Me: I’m sorry.

Surely the messages were taking a while to deliver, right? I mean, that’s why she was answering so slow! I fought the urge to bang my head against the wall as I waited.

Priscilla S: It’s okay. It’s probably for the best. I mean, come on. He’s, Jaymeson… I’m just me. I’m kind of like the shiny new toy he can’t get to work just right so he keeps playing with it. Sooner or later he’d get bored, and sooner or later I’d get put back in the toy box, never to be touched again. It’s better this way.

I swore violently, almost throwing my phone against the wall. That’s what she thought of herself? A freaking toy? A distraction? Hell, no!

Me: I doubt he feels that way. He’s probably just protecting you.

Priscilla S: Funny, because I don’t remember asking for protection.

Me: You’re young…

Priscilla S: Not you too.

Panicking, I tried to make it better.

Me: Hey, guys stick together! But you’re my friend — I’m on your side.

Priscilla S: ?

Me: He’s a jackass.

Priscilla S: J Thanks for your help today btw.

Me: Anytime you want me to dress or undress you — just name the place.

Priscilla S: Very funny.

Me: I’m a funny guy.

I was grinning at my phone like a complete lunatic. Gripping it in my hand so hard that I’m surprised it didn’t crush under the pressure.

Me: Get some sleep, love.

Priscilla S: ‘K. Night.

Me: Night.

I chewed my lower lip in thought. It was the first night Pris and I hadn’t actually spent the evening together. Damn, I needed a key to that place.

Brilliance struck

I quickly dialed Demetri’s number.

He didn’t answer.

I dialed again.

Finally, he answered and swore into the phone. “I swear I’m crushing your balls with a shovel. What the hell, Jay?”

“Where’s your spare key?”

“What?”

“For your condo?”

“Why do you need a spare key? Just knock, you ass.”

“I think I smell smoke,” I lied.

“What!” He shrieked. “Under the pig, it’s under the pig.”

“Thanks.” I hung up and ran outside then up the stairs to the condo. Pig, pig, pig. I searched high and low then saw next to one of the planters an ugly demon pig that looked somewhat possessed.

It was missing an eye.

Good thinking, Demetri, nobody would think a rock star lived here.

I picked up the dirty ceramic pig. The key shone underneath. I let out a sigh of relief that Pris was smart enough to keep the key under the pig rather than risk losing it by throwing it into her gigantic purse.

“Brilliant.” I quickly unlocked the door and put the key back under the pig, patting its head and muttering a thanks like an inanimate object had actually helped me break into my friend’s house.

Great, so I’d lied and forced entry, just add it to my list of laws I was already breaking.

I gently pushed the door shut and froze. What the hell was I doing? I couldn’t just crawl into bed with her — she’d think I was an intruder. And if she was sleeping I didn’t want to wake her up! I really should have thought things through better.

With a groan, I turned to leave, then saw a light flicker on.

Curious, I followed the light into the bedroom.

Another light turned on.

And then Priscilla walked out of the bathroom.

In nothing but the shortest towel I’d ever had the pleasure of seeing on another human being.

“Aghhhh!” She screamed. Her towel dropped.

My jaw followed.

“Get out!” She wailed throwing a pillow at my face.

Yeah, I let that bastard hit me. It was worth it. I took in my fill then slowly, with a cocky grin, turned my head.

“What are you doing?” I heard foot stomping.

“Making sure you made it home safe,” I said smoothly. “Alone.”

“You’re not my babysitter!” Pris huffed, opening one of the dresser drawers and rummaging through.

“I’d choose the lace ones, more feminine,” I said in a helpful voice.

Eyes narrowing, she snatched the black lace, with a matching bra. My mouth went completely dry because now I could actually imagine her naked body in that getup. Of course it helped that when I looked to the right I caught a glimpse of her golden skin through the mirror in the bedroom.

Painful. My mind was too creative by half.

Wet hair pulled back into a ponytail, Pris marched back into the bedroom wearing short shorts and a tank top and crossed her arms. “You can leave now.”

“Actually…” Damn, she smelled good. “I can’t.”

“Why?” Her mouth trembled. “You’re not exactly my favorite person right now.”

“I know.” I sighed. “But I’m lonely.”

“So you thought to break in? That’s your solution?” Her eyes were wild. I loved how they seemed to swallow me whole as they got larger and larger with frustration.

“I’m British?” I offered.

She closed her eyes. “I can’t win.”

“Good that you know that. I mean, why try when you know you’re going to lose? Can I have the left side, tonight?”

She hung her head and pressed her fingertips to her temples. “Sure, just don’t suffocate me like last time. I woke up with your pillow pressed against my face.”