Filed To Story: The Perfect Spiral Book PDF Free by Ashley Constantine
“What do you want, Knox?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Damn, I’ve missed you saying my name, baby doll. Wanted to offer you tickets to my game again.”
It’s strange how he was pretending the other night hadn’t happened. Like he hadn’t driven across the city to see me. Like he hadn’t almost kissed me. I cleared my throat. “Why don’t you just invite your pop star girlfriend instead?”
He chuckled darkly and said, “Which one?”
I rolled my eyes and muttered, “You’re such a cocky dick, Knox.” Then, softer but more curious, I asked, “Why do you even want me at your game so badly, anyway?”
“I miss seeing my baby doll. Speaking of which, are you going to Savannah for Thanksgiving?”
“Ugh, you’re so infuriating. Quit calling me baby doll! And yes, I’ll be in Savannah for Thanksgiving. I’m guessing you won’t be there because you’ve got practice or some shit?” I crossed my fingers, hoping against hope that I was right.
“You’re in luck, baby girl, I’ll be in Savannah this year. So, I’ll let you sit next to me at dinner.”
I could practically see his smug grin through the phone. “Ew, please. Can’t you stay where you are and convince one of your one-night stands to cook you a Thanksgiving meal? I think that would be better for everyone, don’t you think?” His laughter only grew louder.
“It’s alright, you can admit you miss me. You know how I hate liars. Why would I stay here when both our mothers cook the most delicious food for Thanksgiving? Hmm?”
“Because you’re a man-whore who humps and dumps, fucks and ducks, nails and bails-however you like to call it-and wouldn’t miss a chance to carry out the deed! You can manipulate them into cooking for you, it’s what you’re good at.” I smirked, knowing this would get under his skin.
Wes walked out of the bathroom, rubbing a towel through his hair. “Who are you talking to?” he asked, already suspicious.
I hesitated, suddenly hyper-aware of who I was talking to and how it would sound to Wes.
After a long beat, I said, “Knox.”
Without another word, Wes strode over and snatched the phone out of my hand, his grip tighter than it needed to be. His jaw was clenched, eyes dark with something sharp and unmistakable-jealousy. The easygoing version of him from minutes ago was gone, replaced by something possessive and simmering just beneath the surface.
“Hey man! What’s up?”
“We’re just hanging out.”
“Yeah, I stayed over last night.”
“Yeah, in her bed. Knox, chill, nothing happened.”
Why does he even care?
Wes sighed heavily, running his fingers through his hair. “Yeah, I know, she just needed someone. Relax, dude!”
“Andy… was… busy. Seriously, Knox, you need to chill. It wasn’t like that.”
Why is he getting so defensive? It’s not like Knox even cares. He’s probably just fishing for information to tell my brothers.
The tension in Wes’s voice sharpened until it snapped. “You’re so damn entitled, Knox,” he barked. “Newsflash-the whole world doesn’t revolve around you.”
There was a pause, the sound of Knox saying something on the other end, but Wes didn’t wait. He ended the call then tossed the phone onto the bed like it had burned him.
He stood there for a second, breathing hard, then sat down heavily on the edge of the mattress, elbows on his knees, fists clenched. His whole body radiated heat and frustration, jaw tight, eyes dark. Yeah, he was pissed-and I had no idea if it was more about Knox… or me.
I couldn’t help but check out his abs, which flexed with every angry breath. Damn, I slept with that. Well, not like that, but you know what I mean.
Wes sat down beside me, his shoulder brushing mine, and took my hand gently in his. “I’m sorry about how Knox talked to you,” he said.
I gave a half-hearted shrug, trying to play it off. “It’s not a big deal.”
“He’s always been like that. Even before the fame. Always thought he was the center of the universe. I love the guy, but sometimes? Sometimes I really fucking hate him.”
“I know EXACTLY what you mean,” I said, before correcting, “I mean, I don’t LOVE him. I like him sometimes, but usually hate him.”
Wes glanced at the time and sighed. “I should go,” he said, like he didn’t really want to. He stood slowly, hesitating for a moment before leaning in. His hand cupped my jaw as he kissed me-soft and warm, the kind of kiss that lingered. “I’ll see you soon,” he murmured, giving me one last look before heading for the door.
We were acting like such a couple. I wasn’t ready for that. I didn’t want to dive back into a relationship.
Relax, girl! He just stayed the night to comfort you. Chill! I scolded myself, trying to stop the internal dialogue.
As the door closed behind him, I heard a soft giggle. Turning, I found Andy standing there, arms folded, a teasing smile on her face. “You moved on fast…”
I rolled my eyes at her and stomped towards the living room, adding a touch of drama to lighten the mood. “You know it’s not like that. I used to have the biggest crush on Wes in high school. It was so weird to kiss him, but he’s a really good kisser-like, really good! Plus, it was just fun. He’s on the same page, Andy, it’s all good. But when we go to Savannah, you cannot mention this to my brothers. They will castrate him, and nobody wants that.”
“I think he’s always had a thing for you. You’re just oblivious. But I’m glad you’re getting over Drew. To be honest, you deserve much better, even if it is a fling. Enjoy being single!”
Single…
I’m single.
My heart began to sting at the thought that I didn’t have Drew anymore, even if he was a total cheating dick.
Tears began to trickle down my cheeks, and I closed my eyes, allowing myself to cry. I needed this. I felt worthless. What could I have done to stop him from cheating? What did I do wrong?
Was I bad in bed? Was I not there for him enough? What was wrong with me? Why did he do this to me?
A rush of emotions overwhelmed me as I began to cry harder. I flipped onto my stomach, letting the pillow muffle my sobs.
Andy came in and pulled me into a tight hug without saying a word.
“It’s going to be okay,” she whispered, her hand rubbing slow circles on my back. “You don’t have to hold it in, not with me.”
I sighed and wrapped my own arms around her, returning the comforting hug. She’s been through thick and thin with me.
***
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.