Payback's A Bitch (Awkward Love 6)

“I don’t judge him for doing something he enjoys,” she says with a shrug. “And I’m not going to judge you either.”

I stare at her, speechless. Which is impressive because I always have something to say. She nods, satisfied with our chat, then pats me on the back.

“Go fill out your forms. I’ll see you later,” she says, leading me out of her office. I watch her disappear around the corner, then I glance down at the stack of forms that I need to sign. It’s only then I realize she never gave me her number. Or showed me to the staffroom.

Fuck. What a shit start to the day.Parking my car in the driveway at Jim and Mom’s place, then I get out and walk across the lawn to the front door. I’m glad to be home after what felt like an abnormally long day. I keep thinking about what happened and cringe. It sounds like an article I’d find in one of the trashy women’s magazines Sash is always reading.

My new boss thinks I’m a sexual deviant and she’s okay with it.

How did I walk away from that and still have a job? Not that I’m complaining. Two days a week, working there for a few hours is going to look great on my résumé. I’m almost at the steps when someone grabs my hand. I jump and spin around while snatching my hand back. My eyes widen at the random dude, who’s standing in front of me.

“Yes?”

“Hey,” he mutters, not making eye contact. “I … um, I wanted …” he mutters abuse under his breath. I’m not sure if it’s aimed at himself, or me.

“What do you want?” I ask, frowning at him.

I place more distance between us because this guy is creeping me the fuck out. How did he figure out where I live?

“Are you … Arsy?” he asks in a low, gravelly voice.

How the fuck did he get this address?

“I’m sorry,” he quickly adds. “I don’t mean to scare you, but I really wanted you to know that your words really spoke to me—”

“Okay. Thanks, and bye now,” I say, attempting to shoo him away like a pesky fly.

He frowns at me like he’s wondering what the hell I’m doing. He’s the one tracking down a total stranger because their fake personal’s ad spoke to him. How come I get to be the weirdo?

“Hang on, wait a minute,” he protests. “Just hear me out—”

“No, I won’t be hearing you out. Not today or ever,” I say, glaring at him. “You’re going to leave me the hell alone or I’ll call the police.”

“You heard her. Fuck off … NOW … before I make you.”

I turn around. Cameron stands there with his fists clenched, a menacing look on his face as he steps forward. The creep cowers back, clearly intimidated by him. Given that Cameron towers over him, both in height and size, I’m not surprised.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbles. “I was just leaving.” He quickly scurries away.

I step back and glare at Cameron. I’m so annoyed because I had that under control. He smirks back at me, the stupid little dimple popping up in his left cheek just enough to make me want to punch him in the guts. At least that would stop him smiling. Then I wouldn’t have to look at it. Or pretend I’m not thinking about how sexy he is, or how badly I want to touch his slightly curly chestnut colored mop of hair …

What? No. No fucking way. He’s an arrogant, self-righteous prick. I’m annoyed at myself for letting that one tiny dimple turn me into such a … girl.Chapter ThreeCameron“Scotch. Beer. Both are great.” I pause for a moment. “I’m not really a fan of wine, though.”

“What?” she snaps. Her brow furrows as she stares at me, confused.

“I’m telling you my drink preferences if you want to thank me for saving you,” I patiently explain

“Are you serious?” She laughs.

“Deadly. I’ve always thought it tasted a bit like armpits,” I muse, looking at her thoughtfully. “Wine, I mean. I assume that’s what has you so outraged?”

“Or maybe I’m outraged because you couldn’t mind your own business and leave me alone?” she suggests. “Also, are you in the habit of licking armpits?”

“Not since the restraining orders kicked in,” I quip.

I smirk at her stony expression. Really? Not even a smile?

“Are you really annoyed because I tried to help you?” I ask.

“I’m annoyed because I had that under control. I’d have kicked the shit out of him if he tried anything,” she explains. “But instead, you swooped in like a fucking hero and now he’s probably hiding around the corner, waiting for you to leave.”

“I think you’d struggle to kick the shit out of a penguin.” I chuckle. She blinks at me and I frown. “Not that I condone violence against—hey,” I gasp.