Free My Favorite Distraction (Distraction #1) by Stephanie Jean Page B

suddenly sensitive all over, and my breathing grew short. He watched me and didn’t move, just stayed very still. He was the first to speak again.
    “So last night at dinner, Heather mentioned you had some men that wanted to date you.” He stopped talking and looked deep in my eyes . “Have you, or did you date anyone, after what happened with Jared?”
    I immediately looked away . I knew what he was asking. I was a little uncomfortable.  I wanted him to know, I didn’t date because I didn’t want to, not because I was scared.  I pulled myself together with a deep breath and cleared my thoughts. “I have kissed men, but no, I have not dated anyone. I know you think I am this princess.” I glanced at my hands and then at him. “I’m not. I don’t like attention. I prefer to be alone.”
    He looked at my lips while I talked and then reached over and ran his thumb over my bottom lip. I got goose bumps everywhere . He must have felt it because his eyes became glued to mine again.
    The door of the apartment opened , and Heather walked in. She was surprised to see us on the couch together.
    “What are you guys doing in here?” She turned the light s on. I didn’t even know they were off. She stopped when she saw Bo and stumbled back a little. “What is that doing in here?” Bo stayed still, made no motion to go to her. “Kat, how did that get up here?”
    I was a little mad and growing angrier by the second. Ultimately, this was my fault.  My whole life I allowed people to dictate my friends and my life but not now, not with Jason and Bo. “That is Bo, and he came up with me. I was wearing dark sunglasses and carrying a white cane, so no one said anything.” My voice was condescending.
    “Maybe you should leave and take the dog .” She was talking to Jason, but it felt like she was talking to me.  I got mad for the second time in two days. I was never mad, always controlled. She was trying to control who I hung out with.  Heather knew more than anyone, how much I needed a connection.
      I felt my legs and then heard my voice loudly. “These are my friends, Heather. Can’t you be nice to them? Do you know how many boys you have brought into my house? I have been cordial to all of them. Even if I detested them, I still managed a smile and an ‘It looks like it’s going to be a nice day today’ over breakfast. I can’t believe you can’t do it for me. I have had, counting Jason, one male friend in our home, and you treat him like this. I can’t believe you can be so selfish. I know you have done a lot for me and put up with a lot, but seriously.”
    I made a move toward her on the way to my bedroom, Bo by my side. Heather jumped out of my way, and I glanced at Bo. His mouth had fallen opened. I think he laughed.
    “I will get my things , and we can go to your house, if that’s still OK?”
    Jason stood up smiling like he had won the lottery. “Let me know if I can help.”
    He turned his attention toward Heather, talking to her. I took my time getting ready, calming myself. I put an aqua-blue dress on that made my eyes change to match the dress. It had spaghetti straps that crisscrossed in the back, which was otherwise open. I pulled my hair down and curled the ends up, pulling up the side and securing them with butterfly clips. The sandals I slipped on matched my dress perfectly. I took a seat at the mirror and played with my makeup and jumped at the knock on the door. Bo stood up and started for the door, ears up.
    “Come in,” I yelled.
    Jason eased his head through the door, but Bo didn’t move from his position blocking it. Jason shook his head and laughed, pushing Bo to the side. “Outta my way, mutt.” He was smiling. I could see pride in his eyes as he looked at his dog.
    “You changed your” —he waved his hand up and down—“everything.”
    I smiled and directed my attention to him. He was quiet , whispering to himself. He moved closer to touch me, but hesitated and stopped