Sugar Rush (Friend-Zoned #3)(16)
Author: Belle Aurora

But I stuck by her, and I would’ve stuck by her ‘til death if she had let me. I’m dedicated that way. And what was I rewarded with?

Attitude and ugly-ass words.

If you’re thinking I’m bitter from one bad relationship, you’re right. Just thinking about dating has my stomach coiled tight.

I clear my throat and straighten in my chair. “Maybe.”

Nik smiles down at the table. Looking back up, he nods. “I think that would be cool.”

Trick nudges my shoulder and jokes, “You can’t have Lola.”

I grin and poke the bear. “Nah, I want Nat.”

Ash stands suddenly, his chair squealing behind him. He points at me, jaw rigid. “Lucky I love ya, bro.”

Nik asks, “Got anyone in mind? Anyone in particular?”

I’m honest when I say, “Not really, I’m just takin’ it as it comes.”

My brother slaps a hand on my shoulder and responds, “Sometimes the best things are unplanned.”

The guys make their leave and get back to work, leaving me sitting in the chill-out room with my own thoughts for company. My thoughts consist of green eyes and attitude.

I stand, shake my head to clear it, and head back to my office. Once inside, I take my cell out of my pocket and dial the number I was given the night before. It rings, and rings, and rings some more.

“Hi, you have reached Helena Kovac. I’m unable to take your call. Please leave your name and your number, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.” Beep.

I’m suddenly panicked. “Um…Helena. Hi, it’s Max. Nik’s brother. The guy you found sleeping in your bed. The same guy who threw pizza at you last night.” Oh my God. Shut your mouth, idiot! “Anyways, I just wanted to see if you were free tonight. I mean, I know it’s Saturday and you’re probably going to the club tonight with the girls, but—”

Beep.

Fuck. I must’ve reached the message time limit.

I call again. The voicemail message sounds out again. I wait patiently for the beep.

I lean back in my chair, getting comfortable to talk to Helena. “Sorry, I’ve been told I talk a lot. Anyways, I was saying if you’d let me, I’d like to take you to an early dinner to apologize for being, well, stupid last night.” I sit up. “You know, I think I already feel so comfortable with you, because you’re Nat’s sister, and I love Nat. I mean, I know you don’t like me, but if you—”

Beep.

Motherfucker!

I quickly redial and cover my face with a hand as I cringe at myself. “The fuck am I doing?”

Beep.

I sigh into the phone. “You know what? Don’t worry about it. I…uh…I just realized I’m busy today anyways. So, um…yeah. Just…just don’t worry about it. Sorry for spilling pizza on you. If you need a new pair a pajamas, let me know and I’ll pay for ‘em. And sorry for making you cry.” I pause. “Never meant to hurt you, cupcake.”

The message still recording, I tap my phone against my temple then end the call.

Well, that wasn’t half-awkward.

I sink into my chair and wallow in self-pity.

***

Helena

Having just woken, I sit cross-legged on my bed in my spare set of pajamas, seeing as my favorite ones are still covered in tomato sauce. I listen to the three new voicemails.

“Um…Helena. Hi, it’s Max. Nik’s brother. The guy you found sleeping in your bed. The same guy who threw pizza at you last night. Anyways, I just wanted to see if you were free tonight. I mean, I know it’s Saturday and you’re probably going to the club tonight with the girls, but—”

I smile to myself then listen to the next message.

“Sorry, I’ve been told I talk a lot.” I chuckle and listen on. “Anyways, I was saying if you’d let me, I’d like to take you to an early dinner to apologize for being, well, stupid last night. You know, I think I already feel so comfortable with you, because you’re Nat’s sister, and I love Nat. I mean, I know you don’t like me, but if you—”

My face flushes bright red. Oh dear God. Nat told him I don’t like him? I’ll cut a bitch!

But he called anyways to apologize and ask you to dinner.

My brows rise as I ponder this. This is true. What do I do now?

Go out with him. Let him buy you dinner. Talk to him. Get to know him a little.

Yeah. I straighten on my bed. Yeah. That’s exactly what I’m going to do. My stomach flutters in excitement. I start to listen to the third message.

He sighs. “You know what? Don’t worry about it.” My face falls. My heart sinks. “I…uh…I just realized I’m busy today anyways. So, um…yeah. Just…just don’t worry about it. Sorry for spilling pizza on you. If you need a new pair a pajamas, let me know and I’ll pay for ‘em. And sorry for making you cry.” A slight pause, then a quiet, “Never meant to hurt you, cupcake.”

A sudden rush of anger flows through me. I delete the messages. “Fuck him.”

He’s right. I am going to the club tonight. My determination steeled, I get out of bed and head for the shower. I am going to the club, and I’m not coming home alone.

Chapter Eight

Max

I can’t shake it, this feeling I have just sitting like a rock in the pit of my stomach.

Why did I do that?

Stepping out of the shower, I wipe down my body and stand in front of the fogged mirror. I use my hand to wipe at it to look at my reflection. Yep, that’s me. I mean, it looks like me, but I don’t feel like me. Not today. In sixteen hours, I’ve thrown pizza at a girl, a girl that doesn’t even like me, asked her out, and then cancelled. I’m normally a confident guy. What is it about this broad that’s fucking with me? I’m sure there are people who don’t like me. I know how I can get. Sometimes, I’m not very likeable. But I always try. Always.

I slip my boxers on, head out of the bathroom, and look at my room. This is my last day in this room. I try hard not to think about it, or look at the boxes scattered across the floor. Tomorrow is moving day. Ceecee is thrilled…and by thrilled, I mean still not talking to me.

I slip on my black jeans and White Rabbit tee. It has my name on it. Under my name, it says ‘I’m here to serve you’. I grin. It always goes down well with the ladies. My black belt goes on next. I had a special buckle made for it that reads ‘Follow the white rabbit’. I like it, because it’s big and silver, and a lot of women think white rabbit is a euphemism for my dick.