“No I don’t want that. I don’t want any of that. You’re a liar and a cheater and I don’t want to go home with you.”
The words surprised everyone including me. Even though Aiden dumping me was the best thing to happen to me, it still hurt. He pretended to care and acted like he was different butit was all a front. Truthfully, I was mostly mad at myself for believing his lies and letting him into my life. Introducing him to my sister. Aiden and I were through and I had no intentions on reviving what in my opinion was dead.
A long sigh passed through Aiden’s teeth. Looking at Kris, he asked, “Could you please make sure she gets home okay?”
Wasting no time,I quickly changed out of my Santa suit and washed the white stuff from my beard before assisting Belen to her car. She fought my help, claiming she could manage but when I let her try walking unsupported, she stumbled and almost veered into oncoming traffic. I decided it was best we take her car home so she would have it tomorrow if she needed it. After pushing the driver seat in her Acura all the way back, I was able to fit comfortably and I hopped on the I-35 toward her place. When she was all squared away at home, I would take a RideX back to my car still parked at the mall.
“So you and Aiden?” I asked, trying to delicately fish for information. I thought Belen was flirting with me these past few weeks, but maybe that was all for the purpose of making Aiden jealous. The last thing I wanted was to get caught up in any office drama.
“There is no me and Aiden.” She sat in the passenger seat clutching the grab handle even though I was driving under the speed limit at sixty miles per hour. “He’s my ex.”
“And a liar and a cheater?” My eyes darted between her and the snowy road.
“That’s why he’s my ex.”
I worked my mouth into a judging wad. “Seems like he would like to fix that.”
“Wordbop of the day. Six letters. Hint, to come to an end.”
I fell silent, giving it a quick thought. She wasn’t good at Wordbop, the words she selected were always too easy. “Finish?”
“You know the saying making a fool of me once is one thing, but making a fool of me on several occasions with multiple women is another thing entirely.”
“I feel like you took some liberties in the rephrasing. But I’m generally picking up what you’re putting down.”
For the majority of our drive, Belen’s focus was on the snow which fell in quick succession, making it difficult to make out the taillights ahead. When she turned to look at me, I followed suit. Her next words caught me off guard. “I’m single by the way.”
The knowledge settled warmly in the middle of my stomach. This was the second time she’d mentioned being single. Clearly it was a fact she thought I should know. “Okay.”
Belen twisted her body so she was completely facing me. “Why’d you say it like that?”
I blinked owlishly. “How did I say it?”
“It lacked enthusiasm. Like okay, no one cares.” Belen’s words were slow and drawn out. I couldn’t tell if it was from the blow to the head or exhaustion.
“How was I supposed to say it?”
Her voice lifted, taking on a cheery tone. “Like … okay good to know, filing that under useful information.”
“Why would that be useful information?” I was far from a game player but I never liked revealing all my cards. Was I interested? Hell yes. Did she need to know just how much? No.
She sat in silence for a bit, her brows knitted. “I’m a woman,” she finally said, pressing her hands to her chest.
I nodded in agreement. She was indeed that. A beautiful woman who was making it difficult for me to keep my eyes on the slow lane. I was easily distracted by the hint of cleavage that rose and fell as she took each breath. And then there were her delicate hands, not an outstanding feature, but when I imagined them gliding over my chest until they landed on my dick, it caused my heart rate to spike.
“You’re a man.” Her hand found my knee, causing me to clutch the steering wheel for dear life. “I don’t know, Kris. Maybe you could ask me on a date. Or at the very least, set me up with your emotionally damaged friend so I can fix him.”
I didn’t know Belen well, but I knew enough to know this forward approach was out of character. This woman didn’t chase men. She was too busy beating them off with a stick. “You like do-it-yourself projects?”
“Yeah, my entire dating life has been one big fucking craft show.”
“Well sorry, I don’t have any available friends that fit the bill.”
“Cousin, distant uncle, dog walker?”
“Nah, just me.”
“That’ll do just fine.” Her eyes tripped over the length of my body.
