Black

“Oh, but I can.”

To say JJ was upset that I brought Rex home without telling anyone is a gross understatement. He was beyond upset. The man was pissed. Still is, apparently.

“Well, get over it. It’s done. And you can’t ignore me forever.”

“He could’ve been a murderer or a rapist.”

“Except he isn’t. He was funny and sweet and kind, and I had an amazing night. And weren’t you the one who told me I was boring and needed to step out of my box and let loose for once?”

“I didn’t mean bring a stranger home and fuck him.”

My brow dips low. “I didn’t fuck him, and even if I did, it’s none of your business. I know you’re one of my best friends, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but you need to drop the caveman shit and get over it already.”

“A simple apology would do.”

I laugh. “Apologize? For what? The man gave me the best damn orgasm I’ve ever had. No way will I apologize for that.”

“It’s not hard, considering you haven’t had an orgasm in years,” he mumbles.

“Okay, you know what? I’m done. Be mad. I don’t care.”

Screw this. I don’t have to stand here and let him talk down to me. For the first time in a long time, I ventured out of my safe zone, did something outrageous—for me—enjoyed it, and now JJ makes me feel like shit for it? No, thank you.

Turning on my heel I stomp down the hall, throw open my door, and grab my purse. Knowing Rex will be here any minute, I slip on

my shoes and check myself in the mirror one last time.

I decided to try something different tonight. Instead of leaving my hair down, it’s knotted in a loose bun at the base of my neck. I’m not big on makeup, so I stuck with the less-is-more attitude and topped off my look with a light dusting of mascara and swipe of clear lip gloss.

No sense in piling on the makeup if I’ll be sweating it off later. At least that’s what I’m hoping for.

My black maxi dress might be simple, but the way it scoops low in the back makes me feel sexy and will give Rex one hell of a view.

Happy with my overall look, I turn around and stop mid-step at the sight of JJ leaning against my door jamb.

His hands are tucked in his pockets and he’s smiling. “You look beautiful.”

I look down at myself, deciding whether I want to answer with something snarky or not. I end up with, “This old thing?”

His smile falls. “If I don’t look out for you, who will?”

JJ doesn’t know the details of my life, but he knows my biological parents were killed, and he knows I’m estranged from my adoptive parents, which means he knows I’m alone in this world.

But I’ve been that way for a long time, and while I appreciate his concern, I know how to survive on my own. I know the kiss of the cruel world and all it has to offer. Which is why I am dying to taste Rex, a man who can help me forget about the pain and loss I’ve endured, if only for a little while.

“I appreciate you looking out for me, but I need you to remember that you’re my friend, not my father.” He nods, and I continue. “Plus, you go through women like I go through underwear, and you don’t see me judging you, getting pissed, and going days without talking to you.”

He rolls his eyes. “I didn’t go days without talking to you.”

“Two. But who’s counting?”

“One and a half.” His smile reappears. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re forgiven.”

“What time is loverboy picking you up?”

“Any minute.” I brush past him, and he follows me into the living room.