Numb (Senses Series Book 3) (6 page)

Chapter 10

Maxx

Erin tosses her head back on a deep laugh. “You so got laid.”

Tossing a hunk of bread stick at her I insist, “I really did not get laid.”

“You’re much too happy for someone who’s not getting dick.”

My best friend everyone…

“Erin,” I snip at her, seeing the older women at the table behind us looking mortified at what she just said.

And this is why when I go out to eat with her I try to do it inside at a corner table, far from ears that are going to have a heart attack at her choice of language. It’s not like I don’t say those words. It’s just that I prefer to do it a little more quietly.

“Eh.” She shrugs and crosses her legs. “If they were getting it on the regular they wouldn’t scrunch up about it.” One of the women scoffs again, and this time Erin ignores her. “So if you riding the pogo stick of pleasure isn’t the reason why you’re smiling than what is?”

Did she really just say that? Tell me I imagined it.

“Wow,” I whisper out. “Can’t a girl just be in a good mood?” Her perfectly painted face tilts at me sarcastically. “It’s just been a good day! Tony and I got some shit squared away for this side event Frank has me working on—”

“I thought Tony did social media crap.”

“He does.” I go to place my card on the bill when Erin waves her hand letting me know that she’s got it. “He also has been personally assisting me with setting things up.”

“Why?”

“He says he enjoys learning other aspects of the business.”

“Sounds like a line to get into your pants.”

“You’ve spent too much time around Logan, you know that?”

Just his name rolling off my lips causes my body to vibrate. I cross my ankles.
Please don’t betray me by getting wet right now. I have a full day ahead!

“And you don’t spend enough,” she accuses.

I heard that! Yeah! That little mutter under your breath. I know we spent time together in the kitchen this morning, but she doesn’t need to know that. Shh.

“We will.” I assure her as the waitress takes the bill and Erin insists on no change. “Soon.”

“Why do I feel that’s not true?”

Annoyed by the topic that I’m not ready to deal with, I change subjects. “Plans this evening?”

“Nah,” she says standing up grabbing her purse and phone.

“Wanna do a movie at home tonight? Relax? Maybe order some Chinese?”

“That sounds like Heaven,” Erin replies while leading us off the patio of the restaurant and out onto the sidewalk.

“Mind if I invite Tony to join?”

“Are you inviting him as a date or a friend?”

Rolling my eyes at her allegation I sigh. “Friend. That’s all Tony and I are. We’re friends. Believe it or not he actually wants things to work out between Logan and me.”

“Everyone wants things to work out between you two. Hell, it’s like wanting things to work out between Jay-Z and Beyoncé. You wanna ignore the rumors and signs of trouble. You want them to be together forever!”

I pause on the street corner and shake my head. “That was a terrible analogy.”

“And you would make a terrible Beyoncé.”

“Why am I still talking to you?”

“Good question.” Erin laughs and I join her. While she fiddles around in her purse, I let my attention travel down the street to a girl who looks vaguely familiar from a distance.

“Hey.” I elbow Erin who doesn’t take the gesture well. “Is that Liz?”

Erin turns her head and leans forward to check it out. “Yeah. I think so.”

Continuing to stare, I watch as a car parks in front of her.

I know that car…

With my attention still pasted on the situation, I continue leering as Logan gets out of his car and walks around to greet her. A sharp gasp escapes me as I tug on Erin’s arm to show her what I’m seeing.

“Oh no…” Erin says in a grumble, slapping her forehead.

Believe it or not people do that in real life. Not just on T.V.

Distress quickly rises in my body. “What is that building they’re in front of?”

“Uh…” She leans to the side. “Could be an ice cream parlor.”

“An ice cream parlor? Who calls them that anymore?”

“I think it’s stylish. Let’s bring it back.”

“Erin.”

“Maybe it’s a beauty salon.”

“Erin!”

“Fine,” she groans. “It’s a hotel! It’s actually a really nice hotel. In fact the sheets—”

“I don’t give a fuck about their sheets, Erin!” I squeeze my eyes closed in frustration. After a beat of silence I shake my head. “I cannot believe he is taking her to a hotel.”

“It’s probably not what it looks like, Maxx.” Opening my eyes, I watch as Liz’s hands run down the front of his shirt. I glance at Erin whose face is struggling to stay unbiased. “We can’t assume anything here.”

Is she fucking with me right now?

“Really?”

“I mean remember what happened last time we assumed something, Maxx. We were completely wrong. Everything got misinterpreted and—”

“From the looks of things, and the number of times I’ve seen him with her in the last couple of weeks, I’d say
nothing
has been misinterpreted.”

“Maxx—”

“I gotta get back to work. Don’t even worry about this.” I try to bring air back into my lungs. “Not a big deal, right? That’s how to play Logan’s game.” Backing away from her, not giving the situation another look, I say one more thing, “Question is, Erin, when do I get to stop?”

Can you answer that? Can you tell me when I get to stop being the chump in this situation? The butt of the joke? The causality in his path of self destruction? Can you? Can you answer me?

Chapter 11

Logan

“You rarely bother me at work, Kellar.” Liz folds her arms over her uniform.

“I know, Legs.” My back hits the rear passenger side. “But I need a favor.”

“From me?” She pushes her blonde hair behind her ear.

“Why the fuck else would I show up?”

“Still cocky.” She happily grins.

“Still playing stupid.”

“You have my attention,” she hums wetting her lips.

Which for the record never felt anywhere near as good as Maxx’s.

“I need a good deal on a suite at your hotel for three nights.”

Raising another grin she asks, “Honeymooning?”

I wish. Fuck. I did not just say that. I. Did. Not. Just. Say. That. What the hell is wrong with me? What I meant was—Sh. Don’t interrupt. All I meant was…I wouldn’t mind being locked up with Maxx for three nights with sex being the only thing for us to do. That. Is. All.

My hand reaches over and taps the glass. Dean rolls down the window and shows his face. Judging by how quickly she gasps, it takes Liz no time to notice the welt.

“Kellar, did you lay a hand on him?”

“Not in a million years would I ever put my hands on the Kid, or any kid for that matter.” I rub my chin at the horrific thought.

As much as that shit runs in my blood, I’ll bury myself six feet under before ever harming a young buck. Besides, there’s nothing to worry about. Other than Dean here, there will be no other kids in my future. None.

“You poor thing.” She reaches out and brushes the mark on his cheek. I glance at Dean just as his eyes land on her tits that are trying to topple out of her top. “Eyes up, Kid. Don’t even think about ‘em until you’re legal.”

Hahaha. Oh what? Like you’ve never caught a guy oogling your shit before.

“He’s just like you, Kellar.”

“I hear that a lot.”

“Are you staying here with him?”

“That’s where I need the favor,” I admit, pushing my hands into my gym shorts.

“A minor can’t—”

“Yeah.” I cut her off. “I know. So I need your help to make it appear like I’m here with him even though I won’t be.”

“Why can’t he just stay at your house with you?”

“He will. Soon. Just gotta get some shit squared away.”

Her eyes dance around with a question that I’m not sure she’s brave enough to ask. “With your girlfriend?”

That too. Is she my girlfriend? Definitely need to get an answer to that as well.

“Legally. Just make it seem like I’m out late on business. If anyone comes sniffing around, call me and I’ll jump on over to prove that he has a guardian.”

“As long as you sign him in and the room is under your name and shit it shouldn’t be a problem, but if it is, I’ll call.” She nods. “And what do I get in return?”

I raise my eyebrows. “What do you want?”

“Free entrance and a round of drinks at TKO?”

“For one of my fights?”

“Actually, no.” Her grin reappears. “Have my eyes locked on Hollywood. He’s really hot!”

“You might be singing a different tune if you’d seen him get knocked out.”

“Doubtful.” She pats my chest and leans back in the window. “You think you can behave yourself, Kid?”

Dean nods. “I promise.”

“Can you promise to my eyes and not my boobs?”

I stifle a chuckle. Clearing his throat he tries again. “I promise.”

“Better.” Liz cuts me a look. “Let’s get ya’ll set up…”

Chapter 12

Maxx

With my head propped on Tony’s shoulder, and my feet stretched out beside me, I blink hard at the television trying to focus on the movie instead of the fact that I know Logan’s not home because he’s fucking another girl in a hotel.

IN A HOTEL! No. No. It’s cool. It’s cool. It’s alright. I am in the coping process. No need to be afraid. I think I’m rounding the final stage. Acceptance. I accept that Logan is a low down, dirty scumbag who you couldn’t pay to keep his dick in his pants. I accept that Liz has given more rides than a Greyhound Bus going across the country. I accept these things. See. Acceptance.

The squeak of the front door opening destroys my train of thought. Looking over expecting to see Luke, I’m a little shocked when I find Logan standing there, a pissed off look crawling speedily across his face.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” He bites at Tony who looks up from the T.V..

“Surfing.” The sarcastic answer makes Logan ball his fist.

“Easy there, Mayweather.” Erin says grabbing his arm from the opposite end of the couch, the side closest to my feet. “We’re just watching a movie.”

His eyes find mine, but only briefly as I cut back to pretending to watch the screen.

Should I pour a little gasoline on this fire? No? What do you mean no? Why are you choosing his side?

I readjust my head on Tony’s shoulder, which is when Logan snarls loud enough for all of us to hear. Tony rolls his head over towards Logan and asks, “Something in your throat?”

“You want something in your face?”

“Do we have a problem?” Tony sits up. I push my body off of his and fold my arms across my chest.

“You’re in my goddamn seat.”

“Didn’t see your name on it.”

“Let me write it for you in your own blood, pretty boy.”

Mockingly Tony says, “Aw. You think I’m pretty.”

“I think you’re—”

“Enough!” Erin tosses her hands in the air shooting up. “Sit in my seat.”

Pleased, Logan flops down next to me on the other side while Erin relocates to the recliner.

Well…that fucking backfired.

The room settles back down so that the only noise is coming from the T.V. and the heavy breathing from the two overly riled up men beside me.

Sure. Tony doesn’t have feelings for me, but he hates the way Logan treats me. He’s made that crystal clear. And no, Logan hasn’t caught on to the fact me and Tony are only friends, but what does it matter anymore? He’s back to his old ways, remember?

“Kellar, Luke left something for you on the counter.” Erin mentions casually. “And there’s left over Chinese food in the fridge.”

“Maxx didn’t eat all her sesame chicken did she?” He threatens to smile.

“Actually she shared sweet and sour with me.” Tony’s words cause Logan to stiffen back up.

Logan’s eyes lower to glare at me. “You shared food with him?”

“Oh you can share a hotel room with the sluttiest girl in town, but you are gonna go all 1770s on me and tell me I can’t share food with a friend?” My voice booms.

Sitting up on the edge of the couch Logan says slowly, “What did you just say?”

“And now you need a hearing aid? Did all of Liz’s screaming blow an eardrum?”

Logan opens his mouth respond when Tony stands up. “I should go.”

“Good idea,” Logan says sharply.

“Not leaving for you, Kellar.” Tony clarifies as I watch him pull out his phone. “I have a date.” Shooting me a look he smiles. “Text me if you need me.”

“Always.” My assurance causes Logan to growl.

“What are you a grizzly bear now?”

Oh shit. I meant to say that to you not him!

“Did you just call me a grizzly bear?” His voice over powers Tony’s who says goodbye once more before disappearing out the front door.

“Ugh.” I respond, standing up.

Following the motion, he blocks my path, and sternly says, “We. Need. To. Talk.”

“You know, I don’t really feel like talking.” My snarky tone is followed by me bracing my arms against my chest. “Since Liz’s lips aren’t busy wrapped around your dick, why don’t you see if she’s up for it?”

His eyes shut. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“No?”

The minute his mouth opens his cell phone goes off. Reluctantly, he reaches into his pocket and stares at the screen. Shaking his head he points a finger at me. “We’re not finished.”

“Oh…but we are…” I say and walk around him as he answers the call.

This time…I think we really are.

Chapter 13

Maxx

Once upon a time, pre Fight Night was something I looked forward to. Ice cream. Video games. Laughs. Hope. And now, every time it comes around there seems to be more dread submerged in it than before.

“You’re avoiding going home,” Tony snaps as he closes his laptop.

“I am not.”

“You so are.” He chuckles, sliding it into his shoulder bag. “Still haven’t talked to Kellar huh?”

His name alone makes me wanna eat something.

Yes. I’m an emotional eater. Fucking sue me. Or give me a slice of pie. In fact, I’d prefer the pie. Pecan if you have it.

“Sorry about yesterday,” I say sheepishly.

“You knew what you were doing.” He pulls the bag onto his shoulder. “And I don’t blame you. But I don’t wanna be a pawn anymore, Maxx. We have a friendship and I like it. But don’t put me in the middle of anymore of your attacks please.”

“Sorry,” I whisper. “You didn’t deserve that. I was out of line. I know I was. I was just…not thinking straight.”

His hand lifts my chin up. “It’s all good. And you can reach me whenever you need me. That’s what friends are for.”

Him. Did you hear him?
This
is the kind of a guy I should want! That we should all want. Understanding. Caring. Thoughtful. Why didn’t I go
this
direction? Why did I go the other fucking way? That’s right. Because that’s how it works in the movies! Because that’s how it works in books! When I get home I’m burning all my books for being full of lies and slander! No. No! I take that back! I could never hurt a book…well like that. I may or may not have thrown a novel across the room a time or two in my life. Oh come on, I know you have too! Or you’ve at least thought about it.

“Now go home. Enjoy dinner. And you can call me if you need to.” He plants a brotherly like kiss on my forehead.

“No date?” I follow him out of the office, my own computer bag dangling from my shoulder.

“Flop last night. Major.”

“Problem?”

Shaking his head while we walk out the back exit he says, “Just wasn’t what I was looking for.”

A thought wanders into my head. “Tony?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you even know what you’re looking for?”

He uncomfortably scratches the back of his neck before pulling the keys out of his pocket. “No.”

I watch Tony climb into his car waving goodbye at me while he’s suddenly stuck in the moment.

What’s worse? Having no idea what you want, getting lost while you try looking for it, or knowing exactly what you want, but not being able to have it? Clearly either way is a Catch 22. But shouldn’t one of the shitty choices be remotely less shitty?

After taking the long way, not only to avoid traffic but to reduce the time that I have to be in the same house with my former best friend, I eventually arrive home. Seeing his car in the driveway causes me to close my eyes as my head hits the headrest.

You can do this, Maxx. You can do this. Just go in the house and head straight to your room. Make no eye contact with Erin. You can eat the stash of Twinkies in your room for dinner.

Quickly, I grab my stuff and hustle to the front door with my game plan in mind. However the minute my feet are free from my shoes and I turn to head up the stairs, Logan is traveling down.

You knew this was gonna happen.

Before either of us has a chance to leak out a word Luke’s voice bellows, “Both of you. Dinner. Now.”

In unison we croak out, “But—”

“Now.” Luke firmly states.

Knowing better than to argue with him, the two of us stroll into the kitchen side by side to sit in our spots. Once we’re seated Erin sweetly puts a plate of seafood pasta in front of each of us.  My stomach gurgles the moment the smell invades my nose.

Judas! Food and sex force it to turn its back on me! Every time! I should turn my back on it! Though this food smells too good to blame my body for wanting it.

I pick my fork up and take a bite, silence circling the table.

Erin taps her finger against her wine glass. “So you’re not gonna talk?”

After finishing the mouthful I force on a fake smirk. “Sure, honey. What do you wanna talk about? The weather? Sports? The new book I ordered online yesterday?”

“I meant to each other, smartass.” The look on her face shows that she’s not even mildly amused.

“If she would stop being so fucking stubborn I would,” Logan says, shoveling a forkful of food into his mouth.

“And when would you like me to stop being stubborn? Now, or the next time you go to a hotel with a girl who’s seen more action than a video ho at the BET awards?” Erin snickers and I shake my head. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“Clearly there is.” Luke puts down his fork. “And left to your own devices you two can’t seem to solve this little problem, like it’s some sort of fucking Rubix Cube. Talk to each other.”

Neither of us says anything.

Luke demands, “And talk now.”

“Nothing to say.” I lie.

“Bullshit,” he says. “I mean it, Maxx. I’m putting my foot down. Enough is enough. Talk to each other.”

“Okay.” I toss my fork. “Fine.” My head shoots sharply in Logan’s direction.  “You are a man slut.”

Not my prettiest colors.

Taken off guard, Logan pushes his plate away from him. “That’s where we’re gonna start?”

“Yeah.” I push my plate away too. “Let’s start with the fact that you can’t keep your dick in your pants!”

“It’s in there now.”

“Thank God,” Erin mutters.

“And where was it two hours ago? Do you even remember the girl’s name?”

“Maxx—”

“Why Logan?”

“Why what?”

“Why? Why do you have to fuck every girl that comes your way?”

“I haven’t slept with anybody since you!”

“Survey says…” I point to an imaginary board behind me. “Bullshit! Ding! Ding! Ding!”

Eerily calm he says, “It’s not bullshit, Maxx.”

“Looks like shit, smells like shit, came out of your ass…it’s probably shit.”

Can’t you help me here with some of these lines? I’m too pissed off to think straight.

“You accuse me of fucking around when every time you walk away from me, you walk straight into the arms of another dude!”

Point. Logan.

Erin catches the look of panic on my face. “Maybe we should stop this.”

“Let. Them. Fight.” Luke’s demand is immediately followed by Logan shouting again.

“You wanna sit back and accuse me of getting my dick touched when I watched you let some other guy feel you up like you’re as easy as sliced bread?”

Annoyed I huff, “Did you just call me easy?”

“He called you sliced bread,” Erin repeats.

“Sh.” Luke scolds his sister.

“Do you know what the fuck it feels like to watch the girl who you claimed as your own drunkenly let some random prick fondle her in public?”

“I’m pretty sure I have a good general idea since that’s your goddamn M.O.!”

“Fuck you for that, Maxx. I’ve been nothing but fucking faithful to you since I said I chose you!”

“Side stepping that blatant LIE, you only said that to get me into bed!” My voice shrieks so loudly I scare myself a little.

“That’s what all this is about?” His voice now sounds hurt, broken even. “You think that I kissed you in a room full of people as a way to manipulate you into letting me fuck you?”

Okay when he says it like that, it makes me sound, and feel, a little crazy.

“You think that I’m such a lowlife that I would say anything to convince you to get into bed?”

I don’t voice an answer.

In a cocky tone he leans back in his seat and grunts. “What pisses you off more, Maxx? The fact that you’re right, or the fact that the first time in four years that you spread your legs was just to be another notch on my bedpost?”

A sharp gasp comes from everyone at the table.

I heard yours too!

Rising to my feet, barely able to stop trembling, I wet my lips, a tear begging to drop. “And let those be the last words you ever fucking to say to me.”

Without another word spoken from anyone, I storm out the front door, purse, keys, and phone in hand.

How about you do me a favor and make sure to remind me of this moment the next time he’s on his knees begging for forgiveness, huh? The next time that I even consider sending him a heated glance remind me that he admitted I am nothing special, nothing different, nothing more than another checked box on a long list of fucking conquests.