Maybe This Time (Maybe #1)(18)

“We’re off. If Tag wants to close early, that’s fine. Also don’t go anywhere alone, alright?” he says, placing his hand on my shoulder.

“Okay. Is everything alright?” I ask, worried. Something feels off.

“Its fine, don’t worry. Tag is gonna keep an eye on you.” He places a chaste kiss on my temple. I look back at Reid who is standing at the door watching us. I look down when it looks like he's just going to leave without saying a word.

It really hurts.

The night goes slow as ever, even working with Tag, which is usually a heap of fun. Reid is right about Tag and women, he makes even Ryan look good. A man walks up to the bar and waits for me to serve him.

“What can I get you?” I ask him.

“You can give me your name, for a start,” he says, leering at me. Working at a bar, being hit on is kind of expected. But I still don’t really like or welcome it. Some men can take for no for an answer, but others…

“What can I get you to drink?” I ask again, emphasizing the drink part. I’m not on the menu, and neither is my name or any other knowledge about me.

“I’m surprised you’re not there with them,” he sneers, his face scrunching.

“What?” I ask, completely confused.

“What, aren’t you one of Reid’s bitches? I know how they all like to hang around after and wait for him,” he says, staring at me accusingly. Ignoring the douche bag, I walk over to Tag and stand next to him.

“Problem?” he asks, instantly scanning the bar. When he sees the man that spoke to me he walks over. I start to serve another customer, waiting for Tag to come back so I can ask him what the hell is going on.

The man leaves and Tag returns, but he ignores me. I corner him when all the customers are gone.

“Explain,” I demand, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Not my place, Summer,” he says.

I don’t say anything.

“You wanna head home early? I’m gonna close up now,” he says, avoiding looking at me.

My nails dig into my palms. I inhale and exhale, trying to calm myself down.

Everyone knows what’s going on except for me.

And these people are meant to be my friends and family.

“Yeah, I’ll go,” I say quietly, getting my handbag.

“Straight home, Summer,” he says. “Wait, I’ll walk you out.”

I nod my head.





*****


I can hear banging on the front door, followed by the sound of masculine voices.

“Don’t f*cking start, Xander,” I hear Reid snap. Reid? What's he doing here?

I sit up in bed and watch as my bedroom door opens and Reid walks in.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, my voice thick with sleep. He remains silent, taking off his shoes and his T-shirt. When he lifts up the covers and slides into bed next to me, my mouth is hanging open so wide I’m sure he'd get ideas if he was able to see it.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I grate out, pissed at his audacity.

“I need you,” he says quietly, his voice sounding hoarse. He pulls me closer to him, and cocoons me in his warmth. Why was I angry at him again?

“I don’t like you,” I mumble, as I dose off back to sleep.





*****


I wake up with a hand on my ass, squeezing one of the globes. I lean into Reid’s touch, moaning when his hands move to cup both of my breasts. Reid’s satisfied chuckle pulls me out of the moment, making me remember exactly what’s going on right now. I pull away and sit up, gasping when I take in his face.

“What happened?” I ask taking in his cut lip, and bruised eye.

“Got into a fight,” he says, shrugging his shoulder. When he grimaces at the movement, I know he's probably been hit in the ribs.

“With who?” I demand.

“Don’t worry about it, Summer,” he says softly, taking my arm and trying to pull me closer.

“So what, you think you can ignore me for as long as you want, and then just come over and hop into my bed?” I snap, getting out of the bed and looking around for some pants. I’m dressed in just an oversized top and panties.

Not even sexy panties at that.

“Beauty.” He sighs, running his hands through his messy hair. I see my pink track pants thrown over my chest of drawers and grab them, shoving them on angrily.

“I don’t get you, Reid, either you want me or you don’t. And if you don’t, that’s fine. Just let me go so I can find someone who does!” I yell, my anger over the last few days erupting.

“Does this look like I don’t want you?” he says dryly, moving the sheet aside so I can see his straining erection.

Holy shit, he is huge.

I open my mouth. And then close it. And then open it again.

“Don’t try to distract me with that thing!” I yell, pointing at it accusingly.

“Summer, you don’t understand…”

“You’re right, I don’t. If you think your morning wood is supposed to be a compliment, you’re mistaken,” I growl.

Reid's lips tighten, and for a moment I think he wants to laugh at me.

I am so in over my head with him.