“Did you like the movie, Jaden?” I asked, trying to divert his attention from our waitress’ ass.

“Yeah, it was okay.”

Okay? I just sat through two hours of bombs blowing up, appendages flying off, blood and gore splattering everywhere, all of which would have been fine if there had been a plot, and all he says is it was okay? Great. Lovely.

“Did you like it?” he asked, not looking at me.

“Yeah. Loved it, especially the part where the guy was wandering around, looking for his arms. That was classic.”

“Yeah.” He laughed. “That was great.”

Note to self— sarcasm is ineffective on Jaden.

“I need to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.” Sliding out of the booth, I turned to the restrooms, catching a glimpse of Brody and his date.

Brody’s dating Kara? I know her. She’s nice. They’re sharing an ice cream sundae. How sickening sweet can you get? Ugh… I’m totally jealous. Oh. Kill. Me. Now. I can’t be jealous. I’m with Jaden. Jealous, possessive, overbearing Jaden.

Walking down the small hallway where the restrooms were located, I pushed through the door into the ladies’ room. I didn’t need the restroom. I just wanted a minute alone. Bracing my hands on either side of the sink, I stared at myself in the mirror.

How did this happen? What did I do to get here? This is my life, but I don’t remember making the decisions that brought me here. If she hadn’t done it… but she did… and now we’re both screwed. Suck it up. Stop whining.

After washing my hands, I checked my makeup before pulling the door open to leave. I froze when I stepped into the small hallway. I’d never realized how small it was until I was standing there with him. He filled it, not only with his body, but also with his very presence. Butterflies swarmed my stomach.

“Hey.” He gave me a small grin.

“Hey, Ace.”

“I just wanted to check on you after yesterday in the cafeteria. You okay?” Brody asked, his eyes searching mine.

“Yes. Thanks.” I started to walk away, but stopped and turned to look at him. “And thanks for yesterday. I know you were trying to help.”

He nodded once and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand.

I smiled and walked back to my table, trying to put Brody Victor out of my head.

Jaden and I ate our dinner. Then he left me alone in the booth to visit with every football teammate that came through the restaurant. Thankfully, I’d brought my e-reader with me. But there was a time if I’d brought it with me, it would’ve stayed, unused, in my purse.

“How’s your hamburger? I’m sorry I got mayo. I’ll remember next time not to order yours with mayo.” Jaden reached across the booth and caressed my fingers with the pad of his thumb.

I took a sip of Coke and tilted my head to the side. “It’s good. Even with the mayo.” I grinned.

Jaden’s fingers moved over my hand, drawing invisible circles on my skin. His blue eyes stared into mine.

I took another sip of my Coke, chewing on the end of my straw. “What?” I asked when he continued to stare.

“I just like to look at the prettiest girl here.”

He opened his mouth to say more when he was interrupted by three guys from the football team. They pushed their way into the booth with us. One next to Jaden, and two next to me. I was flattened against the wall to make room for them.

“Hey, bro, what’s going on?” one of the guys asked.

Jaden’s jaw worked, and I saw his pulse beating in a vein bulging on his neck. “Kind of on a date.”

“Oh. Sweet,” one of the other stinky guys said. They smelled like they’d just walked off the field after hours of football practice and forgot to put on deodorant. I was gasping for fresh air where I was trapped between the wall and the armpit of one guy. “You wanna hang?”

“Did you not just hear me? I’m on a freakin’ date. And you weren’t invited. So there’s the door.” Jaden jerked his thumb toward the front of the restaurant.

“Whoa! My man, Jaden. You must be getting some happy-happy if you don’t wanna hang with your dawgs. That’s cool. We’ll catch ya on the flip.”

The three guys eased out of the booth and said their goodbyes. I watched Jaden’s eyes track them as they made their way from table to table, laughing and joking with other guys from the football team.

I squeezed Jaden’s fingers. “Do you want to go say hi to your football friends?”

Jaden turned to me and smiled, his dimples winking at me. “Now why would I want to spend time with them when I have you? I’m with them all the time. They’re crude, rude, and stink. You’re sexy, smart, and smell good. I’m definitely happier here.”

I sighed at the memory and flipped on my reader. By the time Jaden took me home, I’d read three chapters. Three very long chapters.

Jaden pulled in my driveway and put the car in park. He leaned over the console and kissed me gently, cupping my cheek in his hand. He took the kiss deeper, skimming his hand down my side, gripping my hip and pulling me closer to him to trail kisses down my neck and across my chest.

“Willow!”

Breathe. Breathe. I’m fine. I’m strong. Breathe.

“Get your ass in the house now!”

Jaden let go of me with a frustrated groan. “I’ll text you later.”

“Okay. Thanks for tonight.”

“Sure.” As soon as I got out of the car, he pulled out of the driveway and drove away.

I hurried to the house. “Hi, Mom.”

“Hi, honey. You know how I feel about you and Jaden sitting in the car making out.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“Did you have a good time?” She smoothed my hair from my face, a lit cigarette dangling from her lips.

“It was okay.” I shrugged a shoulder.

She took a long drag on her cigarette and blew the smoke out of the side of her mouth. Looking at the floor, she nodded. “He isn’t the catch everyone thinks he is, is he?”

“He’s okay. I mean, you know. He’s good.” I kissed my mom on the cheek. “I’m really tired. I’ll see you in the morning.” I climbed the stairs to my room and eased the door closed behind me, clicking the lock in place.

Breathe. You’re home. Just breathe.

Heading into my bathroom, I washed my face and brushed my teeth for bed. I changed into a pair of pajama pants. I slipped out of my shirt and looked at the bruising on my arm and shoulder. It was deep shades of purple and black. I let out a breath and pulled my sweatshirt on over my head, trying not to move my arm any more than I had to. Popping two painkillers, I went into my bedroom and crawled in bed.

I’d just turned the light out when my cell phone chimed. I thought about ignoring it, but if it were Jaden, he’d have a fit if he thought I was ignoring his messages. With a frustrated groan, I grabbed the phone off its charger and pressed the message button.

Brody: I’m sorry for stopping you at The Dive.

Me: Why?

Brody: Did Jaden see?

Me: No. Kara’s nice. Don’t be a jerk.

Brody: Not all reputations are deserved.

Me: ?

Brody: Never mind. Goodnight, Willow.

Me: Night.

Brody is gonna cause me so much trouble.

Monday. Crap. Shut up, stupid, annoying alarm.

I slammed my hand on top of my clock until the incessant beeping stopped. Rolling out of bed, I stumbled to the shower. I washed with a body soap that promised to energize and invigorate. It lied.

Mondays should be illegal. I think that would make a great T-shirt. I’m so gonna go to the mall and have one made. Maybe today. Right after I have a nap.