My phone vibrated in my jeans with a call from Keenan.
“Dude, how’s it coming?”
“This chick is a block of ice,” I grumbled.
“With all that red hair?” he asked, voicing my thoughts. “I thought redheads were the biggest freaks.”
“Where did you get that from?”
“I don’t know. Porn, maybe.”
“She’s not like other chicks, period.”
“Gasp!” he yelled dramatically. “It sounds like you like her.”
“I’ve talked to her twice, and she’s skinned me alive both times.”
“Not the Almighty Dash, Charmer of Maidens and Reigning Champ for Melting Panties. “ He cackled into the phone. “So, you met your match.”
“She’s not my match. She’s insecure as hell.”
“So then do what you do best and make her feel secure. You’re women’s worst enemy, but you make them think you’re their best friend.”
“I thought girls liked me because of my tight abs and pretty face.”
“That, too.”
“I don’t know, man. I don’t feel right about this.”
“Bullshit. You’re just off your game. What did you say to her?”
I ran it down and by the end, Keenan was laughing out of control. “Dude. What is up with you? What happened to your tenderness? I’ve seen you talk to vipers better than you talked to her.”
“My tenderness?”
“It’s easy. You just got to squeeze her. Don’t tease her to get her to make love. Just try it. Try a little tenderness.” The next moment he busted into a shitty rendition of Otis Redding’s, Try A Little Tenderness.
I hated to admit it, but he might have been right. It was odd for someone who went through more women in a month than I did since losing my virginity two years ago.
It was clear I wasn’t going to win her over with my name only, but I did know she was attracted to me. I also had the feeling she was innocent. She unknowingly gave away signs that she was interested even when her lips were telling me to fuck off.
I hung up on Keenan during the chorus and began planning my date night with a vicious redhead.
A few hours later, I snuck onto the girl’s hallway. It was a Friday night, which meant everyone was out partying it up, so all was quiet. I found her room number and knocked with my hands full. The door swung open after my third knock.
“I thought I got rid of you.”
“I bounce back easily, and I come with a peace offering.” I held up the large box of pizza.
“I told you—”
“It’s not a date. It’s just food.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“You didn’t eat your lunch, and you haven’t left your room since.”
“Are you stalking me?”
Yes. “Not at all. I just made a good guess.” The truth was I found her roommate about an hour ago and paid her to spy for me—and to get lost for the rest of the night.
“Go away, Dash.” She attempted to close the door, but I stopped it with my forearm and muscled my way in. I closed the door and locked it while holding her gaze and then took her hand, leading her away from the door.
“Which one is yours?” I asked, indicating the twin beds. She pointed to the bed on the far side with the purple and black bedding. I placed the pizza on the dresser and took her hand and sat on the bed. I opened my legs and pulled her between them. Her hands twitched at her sides, and when I pulled her closer, she placed them on my shoulder. I knew it was only for balance, but I enjoyed the feel of her hands on me all the same. “I have movies. Are you going to let me stay?”
“I’m not interested in watching movies with you or eating your pizza.”
“Even if I promise you’ll be safe from me tonight?”
“I’m safer with you gone.”
“I won’t try anything.” My reassurance fell on deaf ears.
“I wouldn’t let you. Now leave.”