Page 50 of Happy Krampus Xmas & the Meet Not Cute
“Gotta go,” I mutter, as I make my way to the door without looking at him.
“Right.” I hear his hesitant reply as I close the front door.
I don’t stop. I can’t. Instead I run down the stairs and quickly unlock my car, scrambling into the driver’s seat. I take off my shirt and hoodie, hoping it will help me breathe easier. I place my hand on my running heart and close my eyes, trying to will my pulse to slow down. I hit my head on the headrest one, two, three times before letting out a scream filled with hopelessness.
The beep coming from my phone makes my teeth grind. I grab it and read the text.
Father:
Coach Morgan told me you could be eligible to play in the NFL. That won’t be happening. You already have a job waiting for you, Taylor.
Father:
Don’t disappoint me.
How did I go from experiencing one of the most defining events of my life to hyperventilating, pathetically alone in my car?
I fucking hate myself.
four
Dulcet: pleasing and soothing in nature
SPENCER
It’s my till shift today. Fiona added so many Christmas decorations that I feel like the café’s windows and walls will soon implode. Everywhere I turn is green and red. Maybe I should buy a small tree for my apartment. As soon as the thought crosses my mind, I push it away with a huff. Christmas is all about family and sharing, two things I’ve never had.
The day is slow. More and more students are leaving for winter break, and so, I have more time to clean the shelves and wash the espresso machine’s portafilters. I unfortunately also have a front-row seat to the football table and TJ. He hasn’t looked at me once since he took a step inside the café. He went straight to sit at a table while one of his pals made the order.
Being ignored stings, but with closeted jerks, it is pretty much the same old story. I didn’t expect much if anything, but fuck,it had been hot. I don’t usually let hookups get a go at my face unless I’m truly turned on. Looking at him let go like that, all wild and predatory, did it for me. And that fucking massive cock. My ass clenches at the thought of being filled with that thing. I guess it will remain that, a mental image.
At least his homophobic teammates are keeping their heads down. I know that fucking them up a little didn’t do the trick. Rich kids are arrogant and feel entitled. I need to stay alert for their next move.
I grab my bottle of Seven Up and refresh my throat. It still aches from the hottest face-fuck of my life. Pity it’ll remain a solitary one.
Two posh girls come in and order two skinny lattes. While I grab their change, I hear one excitedly saying, “Did you hear about TJ? The NFL is sniffing around him. Can you imagine? I could say I fucked an NFL star.”
Me and you both. Even though, technically, he fucked my mouth and then just left without a second look. I’m not a snuggle bunny, I’m usually a wham-bam-thank-you-sirkind of a guy, but I never treat my hookups like they are invisible after the deed is done.
I knew he was bad news from the first moment I saw him—gloriously naked on the shower floor like a fucking demigod. It’s all those fucking brown puppy eyes’ fault, and the taste of cinnamon on his lips. I just have to file it in my mind as a hot encounter and move on with my life.
My eyes fall on the yellow bike parked outside. The one TJ bought for me as an apology—pretty sure he forced the rest of the dicks to pay for it. It’s one of the latest, most expensivemodels, lightweight carbon construction, aerodynamic design, EPS electronic groups, leather saddle, and more. A decent person would give it back, but I’ve never pretended to be anything but me. And after what his teammates did to me, I fucking deserve it.
The girls grab their lattes and then move to the football table, stopping right near TJ. He smiles at them, and when I see one sit on his lap, I turn my eyes toward the door.
He’s going to be an NFL star, which I know is a big fucking deal, even though I don’t care about football. One quick hookup is all we could ever have, and I’m fine with it.
My phone vibrates inside my pocket. No new customers come in, so I slide it out of my pants and tap on the new text.
Lori:
Tonight, hide all your crazy, act like the lady you are not…but show the merchandise like the slut you are. Have fuuuuuuuun.
Fuck! I forgot about the hookup Lori arranged for me. I have an appointment to get some ink done tonight. I’ll meet Lori’s guy at six, so I have three hours before the tattoo. That should be enough.
I don’t really feel like going out to a club, but maybe it’s exactly what I need. I’ve been studying and working too hard—not including yesterday’s hot occurrence.
I can’t stop myself from glancing at TJ again. The girl is still on his lap, but his dark brown eyes are locked on me.
