Page 40 of Choke

“And what might this look like?” I spit out at him.

He brushes a finger over my lower lip, and despite those annoying fucking butterflies flitting around, I jerk back indignantly. The left side of his mouth lifts into what could be the most devastating half-smile I’ve ever seen. That smile catches me off guard for a moment, and I feel my expression soften as I want to lean back into his chest when he coolly says, “Like you just fucked my hand in the staff hallway of a work event. Wouldn’t want people getting the wrong idea, would you?” His expression is taunting.

Without another word, he turns and pushes open the exit beside us. Chilled air rushes in through the door.

I stand there, my breath still ragged, my skin still burning.

He gets to walk away as if this was nothing, as if I was nothing.

The cool air does little to soothe the fire raging beneath my skin.

Big Red Button

Adrian

I push open the door of the coffee shop; I step inside. The aroma of fresh ground espresso beans and cinnamon fills the air, instantly making me feel brighter and more awake. Cally called first thing and asked to meet up for coffee. We’ve been friends for a long time, but I don’t think he’s ever invited me for coffee. A blast of cool spring air rushes through the cafe, scattering the papers of a woman working on a laptop. I stoop to collect them, offering a warm smile when she thanks me.

Cally sits at the back, two coffees in front of him. As I pass by, I scan the displays filled with pastries while a young guy with neon pink hair arranges them in perfect order. When I reach him, he stands, offering a one-armed hug. I give him an incredulous look. We’re not huggers. He sits first, and I pull out the chair opposite him and drop into a casual position, one leg stretching out to the left.

“A day date, huh? Didn’t know you were that kind of girl.” I tease.

He sits up straight, forearms resting on the table, hands clasped. His expression is much too serious for this time of day. His gaze is fixed on my face, and I realize in an instant this isn’t a social visit. This isn’t my friend and teammate, Cally. This is Officer Colton Calloway. I straighten, matching his stance.

“Everything okay, Colton?” I ask, concerned something has happened back home.

He takes a deep breath.

“You know, we’ve known each other for a long time,” He begins. “If I were fucking up, I would hope you would tell me.”

We grew up together and played on the same hockey team in high school. Back then, Ronan, Cally, and I were inseparable. We thought we were invincible, believing that nothing could stop us. They were the guys I shared a beer with for the first time, backed me up in fights, and lied for me. He was always the best of us. The one who played peacekeeper, breaking up the fights Ronan, and I started. I search my mind for reasons to tell him he’s fucking up. The guy is a beauty. When I realize there’s nothing I need to say to him, I nod slowly, my expression undoubtedly one of confusion.

He returns my nod, sips his coffee, and then says, “What the fuck are you doing here, man?”

I sigh.Nah, I’m not making this easy on him.

“Here?” I ask, looking around. “Because you asked me to meet you for coffee.”

He rolls his eyes, huffing a laugh that’s free from humor.

“Quit playing coy — that’s not your style.”

I hold his stare. All friendliness is gone from my expression. He’s backing me into a corner, and if he came all this way to be a judgmental prick, this conversation will end fast.

A minute passes in tense silence before he finally breaks it.

“You’re not yourself. You’ve missed more practice in the last month than in years. Fighting with teammates over a chick you don’t even know. Now?” It’s his turn to look around, holding his arms out for dramatics. “Now, you’re in this city and left your job. For what?”

“Stop, man. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” I grit out.

He leans in closer to me, lowering his voice.

“Alice has been saying some pretty messed up shit.”

I cock my head a little, brows pushing together.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Yeah. I saw her brother on the weekend. He said she told him you got physical with her when you stopped by the house. I told him she must be mistaken because the Adrian Liberty I know would never get physical with a woman.” The words don’t match the tone. He sounds uncertain.

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