Page 123 of Positively Pricked
Chapter 41
I'd almost reached the hotel's main doors when I heard a vaguely familiar male voice calling out my name. I turned and spotted Teddy, of all people, heading toward me in the crowded lobby.
Damn it.
I wasn't happy to see him. Already, I'd had more than enough of his attitude, and I was in no mood to make small talk with a guy who loathed me.
Still, I couldn’t exactly duck and run. So reluctantly, I waited for him to catch up.
When he reached my side, he asked, "Heading out?"
I glanced toward the exit. If only I'd been two minutes earlier, I'dalreadybe out. "Yes, actually."
Teddy paused and studied my face. "Is something wrong?"
Isodidn't want to talk about it. "No. Everything's fine."
He lowered his voice. "Are you sure?"
No. I wasn't.And I was feeling less fine with every passing moment.
I'd been absolutely determined to forget what had just happened with Zane. And now, with just a few poorly timed questions from his cousin, I was starting to feel all those emotions bubbling up to the surface – the embarrassment, the humiliation, and a whole slew of other feelings that I couldn’t quite decipher. But I did know that none of them were positive.
Still, I managed to say, "I'm sure."
He eyed me with obvious concern. "You're not fine. It's written all over your face."
I looked away. As ifhecared.
I'd met the guy only a few times, and each time, he'd acted like I was some kind of degenerate. I glanced toward the exit. "Seriously, I really need to go."
His voice softened. "Hey, I'm sorry, okay? I'm just concerned, that's all." He gave me a hopeful smile. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
I blinked long and hard.Shit.Probably, I should've ducked into my hotel room for a shower or whatever – anything to pull myself together.
I said, "It's just been one of those days. That's all."
"You wanna get something to eat?" His tone brightened. "Dinner, maybe a couple of drinks? That always helps, right?"
I stared at the guy. "Look, don't take this the wrong way. But why would you care?"
He drew back. "Why wouldn’t I?"
I was too irritated to be tactful. "Gee, I don't know. Because you think I'm a terrible person?"
"I do not." He was frowning now. "What gave you that idea?"
"Oh, please. You think I'm a ho-bag."
His eyebrows furrowed. "A ho-bag?"
I sighed. "You know, the kind of girl who jumps in the sack with anyone who asks."
He smiled. "Actually, that's one reason I want to take you to dinner."
My jaw dropped. I almost wanted to slap him. "Forget it."
Pig.
