Crystal

The doorbell rings and Morgan’s in the shower. She’s been lying around all day nursing a hangover, so we didn’t do a damn thing. Which really sucked because I hoped we would. I wanted to get Boomer out of my head. The man is too fine for my own good. I want to run my hands through his slicked-back hair and scruffy beard as he takes my body for his own. I make my way to the door in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Braless because fuck it, I’m not going anywhere. No need to suffer for no reason. I open the door without checking who it is. Instantly know I’m in trouble. Speak of the devil and he shall appear. And man, does he seem angry.

“Do you normally answer the door dressed like that?” I look down at my outfit. What’s his problem? He steps past me, then grabs the door, closing it before turning the lock. He’s in a pair of blue jeans that hug his ass perfectly but give his cock a little breathing room, even though I can clearly spot the outline going down his left leg. Fuck, the man is hung. Then to make it even sexier, he’s got a dark blue Kenneth Cole dress shirt on with the sleeves rolled up neatly to reveal his strong, tatted forearms.

“Nope, usually ass naked. Do you always show up unannounced?” I snark.

He tosses me a dirty scowl, but I just walk to the sofa and plop down, tucking my feet under my body.

“I called my sister, Tigress,” he apprises me. “She didn’t answer. Where is she?”

“Probably passed out.” I nod toward her bedroom letting him know she’s in there.

“At this hour?”

“Well, she’s been nursing one hell of a hangover all day.”

“Yeah, that’s another thing I need to talk to her about. I don’t know what the hell has gotten into her, but she needs to get her shit together.”

“Garrett, what are you doing here?” Morgan mutters with one eye open.

“I came to see how you’re doing. I can see you feel like shit. At least you look like it.”

“Shut up. I’m hungry now. Did you order some food?”

“Yes, it should be coming. I ordered Chinese. The place isn’t great, but it’s the only one here. I didn’t know what you wanted so I got some of everything.”

“Good, I’m starving, too,” Boomer says. He stares at me while he licks his lips. I get up and leave the room because I need to catch my breath. The doorbell rings and since I’m walking by, I head toward it. I take the cash from the nearby side table, but as I’m about to open the door, Boomer wraps his arm around my waist and lifts me out of the way.

“Hey,” I complain, kicking my feet in the air pointlessly. 

He sets me on my feet, then says, “You don’t fucking answer the door like that. I don’t need to kill the fucker standing there.” I give him a scowl then hand him the money. He sets it on the table and pulls out his wallet. He opens the door and pays the guy, blocking me from view. I walk away, saying “Fuck it,” under my breath.

Going into the bedroom, I change my clothes. I put on a bra and different tank top while keeping the same shorts. I want to be comfortable, but with him here, I also want to look cute. I feel like a dumbass but do it anyway.

As soon as I step back into the living room, I don’t say a thing as I take my seat. Boomer drops his plastic fork to his plate. Growling something unintelligible as he picks it back up.

Morgan smiles at him but eats without saying a word.

It takes him a few minutes to break the silence. “Crystal, so what are your plans? Are you going back to school?”

“Nope. I’m moving to Dallas in a couple weeks to start working.” He nods after a moment of silence. A cold attitude comes over him and he doesn’t continue with that line of questioning. It’s only eight by the time we’re done eating and I’m ready to call it an early night. I’m thinking of heading to Dallas early. I have a place there that I’ve been renting since I graduated, so there’s really no need to invade Morgan’s space. I’m worried about her, but her brother makes me feel things that scare me. And that doesn’t happen easily. I’m hard when I need to be and that’s always been my way around men—until Boomer.

“I’m off to bed. I’ve got a headache,” I say, getting up off the couch.

“Thanks, Crystal. I’m sorry I ruined our plans today.”

“Don’t be. I could have gone out with some friends. I’m just glad you’re feeling a little more you. Good night.”

“Good night, Tigress.” I wave him off and walk to my room. He’s more than a girl can handle. He’s interested, which is obvious, but he’s acting all hot and cold. Not that I want to be involved with him. Okay, I do, but he’s too much. I need to be with a guy that’s less intense. Boomer has me all messed up.