Page 18 of Best Friend's Dirty Ex

“Oh, it’s you.” I can’t contain my disdain, and he flashes a grin in my direction.

“Sorry to disappoint. Who were you hoping I was?”

“Nobody, to be honest. I’m enjoying my solitude.” I don’t know if I’m suddenly just a magnet for the kind of men I can’t have or don’t want, but it’s strange how Hunter, Konan, and Troy all seem to be jonesing for me now. All these men from Club Red want my attention, or want to date me, or sleep with me… it’s almost as if they’re playing some game with me and I don’t like it.

“Isn’t that lonely, though?” Hunter glances at me and I lift my shoulders, still watching the lab and owner playing.

“I don’t feel lonely. I feel peaceful.” Hopefully he’ll get the hint, but I’m not about to hold my breath.

“That’s fair. But there must be some times when you want some male company.” His tone makes his meaning clear, and I fight the urge to curl a lip at him.

“If you mean sex, then no, I don’t need what’s attached to you to enjoy myself. I have hands, toys, and porn. Sex isn’t typically worth the headache attached to the cock.”

He inhales a tight breath that hisses between his teeth. “Who hurt you?”

I can’t help it, I laugh. His response is so unexpected and refreshingly playful I wonder if I’ve had him pegged wrong all along.

“A narcissist, to be honest.”

He’s quiet for a moment before speaking. “I’m sorry. That’s a rough one. I’ve been in a similar situation and it’s not pretty.”

The odd way he connects with me should have me on guard. After all, mirroring is a red flag and a tool people like James uses, but Hunter’s words feel… genuine.

“I’m sorry you went through that. It is painful.” I don’t want to get into my past, but I do appreciate his understanding and kindness, and want to return the same sentiment.

“A good way to forget your ex is-”

“If you say casual sex, I’m going to elbow you into the ground.” I’m being playful, but I will throw elbows if he refuses to get the hint.

He laughs. “Okay, okay, I get the point. I’ll leave you alone. First, though, will you go to dinner with me? No strings attached, no expectations, just an evening together to get to know each other?”

Before I can turn him down, my phone rings and I pull it out of my pocket.

“Just think about it, please,” he says, before giving me his business card with his personal cell number written on it. I watch him stand up and saunter off, wondering what the heck happened before the trill of my phone reminds me to answer Lyla’s call.

“Hello?” I’m not sure why there’s a knot in my stomach as I answer, but there is.

“I just need to get this off my chest. I’m mad that you and Troy are spending so much time together.” She sounds furious and I wonder if I should try to defend myself or just let her vent. I decide to let her vent and she continues.

“He’s my ex, and I know you’re asking questions about our history because you’re developing feelings for him.” As she speaks, I watch the lab’s owner pull a ball out of his pocket and chuck it before he picks up the two broken halves of the flying disc.

“I think it’s disgusting that you could betray me like that, and more disgusting that you’re chasing my sloppy seconds. He’s a bad man and if he breaks your heart, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

The lab leaps after the ball, then races it back to the owner.

“Are you still there?” Lyla sounds more furious, and I nod before answering.

“I’m here. I’m just listening.”

“Are you fucking him?”

My jaw drops at her question. “No! Of course not!” I feel a pang of guilt because I want to be sleeping with him, but the truth is that I’m not. “It’s just business. And when he tries to make moves, I turn him down and remind him I’m off limits.”

“He’s making moves?” She sounds hurt and angry and I feel bad, wondering if I should have kept that detail to myself.

“Yeah, but I’m turning him down.”

“But you want him!” She sounds almost hysterical and I’m not sure how to de-escalate the situation.

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