Page 7 of The Worst Guy Ever
“Come on, we’re having fun,” he says, nudging his hip against mine.
“Gastroenteritis is more fun than this.”
“I can tell you want me, Hattie. Look at you, shortness of breath, pupils dilated, goosebumps on your neck. I know what it looks like when a woman is aroused.I bet a hundred quid you’re in my bed by the end of the month.”
Thearroganceof this man.
“A bet?”
“A bet. I like my odds with you. What do you say? Do we have a deal?”
“Get fucked, Rob.”
He leans in again, hot breath ghosting the shell of my ear. If he touched me now, I’d probably come on the spot. “That’s the plan, angel.”
I dry my hands roughly on my jeans, and storm off to find Kara in the garden. “Ugh, I hate Rob so much,” I whinge.
“Hattie, just sleep with him already. Get it out of your system.”
“Argh,” I scream, and when I see it draw his attention, I turn away. “For God’s sake, why would you assume I want to fuck him?”
“I don’t, it’s just… you’re hot, he’s hot, you’re both good in bed, apparently. I sense some chemistry.”
“There is absolutely zero chemistry there,” I huff out. “The man has more red flags than a jubilee party. He’s the worst guy I’ve ever met.”
“OK, so don’t sleep with him, but please be nice. I really want my friends and Luke’s friends to get along. You know how much you all matter to us both.”
“But your man is so good. How is he friends with such a cave dweller?”
I was dubious when Luke came on the scene. Kara was heartbroken and completely sworn off men, but she’s a true romantic at heart. Megan and I knew she didn’t deserve to spend the rest of her life alone, so we agreed we’d wait a year before encouraging her to get back out there. Luke pipped us by a couple of months, and I’ll admit I was worried she’d fall for the first guy to give her a little attention, but he soon won Megan and me over. He and Kara are perfect for each other. Even I, a non-believer in love, can see that.
“I think you’re overreacting. He’s a sweetheart. Look how close he is with Luke’s granny.”
I cast an eye back over my shoulder to where he’s sitting with her leaning into his side. She’s showing him something on her phone and they both cling onto each other, laughing uproariously at whatever it is. “He’s dedicated to his work, he’s a great friend to Luke. I don’t see what you hate about him so much.”
I can’t explain it either. I just do.
As the evening rumbles on, I return from the bathroom to find Kara and Luke snuggled together on the sofa, his fingers stroking through the lengths of her hair while they talk to Rob. Kneeling by the coffee table, Megan deals cards, while Annie sits in the chair telling her a story from her childhood. It’s a picture of friendship and domesticity, everyone in their place, at ease with each other. I’m not sure where to go or what to do. There’s an aching feeling that I don’t belong here, that I’m not needed, and it hurts. I want to go home.
“I’m gonna head off,” I call from the doorway, and they all look up at the same time.
“Are you sure?” says Kara. “We’re just about to play a game.”
“Yeah, I need to squeeze in a workout this evening.”
“Nice to see you again, Hattie.” Rob leans back, his arms spread out across the top of the sofa cushions. “Hopefully, the next time I see you will be in my bed.Naked.”
It’s the kiss he blows in my direction that pushes me over the edge.
He’s so bloody arrogant, so sure of himself. Utterly convinced that he has to do nothing more than simply exist and I’ll be powerless to resist him. He’s about to learn the hard way that underestimating me is the worst mistake a man can make. Guys like him are pathetic, and nothing makes me happier than taking them down and showing them up.
“You know what Rob,” I stride across the room to where he sits on the sofa. “Iwilltake that bet. You think you’re so bloody irresistible, it’s about time someone proved you wrong. Same terms. If I’m in your bed by the end of the month, the money is yours.”
I shove my hand into his, shake it roughly, and throw it back into his lap like it burned me. I’m too angry to care about the spark the heat of his palm sends through mine.
“Megan, I’ll see you at home,” I say, retreating and leaning down to give Annie a kiss on the cheek. “Happy birthday. It was so nice to meet you, I’m sorry to leave early.”
“I hope you know what you’re letting yourself in for, lassie,” she laughs, patting my hand with hers. “I wouldn’t make a bet with him for a game of tiddlywinks. He’s ruthless.”Oh shit. What’s that supposed to mean?
