Love Songs Box Set

I Can’t Get No Satisfaction-7

I let him drive for a few minutes as he asked repeatedly where I lived. Let him waste gas while I cool down, since he’s so hot to trot. We even passed my turn-off, going ten miles down the road before I had him swing around and head back in the right direction.

“Take a left at the light,” I said, and when he’d done that, I directed him to the back of the apartment complex near the small community park. Once he pulled up in a space and turned off the engine, I got out.

“I suppose I should say ‘thanks for the ride,’ but I’m not feeling very grateful.” I opened the door to the backseat and grabbed my purchases. “I’ll see you at work tomorrow.” I moved away.

He got out of the car and locked up. “Aren’t you going to invite me up?”

“Not on your life.” I walked into the lobby, Ry close at my heels. “Get lost.” I pressed the UP button next to the elevator bank.

“I know why you’re pissed at me.”

I laughed humorlessly. “Right.”

“You’re jealous,” he said as he stepped into the elevator with me when it arrived.

“Am not,” I replied too swiftly, but I stood my ground.

“Hell yes, you are. Admit it.”

“I don’t see why I should. It’s not true, after all. Like I said, you’re an adult. You can do whatever you want with whomever you want.”

When the elevator arrived on the ninth floor, I got off and headed toward my door, my pain-in-the-ass companion close behind. “I don’t believe you.”

“That’s your problem.”

I set my purchases on the floor and dug out my keys before turning to face Ry. “This is borderline stalking, Ry Archibald. What do you want from me?”

He backed me against the door, both hands flat on either side of my head as he leaned in, hot breath on my face. “You know what your problem is? You’re spineless. You sit there letting someone take what you want—no, don’t deny it”—I’d been vigorously shaking my head in the negative—”just because you don’t think you’re worthy of it, for some dumb reason. That’s absolute horseshit.”

My breathing stuttered. “I have a goddamn spine!” Well, I did now. “I don’t give a f**k what you and Trent do together,” I stated, completely giving myself away. “It could be anyone, really, but you know what? You made me feel like dirt under your shoe and I refuse to let anyone treat me that way anymore, like I don’t f*****g matter. I matter, and I’ll thank you to remember that. I don’t need all you pretty, in-crowd people making me feel even worse about myself than I already do. I do that plenty, on my own. Now if you don’t mind, I’d appreciate it if you left me alone.”

I folded my arms across my chest and stared down the hall, away from his tempting chest and mesmerizing, infuriating eyes. I wouldn’t hold out long if he gazed at me much longer.

It took thirty seconds. I counted each and every one of them, believe me. Then Ry stepped back. “Georgie, I’m an arrogant ass, most days, but I’d like to think I’m a nice person, too. Unfortunately, I failed in that regard when it came to you. I apologize for being a pushy, self-centered bastard. In my defense, though, I don’t understand why you have that opinion of yourself. Have you looked in a mirror lately? You’re gorgeous. Maybe a bit reserved and shy sometimes, but that doesn’t detract from anything. It adds to it.” He reached out a finger to touch my chin. “Hey, look at me.”

I counted to five, then I did.

“Do you know how often I overhear people at work talking about wanting to f**k you? A lot of guys find you attractive, but you’re oblivious, always hanging out with that married queen Buzz. Maybe you need professional help or something to figure out the issues with your self-image in order to overcome it. Because honey, from where I stand, I’d be proud to have you on my arm any day of the week.” He took a breath. “You have a nice afternoon.”

I watched him go, then turned around and let myself into my apartment.

* * * *

In the end, I decided to get rid of the grocery store gig since my hours for the teacher’s assistant stuff at the local university were in the morning, then I could work in the afternoon at the used clothing store and be done in time for my evening classes, which began at seven-thirty.

I handed my two weeks’ notice to the nice lady in the human resources department right after my shift ended on a Friday in June. I’d already told Buzz. While he was sad to see me go, he was excited about the changes I was making.

“Honey,” he’d said, “I knew there was more to you than just being a glorified restock boy. You’ve got a first-rate brain, and I’m glad you’re finally using it. I’ll miss your cute little butt.”