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Chapter thirty-two

Colt

M y phone buzzes from the corner of the room where I left it sitting on a bench. Anxiety grips my thoughts as I complete my final set, then wipe my sweat off with the nearby towel. The only reason I’m allowing myself to check the message is because I finished my workout—and I’m desperate to know if HexXdoll is going to answer me. I tap the screen awake and read the pop-up. I have a new message from HexXdoll.

I still can’t believe she left me on read last night. She’s never done that before. I wonder if I caught her off guard or something, but I thought this is what she wanted. After all, she’s the one who’s been asking me for months to meet up, and then when I finally get up the nerve to ask, she ghosts me.

I tap the notification open, reading over her reply. It’s my turn to be surprised. She wants to meet tonight. For ice cream. Fuck, that’s adorable. I love ice cream.

Level-Up-Dom

8:30, I can’t wait.

HexXdoll

Okay!

Her response is strange, but I shrug it off. I’m sure we’re both nervous. It’s midafternoon, which means I have plenty of time to obsess over the ways I’m going to fuck this up. Does it matter, though? I really like Maddox, so it’s time to fully put HexXdoll into the friend zone—and she deserves to be told face-to-face. She’s been such a good friend to me. I owe it to her to at least meet.

I shake my head. Why am I putting everything I have with Maddox at risk to put HexXdoll into the friend zone? I know I’m doing the right thing, but the guilt twists in my gut at the thought of meeting another woman who’s always been open about wanting me romantically.

“What the fuck am I doing?” I mutter to myself, running the towel across my forehead before a bead of sweat can drip down my face.

It’s because I’m a fucking masochist. Curiosity is going to bite me in the ass, but it’s too late to back out. I could sure use some of the confidence I had last night. Eight-thirty is hours away, which leaves me plenty of time to sit around loathing myself for my past choices. But before I do, it’s time for a shower.

I walk out of the gym and across the condo, back to my bedroom. As I pass by the gaming room, I eye my system warily. Escapism seems like the best way to pass the time until later tonight. Avoiding my feelings is perfectly healthy. What else am I supposed to do? I haven’t stepped foot in the bar since the night of the masquerade.

Take a shower, I mentally shout at myself. Make lunch. Take a nap. The more I consider it, a nap sounds good. I tossed and turned all night, checking my notifications at random intervals, hoping for a reply. HexXdoll has meant so much to me the last few months; I owe it to her to put my best self forward.

In the shower, I think about Maddox. How would she feel if she finds out about this? We exchanged numbers last night before I left so we could text. I should probably tell her about this—and a part of me is going to need the arms of the woman I’m falling for after I break my only friend’s heart. Water beads drip down my face, their warmth washing away the sweat from my workout. I weigh the pros and cons of meeting Maddox afterward, but my selfish desires for comfort and reassurance outweigh suffering alone like HexXdoll will be doing. I’m such a selfish asshole.

Once I step out of the shower, I throw on a fresh pair of boxers and head to the kitchen for a sandwich. I text Maddox once I sit down to eat.

Colt: Hey, can you come over later?

Maddox: Do you miss me already?

Colt: If I say yes, will you come?

Maddox: That depends…

Colt: On?

Maddox: Are you going to make me come?

Colt: Cute. The bar closes at 10 tonight. How about 10:30?

Maddox: I suppose I can stay up late for you.

Colt: I promise to make it worth your time.

Maddox: You better. And you better promise to tell me if you change your mind.

Colt: Why would I change my mind?

She doesn’t answer. I fall asleep waiting for her reply.

***

I park my car a block away from the ice cream place, slipping into a row of street parking. The shop is tucked inside a well-lit sub development surrounded by fancy townhouses, and expensive apartment buildings. It’s raining again so I pull my hood up over my head before stepping into the steady downpour. Good thing I trusted my instincts and took the car.

Down the street, I can see the outline of the local shops. Each footstep is heavy as I trudge along the dimly lit sidewalk. The guilt I’m feeling is written in my somber expression. I’m doing the right thing, I mentally remind myself.

Half a block away, I catch sight of the outdoor bubble seating. Clear domes with little tables and twinkle lights inside. Kinda ridiculous. Kinda cute too. I crack a smile.

Suddenly, I stop walking. My smile falters as I squint at the person sitting inside of the nearest bubble. Her long black hair is swept over one shoulder, head down, and she’s texting on her phone. I’d recognize Maddox anywhere. I duck into the shadows and drop onto a low brick wall running along the sidewalk. Beyond it, a grassy hill slopes up to a row of luxury apartments overlooking the city square. My breathing’s heavy. I drag in deep breaths, trying to calm down. What the hell is she doing here?

Fuck.

Fuck.

Fuck.

This is bad. She can’t see me here meeting HexXdoll. I lean forward for another look. It’s definitely her. I check the time. Eight-thirty two. I’m officially late. My eyes squeeze shut as I try to think of a plan. A rumble of thunder interrupts me, like a warning from mother nature that I’ve made my poor choices–and she’s prepared to punish me for them.

I do the only thing I can do. I pull my hood closer around my face, glance down at the sidewalk, and briskly walk the last half block, barely lifting my head to look both ways before crossing the street, hiding in the shadows of my hood the moment I’m on the other side.

Head down. One step, two steps. Closer and closer. We’re going to make it, I think to myself, concentrating on only the squares of cement in front of me. All my energy is focused on walking without being spotted. It’s too late. I collide with a pair of feet I don’t see until they step out in front of me.

My body connects with soft, familiar curves. My arms wrap around the figure instinctively to protect her from falling over. I groan as her breasts fall against my chest, our bodies melding together until there’s nowhere we part. I breathe in her familiar perfume, fighting the urge to kiss her. When we pull away from one another, I take a step back, holding her at arm’s length for a moment before awkwardly dropping my hands to my sides.

My eyes rake over her. She’s fucking stunning in a short, flowing dress. The deep eggplant shade cascades in a heart shape across her chest, giving me a perfect view of her cleavage, tastefully spilling out. The dress hugs her hourglass figure, flowing over her curvy hips before landing mid-thigh. Breathtaking. She’s fucking gorgeous. But why is she here? My cover’s blown. I glance around, hoping HexXdoll isn’t watching. I don’t want to hurt her. Not like this.

“Maddox,” I rasp, surprised. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to run into you. What are you doing here?”