Rewired (The Progress Series) Read Free

calm down.” She nodded and turned toward the door again. “Oh, and Jess? I just want to put this out there so that we’re both clear about the subject. You see, after I left your sorry ass in your bed that night over a year ago, I became a different person.” She spoke swiftly, as she was sure that Jess would get a word in if he could. “I used to be the girl who put up with as much shit as you could dish out. I was weak, I was blind, and no one could show me just how pathetic I was. Until you. But I’ve changed. And as much shit as you want to dish out, I can send back , tenfold,” she snapped. “Just remember that as much as you try to push me away, abuse me, or sting me with your cruel remarks, that shit’s just gonna bounce right off me. So as you sit back and enjoy watching the shock of your words affect me, and pat yourself on your back for your astounding wit, take into consideration one tiny thing: you should be happy someone’s still listening.”
    Turning the knob to leave his apartment, she looked back and winked. “See you tomorrow morning, Sunshine.”
    She closed the door simultaneously with Jesse’s scream, “Bitch!”
     
    This is not the way I saw the rest of tonight going.
     
    Did I not hear her? She said she loved me. I know she did. But she also loves Sam. Fuckin’ Sam.
    I’ll just have to find a way to get him out of her head. I’ve gotta come up with a plan too.
     
    Patience. She’s right.
     
    Keep my mouth shut. She’s right again.
     
    But I’ve got her now. I don’t know for how long, but she’s mine. I just have to show her that I’m better for her. I can behave. No girls. And no fights. And no mouth.
     
    Right.
     
    This is never gonna work.

Chapter Two
     
     
    “Morning, Sunshine,” she said cheerily as Jess opened his door. She peered up and down his glistening chest and swallowed, looking away.
    Yeah, I thought you’d like that.
    “What, can’t handle seeing a naked man?” he asked, closing the door behind her with one hand holding his towel at his hip. “I just got out of the shower. Give me a minute and I’ll get some clothes on.”
    Charlie walked into the living room and set her purse on the coffee table. As Jess turned to walk to his bedroom, he dropped the towel, hoping to get her to follow him.
    He took his time getting dressed, waiting for her; lingering in front of his closet way longer than necessary. But after five minutes, he heard her start to hum a song in his living room.
    You’re not coming in here, are you?
    Discouraged, he rolled his eyes and, grabbing his bag of marijuana off the nightstand, he walked out and began packing a bowl in his kitchen.
    Clipping her song short, she rose from the chair and swiped the bag from his hand. “You are not smoking that shit in here!”
    “What? Why?” He snatched the bag back from her and shoved it in his pocket.
    “Because I’m your landlord!” She lowered her voice to shout a whisper and added, “ And it’s illegal.”
    “Christ, Red. You’re such a prude. This is my apartment, and I’ll smoke what I want, when I want.”
    “Then I’m leaving.” She grabbed her purse and went for the door.
    Dammit! Okay, no girls. No fights. No mouth. And now no drugs ? Come on!
    His shoulders slouched. “Fine! Okay, okay. Can we go somewhere else so I can smoke?”
    She shook her head and tried to conceal a smile. “You’re just full of prompts today, aren’t you? Don’t think I didn’t notice the accidental slip of your towel on the way to your bedroom. Why do you get such a kick out of getting a reaction from me?” she asked, trying her best to sound nonchalant.
    The corner of his mouth turned up as he approached her. “Because I need constant stimuli.” He shrugged. “Did you like it?” he asked, his smile widening.
    “Like what?”
    “The view of my ass,” he said, looking down briefly, sex oozing from his fixed gaze. Leaning into her, he whispered, “Want to see it again?”
    Charlie