Need Me (Mess with Me 3)

I’ve lived each day since then fully aware that it could come back again. Keeping men at arm’s length was easier than having to explain what my appointments are for or answering questions about my scar. Then I’d have to deal with the pity or even worse, the guy who would stay with you just because he feels bad about leaving the “girl who had cancer”.

I’m happier alone, living each day as it comes. Planning a future feels like tempting fate to knock me down once more.

Vin is the first man I’ve met who makes me want to take a chance. He won’t pity me because of what I’ve been through. I smile. No, he’d probably tell me to make cancer my bitch.

And something tells me that if fate knocks me down, he’ll be right there to catch me.

“Ari, did you hear me?”

When I look up, Casey is standing right in front of me. It’s obvious by the way she’s waving her hands around she’s been trying to get my attention for a while.

These damn roses are throwing me off.

“I’m sorry. I’m a little distracted.”

“It’s okay. We probably shouldn’t have just barged in like that. You’re really okay?”

“I’m really okay. Quick, let’s hug before I change my mind.” I open my arms.

Casey laughs but gives me a quick squeeze. Although we like to tease her about being too nice for her own good, I love that Casey is so sweet. She’s the mother hen of our group clucking over us all worriedly. It’s a nice feeling to have someone care about whether I’m okay.

She’s more maternal than the mother who actually gave birth to me.

“Okay, I’m going to go. Andre should be back home now. We still need to make some final adjustments to the seating chart.”

“Kiss that handsome man of yours for me.”

“Maybe I’ll kiss more than that.”

As she walks out I yell, “Rub it in, why don’t ya?”

I’ve just finished moving the furniture back into position when there’s another knock at the door.

What is it with today? It’s like Union Sta

tion in here. I swear if Casey has come back for more tough love I’m going to shove her cute little body down the stairs.

I snatch the door open. “Aren’t you supposed to be sucking–”

Vin shifts the brown paper bags in his arms. A large cardboard box rests at his feet.

“Please finish that sentence. I can’t take the suspense.”

Before I can answer, he pushes the box with his foot and I’m forced to move back or let him run over my toes. After pushing the box next to the couch, he looks around like he’s taking note of the layout.

“Nice place.” He heads for the kitchen.

Oreo pokes her head around the island and then shrinks back when she sees an unfamiliar face.

“She’s black and white. Like the cookie.” Vin chuckles before kneeling and snapping his fingers gently. “Ciao, piccolina.”

Oreo runs back to my room.

“She’s not fond of strangers,” I comment.

He hums. “Neither is her mother.”

“What are you doing here?”