Where’s the paint?”

She gets the roller, brush, and the paint and takes me to the bathroom. The bathroom is bigger than I thought it’d be, but I guess I should have figured since it also doubles as a laundry room. Still, it shouldn’t take me more than an hour.

I nod. “I’ll get started.”

SEVEN

Jade

Ileave him to get to work, and a little part of me feels guilty for using him like this. I tell myself that I shouldn’t. He put me through the wringer when he left. Hell, I’m still not over it, but if he doesn’t do it, who will? I’ve thought many times about hiring someone, but the thought of bringing a stranger into my house creeped me out. Sure, I could’ve asked some of the guys I work with, but I never wanted to give them the wrong impression.

As he works, I sit on the couch with my laptop, just waiting to get a message from Paul.

Paul

How’s my beautiful girl today?

I smile when I hear the familiar ping.

Jade

Awesome. I put my ex to work and have him painting my bathroom. Serves him right.

Paul

HAHA, that’s my girl. Just make sure he keeps his nose in the bathroom and not around you.

My face flushes from reading his message. I love a man who’s protective and maybe even slightly jealous.

Jade

Oh, we’ve already had that talk. Nothing can happen between us. We’ve both agreed to be friends. It’s too small of a town not to be.

Paul

Wish I was there with you right now. I’d love to pick you up against me and press you to the wall while my hands and mouth memorize your every curve. I’m sure that would make him jealous.

I feel my blood begin to boil.

Jade

Don’t tease me. It’s been too long already.

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