Christian (The Mitchell/Healy Family #3)(14)
Author: Jennifer Foor

“Seth, please stop. It was a mistake.”

“Which part?”

“All of it. I’m not some easy lay. It never should have happened. I had a lot to drink and you kept pushin’.”

“Don’t give me that shit. I’d believe that if it weren’t for today. What’s your excuse?”

“I’m havin’ family problems. You wouldn’t understand. My sister’s messed up on drugs. I guess I needed reprieve.”

“So you used me? This is completely wrong on so many levels. I liked you, that’s why I hit on you. Yeah the sex was great, but I would have been okay waiting. You’re the one to make the choice. You can’t take it back. I just can’t believe you used me to clear your fucking head.”

I was offended. “I did not!” He was right and I hated being aware of it.

“Yeah, that’s not how I see it. Just because I was willing doesn’t make it right.”

“Screw you. I’m not a slut.”

“I never said you were.” He didn’t have to. He obviously expected to sleep with me and when it happened he knew he could come back for more.

The sound of a car that desperately needed a new muffler pulled into the parking lot. I felt comforted knowing that Ethan had arrived to save me from myself.

I turned to walk in the direction of his car and felt Seth tug me back toward him. In an instant I was slamming against his hard chest. I tried to fight him but he pushed his lips against mine. His eyes were closed making me feel like it was personal. When I finally freed myself from his hold he seemed more content. “I always get what I want. I’ll talk to you soon.”

I backed away. “I’m sorry. I wish things were different. Goodnight, Seth.”

“Chris, wait. Don’t walk away from me.”

I ignored him and headed toward the car, not wanting to look back and see the man that I was ashamed of sleeping with.

Chapter 9

Christian

“What the hell were you doing with that scrub?” It was the first question Ethan asked when I climbed into the passenger seat.

“Don’t start with me, Ethan. I’m not in the mood.”

“Dude, I watched him kiss you. Why am I here if you were clearly on a date?”

“I said I don’t want to talk about it. Please. It’s been a terrible day.” I covered my face with my hands while we pulled out of the parking lot. “Sorry. I’m not tryin’ to start a fight.”

“How long have you been seein’ that jackass?”

It wasn’t Ethan’s fault that I was in this predicament, but I wasn’t about to give him all of the details. Some things were better left unsaid. “I’m not seein’ him. Are you goin’ to give me the third degree? I’d just as soon walk if you are.”

“Whoa. Defensive much? Who crawled up your ass today?”

“Addy’s fucked up on drugs. It’s bad. My parents are sendin’ her to rehab. Dinner was horrible, and now Noah’s postponin’ the weddin’ again. Everything’s a mess, and on top of that I may have just ruined my chances of ever bein’ friends with my new roommates.”

“How so?” He asked.

“It’s a long story. Besides, we agreed not to talk about people we get involved with.”

“So you’re involved?” He beat his hand to the beat of the song that was playing as he spoke. With his eyes focused on the road he waited for my response.

“It doesn’t matter. It’s never happenin’ again.”

“You screwed Seth didn’t you? You’re such a hussy!” He teased.

I smacked him on the arm. “Shut up. You have no room to talk. How many girls have you banged in the past two years?” For a while it used to hurt me severely to think about him being with other people. I’d learned to live with the jealousy because it was the only way our friendship would survive. It was also another reminder of how much he’d always meant to me.

“That’s beside the point. I’m a guy. You’re a sweet woman of innocence. You can’t let a guy like Seth deflower you.”

“Oh my God, stop! Deflower? Did you just say that? We both know who deflowered me, and it wasn’t Seth.”

He patted me on the leg. “It was my pleasure by the way. Your cherry will always be mine.”

“You’re so sick.”

“You love me. Stop bitchin’.”

We pulled up in front of my house, and I looked down at my knees. “I don’t even feel like talkin’ to any of them.”

Ethan turned away from the curb and began driving again. He reached over and took my hand, the same one I’d had down Seth’s pants. As he clenched it I felt horrible. “You can spend the night with me, but no funny stuff, and you better not try somethin’, because I ain’t into sloppy seconds.”

“I wouldn’t even -.”

“I might, because it’s you, so make sure you don’t let me. Tonight I’m your best friend with no benefits.”

I laughed and looked out the window. “You’re hopeless.”

“There’s hope for me out there somewhere. I just haven’t found it yet.” He paused for a second. “Oh, just to warn ya, I’ve got company, but I’ll kick her ass out as soon as we get there.”

“Who is it this week?” I had to ask. Ethan may not have been a jock, albeit his good qualities were obvious to other women. His dark blonde hair was longer, almost always hanging out of the John Deere hat he wore. His parents were also farmers, giving us a common connection both academically and with our family life. Ethan was on a scholarship, but he didn’t have to work hard. His intelligence was hidden by his witty sense of humor. Though apparent in his GPA, he was always a fun person to be around. It was another reason why he never had trouble getting laid. Ethan was the whole package, and I’d never regret him being my first. “I don’t have to come over and ruin your night.”

“Yes you do.”

I rolled my eyes. Even if I started an argument with him, he’d still insist that I stay over. In this case I needed him. He was my rock; the one person who could make all of my frustrations disappear.

It took him less than two minutes to send his new conquest on her way. She didn’t exit without giving me looks of disapproval, not that I cared. Everyone on campus saw the two of us together. It was no secret that we were friends. If they wanted to imply we were a couple I wasn’t going to correct them. To them Ethan was just another college guy looking for play, but to me he was so much more. Our friendship meant everything to me, and his support was my lifeline.