Without altering my expression, I remove her hands from my chest and say, “I have plans.”
Her lip juts out in a pout, and she puts her hands on her hips and thrusts her chest forward. “Plans with who?” Her eyes narrow in suspicion, and I don’t like her tone or what it implies.
“None of your business,” I say, signaling West with a look as I move around her.
“You’re going to make this up to me!” she calls out as West and I stride away from her.
I rub at my throbbing temples, praying Dad signs the account soon. I can’t put up with this for much longer.
“What’s up with that?” my buddy asks as we stalk along the hallway toward the gym and changing areas.
“I told you my dad made me take her out. I have zero interest. Like zilch. I had a fucking headache after our last date because the girl does. Not. Stop. Talking.” We round the corner, heading in the opposite direction of the masses. I should have left through the front doors, but I know Gayle would follow me like an annoying yapping puppy. I do everything to avoid spending time in her presence, so I’ll slip out the rear doors and walk around the side of the football field, taking the long route to the parking lot. “Don’t even get me started on how she kept trying to grab my dick under the table.”
“Everyone can see she’s hot for you.”
“She’s in it alone. My cock shrivels up the second I’m in her company.”
West chuckles. “You’ve done your duty now. Just tell her to fuck off.”
“I wish it was that simple.”
“Wait.” West slams to a halt. “Are you saying the psycho is making you take her out again?”
I nod. “Until he secures the Turner Media account.”
“Start dating other girls at school. A different one every night. Let her see she means nothing to you, and she’ll get the message.”
“If I did that, she’d run to her daddy claiming I’m disrespecting her or some shit.” I drag a hand through my hair, sighing in frustration. “I have no choice but to see this through to the end.”
“Just when I think I couldn’t hate your father any more than I already do.” West shakes his head, stopping in front of the entrance to the male locker room. Coach’s booming voice can be heard through the door, even if we can’t make out what he is saying.
“You should go.” I grab the strap of my bag and prepare to walk off.
“Mom’s organizing my eighteenth birthday party for December third. My place. Eight o’clock. Make sure you’re there.”
“You know I will be.” I jerk my head up. “Later, dude.”
A few hours later, I’m parked a couple houses down from Kendall’s house, hoping she doesn’t spot me when she returns from work. She must be working late as it’s almost eight and she’s still not home. The dickhead’s car is parked in the driveway, and I’m guessing he’s waiting for his wife to return before he heads out. I know there is no proof, but my gut tells me he has a new fuck buddy.
The passenger door opens, and Crusher dumps a paper bag on my lap before climbing into my truck. He’s dressed head to toe in black, and he has a ballcap pulled down low over his face. “Did you forget the dress code?” he asks, waggling his finger in my direction as he shuts the door.
“There’s a dress code?” I cast a glance over my gray Henley, faded, ripped jeans, and boots, wondering what the fuck the dude is on about.
“We’re undercover, duh.”
“Dude, I have tinted windows. No one will even know it’s us let alone see what we’re wearing.” Heat seeps into my thigh from the bag, and I toss it back at my buddy as he sets two coffees in the cupholders. “You’re late.”
“Sorry.” He smirks, rustling the bag as he rummages in it. “Ran into a girl on the way out. She blew me in the alley behind my apartment building and I lost track of time.” Removing a paper box, he hands it to me. “Peace offering.”
I open the lid, inspecting the grease-laden burger. “No, thanks.” I pass it back to him, gesturing at myself. “This body is a temple, and I don’t infect it with that coronary-inducing shit.” I’m careful what I eat, and I work hard to maintain a certain level of fitness. A healthy body helps to fuel a healthy mind. There are many things I can’t control about my life, but I can control this.
“Suit yourself, asshole. More for me.”
“Didn’t you eat earlier?” I headed to the boxing club straight from school, and I know Crusher went to the diner with a few of the others after their workouts.
“Pussy doesn’t count.” He flashes me a grin before taking a massive chunk of his burger. I return my attention to the Hawthorne residence, watching as Kendall’s red SUV comes into view at the end of the road. Grabbing a coffee, I gulp back a mouthful, instantly grimacing as the semi-warm bitter taste hits the back of my throat. Crusher chuckles. “We can’t conduct a stakeout without nasty coffee and greasy burgers. You always see cops doing that in shows.”
“You’re an idiot.” There is no heat in my tone because Crusher is one of the good guys, even if he is a bit of a clown at times. Kendall pulls into her driveway, alongside her husband’s brand-spanking-new Mercedes, and kills the engine. “Remind me again why I asked you to do this with me?”
“Because you need backup and I’m just that awesome,” he says before stuffing half the burger in his mouth.
My heart beats erratically in my chest as she climbs out of her car. She looks fucking beautiful, as usual, and desire surges through my veins. Normally, she wears her long, blonde hair loose and wavy—it’s my favorite look on her. But she styles her hair differently for the office, either wearing it in a high ponytail or an elegant chignon, like she’s sporting now, and her confident businesswoman persona turns me on like you wouldn’t believe. Her fitted pink wool coat hugs her soft curves, and the belt tied around her middle emphasizes her slender waist. The hem of her pencil skirt is just visible under the coat. Slim, shapely legs are encased in sheer pantyhose and she’s wearing glossy black high heels.
She’s my every fantasy come to life, and my heart aches to be with her.
Opening the back door, she bends over, retrieving a bulging briefcase and her purse.
Crusher whistles under his breath as he watches her. “That is one hot sexy mama. I’d do her.”
I jerk my elbow into his ribs, and he almost chokes mid-bite. “Watch it. That’s my best friend’s mom.” And the woman I’m obsessing over. The one I’m madly, stupidly in love with.
“No way, man.” His eyes almost bug out of his head as he leans forward in his seat. “That’s the woman the dude is cheating on?”
I nod tersely.
“Is he blind or insane? Who in their right mind would cheat on a woman like that?”
My sentiments exactly. “He’s a stupid prick, but it will be his loss, not hers.”
“Does West know we’re doing this?” he asks after Kendall has disappeared through the front door of her house.
I shake my head. “Like I said, I don’t want to involve him. If what I suspect is true, this will kill him.”