Bending The Rules

Mel

Yeah, Nate's sweet and funny. But seriously, can he not take a hint or two? Maybe I don't want to date him. Maybe I'm interested in Sean.

Who am I kidding? I'm not interested in Sean that way. Yeah, I love Sean, but...not that way I guess.

Ugh. Just...too fucking confusing.

"What's on your mind?" Sean's arms are around my waist and I'm making the fifth burger today. His face is against my neck and I can tell he hasn't shaved.

"Nothing. Just thinking about how screwed up I am." I shrug and flip the burger, smiling a bit when I feel Sean's warm, breathy laugh on my neck.

"Oh Mel, you aren't screwed up. I can promise you that."

Does this kid know what the hell I have done? Does he choose to forget? "Sean, just believe me here. You know what I have done-"

"Yes I do. And I don't care." His lips are on my neck now, and sure, it's a distraction-one that I need-but, I just don't want it today.

"Sean, the burger's done. You make it pretty." I put it on a plate before shoving it at him and slipping out the back door and slumping against the wall.

"You okay?"

I know that voice. Wasn't I drunk the last time I heard it? Smooth, deep, pretty hot in a way. Oh God.

"Perfectly fine. I was hoping you were drunk enough that you wouldn't remember me. I don't do dates if that's why you're here. And I don't take money. You cannot pay me for what we did."

"Relax. I came for food. But if you did want to do that again-"

"Not a chance bucko."

"That's not what you said last night," he murmurs and takes a step toward me. My back collides with the wall and the breath leaves me.

"Back the fuck up or I'll feed you your own-"

"You loved it. I know you did."

"Noah. Get away from her."

The voice made Noah go still and it sent shivers down my spine. Before it could say anything else, Noah was gone, and kind hazel eyes were peering into mine. "Please tell me he didn't do anything."

"He didn't. And I'm fine. I came out here for a break. Sean's been kind of a pain today. I love him and all, but I'd just like him to stop." I shrug and rub my arms, sighing heavily.

"I'm sorry about Noah by the way. He usually doesn't act like that."

"Oh. Well, thank you." Those are words I don't think I'll ever say again.

"No problem."

I wonder what he would do if I kissed him...

"So, do you have any plans for tonight?"

I look up, my eyes searching his face. I can tell he isn't like the other guys that asked me that question. He looks like a shy kid in forth grade who asked his crush out. Well, except for the piercings. "Nope. Why?"

"You seemed like you might like speed. How would you like to go to the race track that I race at?"

A grin spreads across my face and I feel like a little kid at Christmas time. "I'd love to, but I want you to do something for me."

"Okay, what is it?"

"I bought this old mustang cobra a while back. I want you to give it a look."

"Sounds good. I can take you home and take a look at it and then we can go race."

"Would you trust me with your car?"

"You never know. I might."

I can't keep the grin from my lips. Maybe, just maybe, I'll have a good night. "Well,you think you'd let me drive it? Because that would be awesome."

"Hmm...I think I could let that happen." A thin smile touches his lips and he blows out a breath, nibbling his lips. Oh God his lips. "Aren't you cold?"

"A bit." I lean against the wall and try to keep myself from shivering. It's seriously cold though. Probably around forty degrees. I can actually see my breath.

"Come here."

I take a step away from the wall and he drapes his leather jacket over my shoulders. It was so warm, I could've purred like a kitten. "Thanks."

"It's no biggy," he smiled and looked at me and it seemed as if he was studying me. "Is Mel your real name?"

"It's just what everyone calls me. If I told you my real name, you wouldn't believe me."

"Will you tell me?"

I laugh softly and lick my lips as I look up at him. I can't help it. "Maybe I will. Just not today."

"That's okay with me." He grins and I feel my cheeks warm up. Not just warm up, but get really hot. Why is this happening?

We stand there silent for a minute, but then I step closer and stand on my tiptoes. He takes my hips and kisses my lips softly. It doesn't last long though, because Sean pops out.

"Hey Mel, we need ya in the kitchen." His eyes rest on Nate and I and he goes silent for a few moments. "We need you in the kitchen now."

I couldn't help it. I laughed. "You're jealous. Just because I wanted a break from you! Sean, you don't have to be with me all the time."

"Apparently I do. Now get inside or I'll call your brother."

"You wouldn't dare be that much of a dick. Anyway, I'm taking my lunch break, so don't bother me."

Sean's eyebrows raise and he crosses his arms. "Thirty minutes. No more than that or I'll tell your brother and he'll be super ticked off."

Sighing, I lean back on the wall as soon as Sean leaves. "Sorry about him."

"No, your fine. He's just protective of you."

I nod slowly and lean my head on the wall. "Oh well though. He can't stop me from hanging out. Or showing you how to cook burgers." I pull my hair up and shiver slightly even though his jacket is warm.

"Hey, lets go inside." He takes my shoulders and steers me inside and I can't help but lean against him. He is so freaking warm.

"Hey Nate. Hi Mel." It's the deep voice of Noah. I cringe and cross my arms, slipping off Nate's jacket.

"What do you want you asshat?" I hang up Nate's coat and turn to face Noah, looking up at him with a scowl.

"It's just great to see you baby."

That's it. I grab him by the shirt collar and yank him down so he is looking into my eyes. "Call me that again and I will yank that tongue out of your mouth. Got that?"

Nate stiffles a laugh as Noah's eyes widen and I catch Sean's wide eyed stare from across the room. "Come on Nate. Lunch break is over."