Page 51 of Strings

My head is on the armrest and his chest is pressed into mine, his mouth is way too close, and I can’t help but notice how soft his lips look. Memories of our brief kiss rush back and a current runs through me from my head to my toes.

He gazes down at my lips for a moment then back up into my eyes, and I feel his body relax into mine. His breath is warm and minty, and having him so close is affecting me. I don’t like it, yet I can’t make myself push him away.

“Go to dinner tonight? Please. This is important to me.”

I realize his proximity and the way he’s looking at me is all part of a plot to convince me to do what he wants, and I feel suddenly angry at myself and him. It’s all just one big con and this time he’s the one fooling me. I don’t like being on the other side.

I use my full force to push him up. “I told you I have plans.”

The sudden lack of warmth from his touch and my unusual reaction to him makes me uncomfortable. I feel like I need to say more. I glance around my apartment as I try to think of an excuse. Stella is staring at me.

“I promised my friend Stella we’d have a few drinks tonight.” Jumping up from the couch, I walk toward the door and lift the bag of tequila from the bag to show him. I wonder what a shot in her soil would do to her.

“Can you cancel? Or maybe bring her along. I could use another person to keep Bella out of my face.”

“Bella? You said Michael.”

“Bella invited herself along. She told Michael she thought we were faking.”

I stand and carry my bags to the kitchen table. “If he’s your best friend, why not tell him the truth?”

“Michael is a great guy. I’ve known him most of my life, but…”

“But what?”

“He has a thing for Bella. Always has. I’d like to say I could trust him, but I think his dick would get in the way of our friendship.”

“I thought all guys were sworn to abide by bros before hoes?”

He runs his fingers through his hair. “Women have power. We can’t help ourselves. They know how to use the force.”

I snicker at theStar Warsreference and wonder if he likes them as much as I do. “Force, you must resist. Do as you need, not as you want.” I use my best Yoda voice and his face twists into awe.

“Your hotness factor just went through the roof.”

Lies. More lies. I frown. “I’m not going. Your fake compliments and pretend interest are rolling off me like water. Stop.”

He stands and faces me, his expression is suddenly serious. “Who said I was faking anything?”

There’s a knock at the door, and for once I’m thrilled. I rush toward it and open it without looking to see who it is.

There’s a blond man with a reddish beard standing next to Bella. “You must be Natalia.”

Bella’s lips purse into a frown as he holds his hand out for me to shake. “Michael Felcott.”

I shake his hand awkwardly. Why are they here? I turn my head and scowl at Sebastian.

“It seems we may not be able to go after all. Natalia has plans.”

“For Pete’s sake, cancel them,” Michael says as he steps into my apartment. Does everyone around here think they are welcome without an invitation? And why in the fuck do I keep hearing “for Pete’s sake” today? Who the fuck is Pete why does everyone care about him so much?

Michael glances around. “Where’s your TV?”

“I don’t have one.”

“You don’t have a TV?” he questions like I violated a basic law of life.

“Did I stutter?” I respond, crossing my arms.