Page 12 of Spring Break Fling

“Newsflash, you’re in my business,” I said. “I didn’t come looking for you. If I never see you again, it’s too soon.”

“You’d better come get the rest of your crap from my place by the end of the week.” She spun on her heel and stormed out, the door slamming behind her.

Jessie snickered from her station. “And that is karma, my friend.”

“Kick rocks, Jess,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “I didn’t do anything to deserve her.”

Diego whistled low. “Man, she’s still pissed, huh?”

“I don’t know why.” I grabbed my sketchbook, heading to my station. “That relationship is dead and buried. I’m not worried about her.” The knot in my stomach suggested otherwise but I didn’t want to let on. “She’s just pissed because she can’t have me.”

Jess made a gagging sound. “So humble,” she retorted, still smirking. “You might wanna lay low for a while, though. She looks like she could burn this place down with that glare.”

I laughed it off, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she continued to come back. The relationship was over but it seemed she wasn’t done punishing me for not being the man she’d hoped I was. She wasn’t the woman I thought she was either, but I wasn’t about to hassle her about it. I broke things off and cut ties, like an adult. She was the one who couldn’t move on.

“Maybe you’ve got yourself a stalker,” Diego said.

I glared at him. “Not funny, man.”

“Who’s joking?” Diego raised his eyebrows earnestly. “You know how she gets. Plus, all that drama isn’t good for business.”

Jessie leaned against her station, wiping her hands on a cloth. “Honestly, it might not hurt to actually take some precautions, Nikko. She looks like she could start World War III if she wanted to. Maybe be nice instead of poking the bear. Or bitch. Whatever.”

I focused on my sketchbook, drawing lines that were sharper and more aggressive than usual.

“Are you going to get your stuff?” Diego asked.

“I don’t know what she has,” I said.

“It’s a trap,” Jessie said. “That’s what girls do. She’s going to get you to her apartment and seduce you.”

I narrowed my eyes and wrinkled my nose. “Fuck that.”

“We all know you can’t resist a pretty face.” Jessie laughed. “Even if you can’t stand her, you’ll fuck her.”

“I will not,” I said. “Trust me, I’ve learned my lesson.”

5

HANNAH

“Tell us all the dirty details,” Tara said.

“Was he dominant?” Rachel asked. “He definitely had that vibe.”

I rolled my eyes, leaning back against the hard wood of the cafe booth. “It wasn’t like that,” I said, trying to steer the conversation away from territory I was uncomfortable with.

Tara and Rachel exchanged a knowing look.

Rachel stirred her coffee, her bracelets clinking against the ceramic mug. “Come on, spill. We want to know everything.”

I sighed, knowing my friends wouldn’t let this go. “Yes, he’s assertive,” I conceded.

“Was it good?” Maddie asked.

I felt my cheeks heating up at the memory of last night. “It was… really good,” I admitted quietly. Just thinking about Nikko’s touch, his kisses, the way he had taken control, it was enough to send a shiver down my spine.

“Details!” Tara exclaimed, leaning forward eagerly. “Don’t leave anything out.”