He continues walking before I can hand it back to him, but Danny snatches it from me. “What a fucking fool.”
“Did you just call me a fool?”
“Not you. Him. Although, you totally need to remember that you’re taken. If you don’t want Landon to go ape-shit crazy, maybe it’s best not to let a guy spend hours flirting with you, making small passes, giving him reasons to touch you.”
“I didn’t.”
“No? When Miss Williams put her hand on his arm, he made sure she knew her place.” I feel like crying. I do my best to stop the tears from coming. I wanted to tell him to stop with the passive flirting, but I wasn’t sure if he was being nice and I didn’t want to come off as a bitch. Now, I see it was just an act and he was totally trying to hook up. I feel like a tool. Danny sighs and does a half hug, catching me by surprise.
Kelly nudges him out of the way. “You’re doing it wrong, dipshit. You’re a fucking robot.”
“Sorry. Now, listen. I’m not saying this is your fault. I get that maybe because you’re a woman, it’s harder to tell a guy to go fuck off. That’s what I’m here for, but I can’t do my job when you’re telling me it’s nothing and to stand down. I tried to be good, but if Landon sees this shit, my ass will be the one in trouble.”
“Sorry. I didn’t think about it.” I pull away from Kelly and give Danny a real hug.
He pulls back as if he’s going to be crucified. “You shouldn’t have to. We all told that fucker you had a boyfriend, but he still pressed his luck. Now, I’m not going to say shit, but next time he approaches you, I’ll put him in his place without an argument from you, or I’ll tell Landon.”
“Sure. I understand. Next time I’ll be a little more conscious of it.”
“Girl, relax. You can’t read minds. It’s not like he put it on a sign that he wasn’t giving up on the idea of hooking up with you. In fact, I thought he had some sense.”
“Well, it doesn’t matter because I won’t be talking to him again. I have a man and I’m happily crazy about Landon, so all other guys can go fuck off.”
My phone rings in my hand, and it’s a text message from Landon. I miss you, babe. I hope the studying is going well. I’ll see you in an hour.
I miss you too. I’m on my way back to the condo in a few minutes.
“Okay, so I’m ready to go. Are we dropping you off, Kelly?”
“Yes, we are,” Danny states.
“Calm down, brute. I can do what I want and don’t need you to escort me everywhere because I’m Lara’s friend.”
“You’re going to be dropped off. You said you were tired and wanted to get to bed early.”
“Damn, all up in my business. Maybe I was trying to lie to him so I didn’t have to go out to dinner tonight.”
“Well, either way, your ass is going home.”
“How do you deal with this guy?”
“I go home to Landon. It makes life so much better.” I get into the backseat, and Kelly hops into the passenger seat with Danny driving. I wonder if they’re going to let this go further, or if he’s just a little overprotective because she’s my friend.
When we finally get back to the condo, Landon is already there and waiting for me with a frown. “Beautiful, I was about to worry.”
“You know I was safe. It took a little longer because Kelly and Danny were arguing again.” I fall into his arms as he wraps me up into a tight embrace. “I’ve missed you.”
“Lips,” he growls. I lift my head and give him my mouth. “Fuck, I could kiss you all damn day long.”
“Then perhaps we should take this to our bedroom so you can kiss me properly, Mr. Black.”
“Fuck, woman. I want you naked, but first I want to talk about today.”
“What about today?”
“Your father. You were so damn upset.”
“And you made it all better.”
“That I did, but how did you find out about it?”
“Tobias called me after my mother left me a message stating that they saw the report on the internet and that my father was furious. I panicked and begged Danny to rush me over to the office. I didn’t tell him why or even give him a chance to call you because I didn’t want to interrupt you any sooner than necessary.”
“Thanks, babe. But the second you need me, you tell me. You come first before everything and everyone. I don’t give a fuck what it is. I don’t give a shit if it’s a fucking paper cut. You’ve got a problem, then you tell me.”