Page 46 of Use Me

“Yes, and I’ve never posted anything personal on my business page.”

“I never want you seeing that guy again,” I stated. I didn’t care that we were only friends. This guy seemed crazy, and I didn’t want anything to happen to her.

“I won’t. I’m freaked out.” She looked up at me, her eyes red from crying. “Can I stay here tonight?”

“Of course, Cupcake.” I stood and reached my hand down to help her up. “You can stay as long as you want.”

We went inside my place and straight to bed. There was no stripping each other of clothes or touching of feverous hands. I loaned Ashtyn a T-shirt, and after I changed into pajama pants, we both crawled into the bed, and I held her spoon style. I was almost asleep when she spoke.

“What if I wouldn’t have seen him put the shit in my wine, or what if he’d acted normal?”

“I don’t think you should worry about that. You did see, and your instincts were on point.”

“Almost a little too late.”

“But you’re here now.”

She sighed. “And I never want to leave.”

I raised up and peered down at her. Ashtyn rolled to her back, and in the darkness I could faintly make out her face with the light coming from the clock on my nightstand. It was just enough for me to find her lips. I kissed her lightly. “Then don’t.”

“I can’t just move in with you.”

“I’m not asking you to move in with me. I’m asking you to be my girl.”

“Your girl?”

“Yeah, Cupcake. There’s not a chance I’ll ever let you go out with another man again, so you might as well be mine.”

“Be yours? You’re ready to start dating again? Bridgette’s—”

“Bridgette and I are over, and I want to be with you.”

A slow smile curved her lips. “I want to be with you too.”

“Good, and I promise to never drug you.”

“Little too soon, babe.”

“Sorry.” I rolled over onto my back.

“Since we’re dating now, want to tell me about your night?”

I sighed.Not really. “It actually kinda sucked.”

“Really?” I felt her turn over to face me.

“Well, for starters, the Blackhawks lost.”

“Aw man.”

“I know. And I went to Judy’s for a drink, and fucking Bridgette showed up.”

“She did?”

I nodded in the dark. “Told her that if I see her another time, I’ll get a restraining order.”

“Good.”