Time Will Tell (Maybe #3)(9)

My eyes widen at that.

I stand and allow her to lead me out.

Do I have condoms in my wallet? I’m pretty sure I have two. That’s going to have to do for tonight because there is no way in hell I’m going to take her without any protection. If she’s this easy for me, she’s likely this easy for others. Not a nice thing to say, but it’s the truth.

We get into a taxi because I didn’t want to take her on my bike. I can pick it up tomorrow.

She gives me head on the way home.

Classy, I know, but I’m not complaining.

I come in her mouth, wishing it were another.

Fuck, how has she gotten to me after only meeting her once?

It’s stupid.

I push her out of my mind and allow myself to enjoy the rest of the night. Uncomplicated, meaningless, dirty sex.

That’s just what I need.





Chapter Four


Trillian


After Xander had left last night, I stayed and tried to enjoy the rest of the night. I danced with Zach and April, and two hours later, Zach and I dropped a drunk April off at her house before going back to ours. He didn’t mention Xander and neither did I. He walked me to my door as he usually does and waited for me to get inside safely before heading to his own house.

This morning, I woke up later than I was supposed to. I pressed snooze four times on my alarm, then had a shower and got dressed quickly for work. Walking out my door, a cup of coffee in my hand, already five minutes late for work, I rush to my car. This is definitely a first. I know my boss won’t be mad at me for that reason alone, but still, I hate to be late for anything. I place the cup of coffee on top of my car as I unlock the doors. When a taxi stops in front of Zach’s house and I see Xander slide out, I quickly look away. My chest tightens to the point of pain. I don’t know why it hurts so much that he spent the night with that woman.

Disappointment—that’s what I’m feeling.

Pure, utter disappointment.

He obviously isn’t attracted to me in that way and I have to accept that. Unable to stop myself, I glance up to see his eyes on me. I see him grimace slightly, caught doing the walk of shame.

Is it even called that for a man?

Not wanting it to be awkward, I force myself to say something. “Hey, Xander.”

It isn’t his fault that he doesn’t want me. We can be friends. I can keep the fact that I am attracted to him more than I’ve ever been attracted to anyone before in my life to myself.

“Hey, Trillian,” he says in that husky voice of his. He stares at my house and then looks back at me. “You live next door?”

I nod. “I do. Didn’t Zach mention that?”

He scowls. “No, no, he didn’t. He’s spoken about his neighbour before, but I didn’t realise it was you.”

“Oh,” I say. “Well, yeah, that’s me. Anyway, I’ll see you around. I hope you had fun last night.”

I cringe, covering my face with my hair, using it as a shield.

Yes, I just said that.

Kill me now.

I get into my car and pull out of the driveway, only to see Xander standing there watching me. Forcing myself to look away, I turn right onto the road. I have to get to work. I don’t have time to think about Xander and what he was up to last night. It doesn’t even matter anymore. So I have a little crush on him, big deal. It isn’t like I’m in love with him. I just met him, for Christ’s sake.

When I arrive at work, I realise that I left the coffee on top of my car and drove away with it.

No wonder Xander was staring.

He must think I’m a complete idiot.

Cringing, I cover my face with my hands for a second before getting a wet cloth from work to wipe the coffee from my car. Then, with a heavy sigh, I walk back into Candy Creamery to start my shift.

*****

I’m about to clock out when Richard walks in. I remember what Amanda said about him coming out last night, but I didn’t see him.

“Hey, Richard, what can I get you?” I ask politely.

“The usual, please,” he says, smiling. “I was hoping to see you last night, but apparently, I just missed you.”

Well, that explains it.

I scoop up some chocolate ice cream and put it in a wafer cone. “Yeah, it was a good night.”

Richard shifts on his feet. “Are you seeing anyone, Trillian?”

I hand him the cone and bite my bottom lip. How do you explain to someone that no, you aren’t seeing anyone, but you also aren’t interested, without hurting their feelings? There is nothing wrong with Richard, and I’m sure he would make a woman very lucky, but that woman isn’t going to be me.

“No, I’m not,” I mumble, taking the ten-dollar note from his hand as he reaches out with it.

“Are you free next weekend? I thought maybe I could…” He trails off and I lift my eyes from the cash register to see Zach walking in. He stands next to Richard.

“Trill, gimme some ice cream,” Zach says, grinning.

I shake my head.

He’s standing here, dressed in all black, wearing his cut, demanding ice cream like a little kid.

“Wait your turn, Zach,” I tell him, giving Richard back his change, and then offering him an apologetic smile.

“I guess I’ll talk to you next time,” Richard says. “Have a good day, Trillian.”