Present Perfect(67)

“Are you alone?” My voice was weak and small. He eagerly looked back over his shoulder then back at me.

Quirking an eyebrow up and smiling he said, “No, but I can be. Just give me a second.”

Stepping back, he motioned for me to come in. My legs didn’t hesitate. I knew where I was and who I was with. This boy was responsible for my complete humiliation a few months ago. Maybe, subconsciously I knew Brad was what I deserved. I sure as hell didn’t deserve anything better than this douchebag.

I could hear the sound of muffled music coming from down the hall where the game room was located. Brad ushered me quickly into the kitchen.

“Wait here while I get rid of my…um…company.”

He walked out of the kitchen and disappeared down the hallway. The music stopped and muffled voices filled the air.

At one end of the kitchen there was a breakfast nook. I pushed myself in the corner of the nook as much as possible trying not to be seen. The feeling in my numb body started to return. The voices got louder and clearer the closer they came. As the numbness continued to wear off I could feel a heaviness in my chest that was making it hard to breathe. My fingers were cold while my palms started to get moist. I could feel the trickle of sweat rolling down my forehead. I was burning up. My body wasn’t the only thing coming back to life. I couldn’t stop the pictures of Noah’s pain from flashing across my mind. This wasn’t the time or the place to have my nervous breakdown. I had to get numb again. I needed an escape from my heartache.

When I thought this night couldn’t get any worse, I heard the syrupy sweet drawl that made me cringe.

“Where are we going? I thought you wanted to bend me over the pool table and …”

“Not tonight Brit. Something very important just came up.” Brad sounded eager and in a hurry to get her out the door.

“I bet I can make something important come up,” she said, laughing at herself.

Their voices got louder as if they were headed into the kitchen. I used the sleeve of my shirt to wipe the sweat away from my face and tried to calm my breathing down.

“Brittani, your cab will be here any second. You need to go wait for it outside,” Brad told her.

“I just want to get a bottle of water.”

Brittani stumbled into the kitchen and over to the refrigerator. Her back stayed facing me. She grabbed a bottle of water then leaned against the counter while she tilted her head back and drank. If either of us moved just a half an inch she’d discover me.

There were two ways into the kitchen, one from the hallway and the other from the dining room. The dining room was next to the living room and the living room was next to the front door. If she went through the dining room then she would walk straight out of here and not spot me.

She started toward the dining room. I let out a slow sigh of relief, and then suddenly she said, “I forgot my purse.”

She whipped around and saw me. It took her a few seconds to focus her eyes before realizing it was me standing in front of her.

“What the f*ck is she doing here? Is this the something important that just came up?” she snapped.

Brad simply shrugged his shoulders and gave her a cocky grin. “Brit, come on, your cab just drove up.”

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a large wad of cash, and shoved it at her. I couldn’t help but think this scene was a foreshadowing of her future career.

She grabbed the cash and took a few steps in my direction, all the while glaring at me.

“I don’t get it,” she said as she pointed her finger at me, making a zigzag motion in the air up and down my body. “Noah always wanted to get his dick in you and now you got Brad’s twitchin’.” She stumbled back slightly and chuckled. Looking at Brad she asked, “What is it about her? Does she have a magic vagina or something?”

“Okay Brit, it’s time for you to go.” Brad stepped toward her taking her elbow.

“I need my purse,” she said, shrugging out of his grasp.

“You have it already.” He pointed to the purse dangling at her hip. He then grabbed her arm a little more forcefully and tugged her out the door to the awaiting cab.

I knew I should get out of there, but I didn’t. I stayed right there in the kitchen, waiting for the douchebag to come back. How did I become this pathetic? I kept telling myself I just needed to be somewhere no one would find me.

Brad came back into the kitchen and landed right in front of me. His usual cocky expression covered his face.

“Your mom’s not home?” I asked.

“Nope. She has a new beau, so every second she’s not working on a case, she spends over at his place. I do believe the Mother of the Year Award will elude her again.” He paused for a moment. His eyes scanning my body like some wild animal sizing up his prey. “Are you okay?”

I took in a deep breath and simply nodded. He took another step, bringing him so close to me I could smell the scent of cinnamon coming off of him.

“Why are you here, Amanda?” he asked, in a low sultry voice.

Sheepishly looking up at him, I answered, “I didn’t have anywhere else to go. Can I stay here for a little while, please?”

“Sure. You want anything?” He had a look in his eye like he was ready to pounce on me.

“A drink would be good. Thanks.”

“What’s your pleasure? Besides my face between your legs, that is?”