Free Consumed by Skyla Madi Page B

“Because you looked sexy in that dress...”
    “He’s not gay, Sel. It might be hard for you to believe, but some people that don’t know each other well don’t have sex at the drop of the hat.”
    She laughs wildly again and I can imagine her doing it—head tilted back, mouth wide, exposing her perfect teeth. “There were a lot of people talking at the club after you left. Seth seems pretty well known for a guy that just moved here and the consensus is that he has sex at the drop of anything . I was almost certain you’d get some.”
    I frown. If he loves sex so much why couldn’t he have sex with me? Maybe his excuse was a cop-out... maybe I am plain, boring and not appealing to majority of the opposite sex. As quick as the thought entered my head, I squash it down. He was all over me in the beginning. “Yeah, well, I didn’t.”
    She sighs. “Me either. Hey, you had fun last night, right?”
    “Yes...”
    “Do you want to go out again tonight?”
    I slump into my seat. “I don’t know, Selena. Last night with Blade—”
    “Blade’s a wanker. We’ll go somewhere else, somewhere low key. O, c’mon. We didn’t get enough time to hang out last night.”
    I pause for a few seconds, weighing my options. If I do go out who knows what time I’ll get back or if I’ll even get out of bed for work tomorrow morning. If I don’t go out I’ll be stuck at home thinking about Seth and eventually resort to self-pleasure. But if I do...I’ll have enough to keep my mind occupied.
    “I’m feeling too indecisive right now, call me back later.”
    “Okay, but you have to promise you’ll think about it?”
    “I promise.” I reply, remembering to cross my toes.
    “Awesome! Love you, bitch.”
    She hangs up and I slide my phone back into my pocket. I’m in such a crappy mood to think about anything right now.
    Today sucks.
     
    ***
     
    I pull on the big gym door but it doesn’t open. Strange. Dad never closes early—ever. I use the spare key hanging from my car keys. Dad said I can come and use the gym whenever I want even if it’s closed. I guess it’s one of those times. I step inside and lock the door behind me. When I turn around I jump, seeing at least eight pairs of eyes on me. They’re surrounding the boxing ring and my dad is amongst them. My eyes immediately lock with Seth’s. He’s inside the ring, sweating and panting. It’s such an amazing sight and my knees shake a little.
    I want to slap myself.
    I feel my cheeks heat up in embarrassment under his gaze. He rejected me last night . I swallow down the bitter taste.
    “Sorry,” I announce, making eye contact with Dad. “I didn’t know anyone was here. I can go...”
    “Don’t be silly, Olly.” Dad calls, walking over to me. Great, now Seth knows my nickname. “This is as much your gym as it is mine.”
    I regard him curiously. He’s upbeat which is strange for him and there’s a huge smile spread over his face. He pulls me into a hug and the fatherly smell has been replaced with sweat.
    “You smell.” I chuckle as he pulls away.
    He ignores me. “Honey, I’ve got some good news”
    I glance at Seth who’s now leaning on his forearms on the top rope watching us—watching me—to be more exact. The other people surrounding the ring are people I’ve never seen before—two of them are wearing headgear and boxing gloves—obviously Seth’s sparring partners. Another is wearing sporty clothes and a white cap that is pulled down on his forehead complimenting his dark complexion. Around his neck is a stop watch and in his hands is a clipboard. The others wore suits. I look at dad and I’m officially confused.
    “You’re not selling the gym are you?” I whisper.
    Dad laughs loudly. “Never in a million years.”
    He tucks me under his arm and guides me over to the people. I fight the urge to dig my feet in. I don’t want to go anywhere near Seth. “Seth has hired me as a tactics advisor.”
    “And what’s that?” I ask,