"Hardy har har," he says and takes an audible breath. I wait. Clearly, he has more to say.
"He should be in a private school."
"You've got some nerve."
"I'm not wrong."
"Sure, I'll just become a cam girl to pay for it," I snap.
He pulls his eyes from the road, giving me a once-over and then a lopsided smirk.
Did that? Did he?
My stupid traitorous body. Me and the tingly feeling between my legs, we're going to pretend that never happened.
His words reverberate in my head.
You called, I came.
I'm wearing a tent tomorrow and maybe a chastity belt.
Chapter thirteen
Mateo
My phone buzzes on the counter, lighting up with a text.
Storm Cloud
I'm here, let's go. Need caffeine.
I spit into the sink and put my toothbrush away.
My phone buzzes with another text.
Punk
hurry
That bad?
Punk
worse
Awesome. Good thing I've picked up on a few things about Jade. Like how she lives on sugar-free Red Bull. I grab a can from the back of the fridge, and then a second, just in case.
I hesitate at the door, turning my hat around. Pretty sure I saw her play with her lip ring last night, and I'd bet my Championship Series ring it wasn't out of unease. I think she's got a thing for me too, and I'm not sure I want to, or can, ignore it any longer. I won't invite it, but I'm no longer fighting it either.
With the Red Bulls tucked safely in my hoodie pocket, I head outside to my SUV. Not gonna lie, she looks badass driving it. I don't think I'll ever drive again. When I no longer need an assistant, I'll hire her as a chauffeur.
The passenger seat is more difficult to climb into than the driver's seat. Even with my increased mobility. It takes a certain amount of finesse that I'm embarrassed to admit I lack. With the brace unlocked now, I can bend my knee, and it helps a little, but not as much as I hoped. I buckle and prop my crutches between my legs.
Jade doesn't acknowledge my presence, so I turn back and raise my brows at Cooper. He shrugs and holds out his fist. I bump it with my own and remove a Red Bull from my pocket, crack it, and hold it to my lips.
From the corner of my eye, I watch Jade's face tighten. If looks could kill, I'm not sure you'd ever find my body.
"Kidding," I say and hold it out to her.
