Free Hard To Handle (Teach Me Book 2) by RC Boldt Page B

door behind her, the sound echoed with such finality it made her feel as though she had just closed the door to something bigger.
    * * *
    Zach flung the omelet onto the plate on the counter before tossing the pan into the sink. The clanging sound of metal hitting the stainless steel kitchen sink echoed throughout the small home.
    Fuck! He closed his eyes as he braced his hands on the counter.
    What the hell had he been thinking? He should have known better than to think Laney could ever come to see him as more than just a thorn in her side. But, no, a part of him had insisted that he maintain hope, believe that things could change. He’d finally had her in his arms, in his bed, and stupidly assumed she’d felt what had transpired between them. He was a world class moron.
    “Motherfucker!”
    “Well. That’s quite the greeting,” came a voice from behind him. Zach whipped around to see Lawson standing before him, eyebrows raised in question.
    “I’m not really fit for company, man,” he told his friend as he turned back and began wiping the kitchen counters down roughly, his movements jerky.
    “I can see that. I noticed Laney getting into her car—walk-of-shame style—nearly burning rubber trying to get out of the driveway. Any chance that might have something to do with your mood? And also your apparent desire to rub the counters free of their glossy finish, perhaps?”
    Lawson’s typical humor fell flat with him this time. Tossing the sponge into the sink, he let out a long sigh. “Dude, I’m an idiot.” Zach turned back to face his friend, scrubbing his hands over his face wearily. “I really thought things had fucking changed.”
    Lawson slid his hands in the pockets of his worn board shorts and leaned against the wall, watching him carefully.
    With a humorless laugh, he threw his hands up in the air. “What the hell was I thinking? She only wanted ‘one night of fucking’.” He used air quotes, the words dripping in sarcasm. “Then, after she got what she wanted, she told me we could go back to hating each other. End of story.”
    The two men were quiet for a moment before Lawson finally spoke, his voice unusually subdued. “Did you really think it was going to happen overnight, Z?” Lawson shrugged his shoulders before continuing. “I mean, it is Laney we’re talking about after all.”
    Zach let out a long sigh, shaking his head. “I know, man. I realize how completely bogus it sounds when I admit it out loud. But, I just …” He trailed off with another shake of his head before running his hands over his face.
    “I know, man. You got your hopes up. That’s what’s kicking your ass right now.”
    “Yep,” he said, popping the ‘p’ sound.
    Lawson pushed off the wall to stand. “You feel like doing some last minute Christmas shopping with me? Nothing will cheer you up like being around the hustle and bustle of shoppers and hearing Christmas carols playing.” Lawson began singing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” in an eardrum shattering high-pitched voice.
    Zach’s hands shot up. “Stop. Please. I’ll go along if you promise not to sing that song.”
    “Fine,” he let out a dejected breath, “but I’m totally singing some N’Sync Christmas songs in the car.”
    “Gee, I can hardly wait.”
    “Don’t be a hater, Z. You’ll be singing along before you know it. Aaaaand, I also have these.” Lawson held out two red and white Santa-style hats. Pulling one on, he pretended to model.
    “Mmmm, no,” he laughed. “You’re on your own with that, dude.”
    “Whatevs. Your loss. Tons of women will be flocking to me, just begging to sit on my lap.” Lawson wiggled his eyebrows, rubbing his palms together.
    “Riiight. Let me throw on some clothes and I’ll be ready to roll.” Zach began walking down the hallway toward his bedroom.
    “Take your time, man. I’m in no hurry. I’ll just practice my Santa-isms,” Lawson called after him. He heard his friend