Trouble

“I’m sorry, sir, I can’t do that. Privacy laws, and all—”

“How much?” My wallet is still in my hand, and I start pulling out bills.

His eyes widen when I get to eighty. “The name is either Joselyn or Courtney…”

The kid hesitates, frowning at the flimsy scrap of paper. “Why do you want to know?”

I’m tempted to snatch it from him. Instead, I exhale slowly and force what I hope is a friendly smile. “I found her credit card, and I don’t know how to get in touch with her.”

The guy studies me, and I know he’s not believing my lie. “Which one? Courtney or Joselyn?”

“Oh, for Christ’s sake.” I snatch the receipt out of his loosened grip, scanning it quickly.

“Hey!” He reaches for it, and I push it back at his chest along with the four twenties.

I’ve got what I need. “Sorry for your trouble.”

I’m in my black Tesla speeding northeast towards Belmont when my phone vibrates again. Glancing at the face, I cringe. It’s from Heather, and after the conversation we had earlier, I’m never going to live this down.

I pass a Piggly Wiggly and a liquor store before turning into a run-down apartment complex with a broken street light. Double-checking my phone, this is the address listed for Courtney’s name.

A dented El Camino is in one of the spaces, and there it is, a few spots down, the old blue minivan. At least her vehicle fits in here.

The apartment building is only two floors, and it reminds me of an old beach motel rather than a place you’d live full-time. Glancing around as I tap my key fob, I notice a guy in a hoodie disappear around the corner.

I don’t like this one bit.

Jogging up the steps, I make my way down to the correct number and knock forcefully. “It’s me, Joselyn. Open the door.”

Muffled voices come from the other side, and I hear what sounds like shushing noises. The door opens a crack, and it’s her.

“What are you doing here? How did you get this address?” She has her chin up, but she won’t meet my eyes.

“Get out here.” I push the door open and catch her wrist, dragging her outside and pulling the door shut before I press her back against it.

“Oh! Stop this…. What are you doing?”

She’s caged in my arms, and my heart’s beating fast. I’ve wanted to have her body pressed against mine for a week. “Why are you following me?” My voice is thick, as desperate as I feel.

I look down at her, and we’re both breathing fast. Her red lips remind me of a goldfish, puckered and full, and I want to smear that lipstick all over her face. Her hair is pulled back in another heavy ponytail with a few strands hanging around her cheeks. I want to wrap it in my fist.

“I’m not following you. I went with Courtney and Oliver to get sushi. You’re interrupting our dinner.” She struggles as if she’s going to get away, but I hold her still.

“I’m interrupting your dinner.” I exhale a laugh.

My thumbs are under her jaw, and I lift her face

to mine. Her eyes are still averted, but I run my nose along her cheek as I speak, noting the uptick in her breathing, the slip of her tongue peeking out to wet her full bottom lip.

“Why all the texts, then? You said to keep my hands to myself. You said we were done.”

Blue eyes flicker to mine, and I see the fire now. “So you went right out and found a new random hookup.”

She’s so sure of herself. I lift my chin, admiring her eyes. They say cold heat burns the hottest, and it’s possible I could melt in her gaze. I wasn’t lying when I said I might like it.

Leaning closer, I brush my lips over hers, light as a feather. She exhales a little noise, and my cock is awake. My whole body is awake. I want to be inside her. I want to lift her leg and take her right here against this door.

“Will you let me kiss you now?”