Twisted Lines (Blurred Lines Volume 6) Read Free Page B

hole in the wall apartment, put on a fuck me outfit, and sell myself to the first asshole who’s interested.” I walk out and slam the door.
    Steve, the bellhop, is standing at the opening to the elevator.
    “Going down, ma'am?”
    It’s at this moment I remember my goddamned bag is still in the hotel room with Cruze.
    “Shit.” I freeze and debate what I should do. Going back thrills me about as much as jumping in the water with a school of piranhas. I turn back, looking at the door, and it opens. John is standing there, his chest heaving.
    “What the fuck, Cade?”
    “Don’t what the fuck me. I have my own shit to deal with. I don’t need to listen to a whiny movie star complain about his pathetic woes.” I walk into the elevator. Steve is still standing at the opening. I press the down button. Steve quickly steps in.
    As the elevator doors close, John rushes to the opening. His beautiful eyes are wild, furious, and sad.
    I flip him off. No idea why, but God it feels good. “Asshole.”
    John’s mouth falls open, and I get the distinct impression he isn’t used to this sort of treatment.
    “Well, fuck him.”
    Steve turns to me and gives me a once over. “Yeah, fuck him.” He raises an eyebrow at my attire. “No shoes. Any money?”
    I slump against the wall, forcing myself not to cry. “No.” My eyes water anyway.
    Steve presses another button and we stop on the fifth floor. He pokes his head out. “Ang, any shoes today?”
    “Tina,” I hear a woman yell.
    “What?”
    “Shoes?”
    After a moment I hear, “Hot pink flip flops work?”
    “Yes,” Steve says.
    A young woman with bright eyes glares and hands the flip-flops to Steve. “You owe me tickets to the next hot party.” She walks away.
    He hands them to me, but I shake my head. “I can’t.”
    “Really? You’re telling me after that amazing exit you’re going to tuck your proverbial tail between your legs and go back up there?”
    I sigh. “I don’t think I have a choice. I left everything important to me in that fucking hotel room.”
    He makes a tisking noise with his mouth. From his pocket he pulls out a wad of cash, peels away five twenties, and stretches his hand toward me.
    I push his hand away. “No, I can’t take that.”
    Steve puts the rest of the money back in his pocket. “Look, girl. I don’t normally get involved, but I get the feeling if circumstances were different we’d be friends. You totally just told off John Cruze. The man has an ass that should be bronzed and placed in a church for worship. There isn’t another person in the world who would do that. You deserve a medal. I can’t let you take back what you just did. That. Was. Epic.” He pushes the money into my hand. “Pay me back when you can.”
    Warmth envelops me and I throw my arms around his neck. “Thanks Steve. I owe you, big time.”
    He returns the hug. “Yeah, you do.”

 
     
     
     
     

     
     
    It’s thirty bucks for the taxi ride to my apartment. I pay it and slam the door.  The door to my apartment has been fixed. I turn the handle, but it’s locked. “Please be home. Please.” I knock.
    Jessica doesn’t answer. I knock again. “Jessica. Open the fucking door.”
    I lean my ear against the door to listen for movement. It’s dead inside. I pound on the door again. “I swear I’ll break down this new door if you don’t get your ass over here and let me in.”
    I hear grumbling. “Keep your thong on, I’m coming,” Jessica shouts. She yanks open the door. “What the fuck, Cadence? I was right in the middle of my R. E. M.s.” Her blond hair is a frizzy mess. She’s wearing her usual sleeping attire: panties and a tank.
    “Sorry, Jess.” I push past her and fling myself on the bed.
    The door shuts. “Nice to see your fucking face,” she mumbles. I hear her flip on the coffee pot. She shuffles over and sits on the edge of my bed. “I really am glad you’re here,” she says softly.
    I turn my head to face her.