Diary of a Bad Boy(87)

The glint in her eye quickly disappeared and was replaced with a judgmental sneer, erasing any humanity from her face.

You know how therapists aren’t supposed to throw down their opinion? They’re just supposed to sit back and listen, asking stupid questions? She apparently forgot that, because she told me dating Sutton didn’t seem like a good idea, despite the dancing floating hearts around my head whenever I talk about her.

You can imagine my shock when she told me to consider making a change where Sutton was concerned. I wanted to tell her I would consider making a change all right, and it would be firing her stuck-up ass. Of course, the court system wouldn’t care for that, so instead, I stood from the couch, buttoned my suit jacket, and told her she had a poppy seed in her teeth and walked out the door.

She didn’t.

But I saw she had an everything bagel and decided to make her sweat it out.

I don’t need her judging me, not when I already know what I’m doing is not entirely kosher. And yeah, I’m going to have to tell Foster, man to man, that I’m dating his daughter, but when the time is right.

I have it all planned out. Don’t worry.

Roark





SUTTON





“Please don’t embarrass me.”

“What could I possibly do that would embarrass you?” Maddie asks as she pushes her chestnut hair behind her ear. “I have some decorum, you know.”

“I know, I’m just . . . nervous.”

“Meeting the best friend is a tough one, I know, especially after the last time I saw him. Don’t worry, I won’t do anything to embarrass you.”

The door to the small coffee house opens, letting in a breeze, followed by a bundled-up Roark wearing his signature beanie, black pants, and black jacket. His scruff is expertly trimmed, and there’s a light, rosy hue to his cheeks from the chilly morning. He’s so handsome it makes me want to sigh like a teenage girl.

He gives the place a quick once-over then spots us. A crooked smile on his face, he makes eye contact with me and approaches.

Maddie takes that moment to look up from her phone and spot him. “Well there he is, in the flesh, the best sex Sutton has ever had.”

Roark pauses when he gets to the table and raises a brow in my direction.

Honestly, Maddie?

Chuckling, he leans down and hooks my chin with his finger and places a sweet kiss on my lips before whispering, “Best, huh? I like that.”

Blushing, I press another quick kiss to his lips and pull away as he takes a seat next to me, scooting his chair close so he can drape his arm behind me.

After he’s settled, he reaches across the small table and holds out his hand. “Maddie, it’s nice to properly meet you.”

She glances at me then turns to Roark. “Yes, nice to properly meet you.” What was that glance for? I don’t like that look in her eyes. “Can you say fuck me?”

Oh Maddie . . .

Confused, brow pinched together, he humors my friend and says, “Fook me.”

“Did you hear that?” Maddie claps and does a horrible impersonation. “Fook me. God, that’s hot. No wonder he’s the best you’ve ever had.”

“Maddie,” I reprimand under my breath. “Be cool.”

“Is that all ya talk about? Fookin’?” Roark asks, his accent growing heavier, which I’m sure he’s doing on purpose.

“We talk about other things where you’re concerned, but it usually starts with that.”

“Oh yeah?” He twirls a piece of my hair around his finger. “Give me specifics.”

“Not necessary,” I say while shaking my head.

Apparently Maddie has a different idea, though. “She tells me everything from positions to girth.”

“Girth?” Roark leans back to look at me as I blush terribly.

“Yeah, girth, and I must say, congrats.” Maddie takes a sip of her drink and then continues. “Also, thank you for giving my girl her first sixty-nine experience. She would not stop talking about it.”

“Maddie, for the love of God, stop.” I press my hand to my forehead, utterly humiliated.

Leaning into me, Roark presses his lips against my ear and says, “Don’t be embarrassed, it’s hot that you talk about it.” A shiver runs down my arm as he pulls away and addresses Maddie. “How long have you known Sutton?”

Thank God he changed the subject.

“Since freshman year in college. Pretty little Sutton here was lost at NYU, and she asked for some help. I had no clue where I was going but needed a friend, so I pretended to find the admissions building. Luckily we stumbled across it. After that, we went to the cafeteria, talked over bowls of cereal, and our friendship was solidified.” Maddie glances in my direction. “Best friends for life.”

“Not sure after this,” I mutter, crossing my arms over my chest. Sensing my irritation, Roark moves his hand behind my neck and gently massages the tension out of it with his expert fingers. I will say this, even though he’s not experienced in relationships, he sure knows how to do everything right.

“Lighten up.” Maddie nudges my leg under the table. “You knew what was going to happen when you asked me to meet your boyfriend.”

“You said you’d be cool,” I mutter from the side of my lip.