I pull my keys out of my purse and then head to the door for my shoes. “Do you know which hospital they took him to? Otherwise, I’ll call Drew on my way out.”
“Viola!” she yells, pulling my attention up to her. “Are you hearing what I’m saying?”
“What? Yeah, you said he wasn’t alone.” I swing my purse over my shoulder, and once the realization of her words hit me, I pause. “What do you mean? Was he with a friend?”
“Not exactly.” By the look on her face, I know what she’s about to tell me is bad.
“Tell me.”
“He was with a girl.” She pauses, my heart hammering even louder, needing to hear the rest of what she’s about to say. “She was in his back seat without any clothes on.”
A huge lump forms in my throat. No. There’s no way. I shake my head.
“Who was it?” I ask, part of me not wanting to know. “Do you know her name?”
She pinches her lips tight, pity and regret written all over her face.
I close my eyes because I’m pretty sure I know who’s name she’s about to say. Tall, busty blonde. Sends nude pictures of herself to him.
I can feel my heart breaking inside my chest.
“Courtney, tell me. What was her name?” My voice is pleading, begging her to say it. I need to hear her say it.
She moves her eyes up and looks at me, inhaling a deep breath. I close my eyes for the impact, but I wasn’t prepared.
“Mia.”
This is Love Blurb
Viola Fisher is the epitome of perfection.
She despises my one-night stands and mocks my less-than-classy habits.
She's smart, beautiful, and too good to be true. And I want her.
If she were anyone else, I'd have made my move years ago, but considering she's my best friend's little sister, she's always been off-limits.
Not to mention how much she loathes my very existence. Hating me is her religion, but needing her is mine.
Her sexy curves and filthy smart mouth make me want her even more, and I'm more determined than ever to change her mind.
I'll prove I'm done playing games. But until then, we'll continue to play by her rules.
Viola Fisher may have won the battle, but the war isn't over yet.
Checkmate, princess.
Chapter 1
Travis
TEN HOURS EARLIER
I press my palms into my eyes and exhale deeply.
I cannot lose control. I cannot lose control.
I wish I’d told Viola what happened at work and talked to her about it instead of shutting down. Not that there’d be anything she could do, but she’s always been a great listener, even when she was being the biggest pain in my ass. When we were kids, she always made time to listen to my ramblings. I didn’t speak to my parents much about anything and had learned to keep most of my feelings buried inside. Being real and open felt natural with Viola.
That was before I fucked it all up and hurt her.
I should just call it a night and go to bed, but I’m too restless, thinking about that bitch, Alyssa. Which makes me think of fucking Blake, who ripped my dream of moving up in the company away from me, but I won’t go down without a fight.
I decide I should probably eat something, but I hadn't gone grocery shopping since before Drew left, and he isn’t home tonight, so that leaves me with limited options.
Ramen noodles or PB&J on moldy bread.
Wrinkling my nose, I shut the cupboard and grab my car keys. I need to clear my head.
I take a drive down the highway, heading out of town, blaring my stereo with the windows rolled down. The evening breeze feels good, and the music numbs my mind. I allow the pavement to lead the way.
Hours later, I end up just outside of Sacramento and stop at a diner that’s open twenty-four hours. It looks old and run-down, but I’m ready to chew my damn arm off so I can’t be too picky.
Once I find a booth, I order a cup of coffee and some water. The sounds of clanking silverware and late-night chatter fill the diner. Only a handful of people sit at the counter—who look to be truck drivers—and a few couples occupy the other booths. I shouldn’t be surprised at this time of night, though.
The waitress comes back with my drinks and then takes my order of pancakes and bacon. She barely looks up from her writing pad as she scribbles it down and walks away before I can hand back the menu.
Tempted to text Viola and make sure she’s okay, I stop myself and decide I’d rather talk to her in person about it all. I don’t know what we’re going to do now that Drew is home early, and although I’ve broken the bro code by banging my best friend’s little sister, I don’t want him to find out from anyone besides me. Knowing I owe him that, at least, we need to figure out how we’re going to tell him. Or what I’m going to tell him.
The truth is, Viola and I aren’t a couple. We have a history—a damaged one—but nevertheless, a history that has bound us together since we were kids. The more I think about it, the more I want to punch myself for every sting I blew her way. She hadn’t deserved it, most of the time, but she made sure to give it right back.
That’s what I love most about her. She’s never taken my shit, and she’s the only girl to challenge me at every damn opportunity. Perhaps that’s what kept the fire burning all these years, but I’m done playing those games. I lost her as one of my best friends all those years ago, and I’ll be damned if I lose her again.
The waitress drops my plates in front of me and mutters that she’ll be back to refill my coffee. I pour the syrup over my pancakes and begin cutting into them when I hear a familiar voice behind me.
I turn my head slightly, listening again. It can’t be.
“You jackass! You can’t just leave me here!”
“Get off me, you crazy bitch!”
The voice is definitely one I’ve heard before. Panic sets in as I set my fork down and slide out of the booth. Then I see her familiar face and curse under my breath.
Mia fucking Montgomery.
She’s arguing with a guy as she pulls on his leather jacket. She’s crying and pleading with him, but he just pushes her off and walks out the door. I’m shocked to see her here, especially with someone else. It flat-out bothers the shit out of me, considering she and Drew broke up only days ago.
“You’re a fucking asshole, Will!” she calls out, rushing behind him through the door in a skimpy little dress.
I’m quick to follow as I call out her name. “Mia, stop!” I grab her elbow and turn her around. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“Travis?” Her eyes widen. “Holy shit! Thank God you’re here!” She wraps her body around my arm and cries even harder. It’s awkward as hell, but I don’t push her away.
“Oh, look. It took you less than thirty seconds to latch onto another guy,” Will yells. “Enjoy her, dude. She’s as easy as she looks.”
“Screw you, motherfucker!” she shouts, and it takes me a moment to recognize the guy she’s screaming at. Will Tamer.