One of Them Girls by Cala Riley (the gingerbread man read aloud txt) 📕

He was a mistake. I’m going to have to have a talk with him.”

“You’re not denying it, though. Is Xavier your new boyfriend for real? I thought it was fake.”

My eyes narrow on hers. “What? Are you jealous? Do you have a thing for him?”

She holds her hands up. “If he’s yours, then he’s off-limits, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested.”

Shaking my head, I turn and walk away,

“What the fuck, Cassi?” Mara grabs my arm, turning me back around.

“You believe Xavier is my boyfriend and you still have the balls to tell me you’re interested in him? What kind of friend does that?”

She sneers, “The same friend who sleeps with Jared knowing I had a crush on him throughout high school.”

I roll my eyes. “I’ve apologized to you countless times for that. It’s not like I purposely slept with him to hurt you. I honestly don’t know why I did it, but I know it was a mistake. Not only because it hurt you, but because it shouldn’t have happened.”

“Right. Ryan would be so disappointed in you.”

I surge forward, but stop when she smirks.

“You know what? Fuck you. Don’t bother calling me anymore. I’m tired of your petty shit.”

“Fine. Be that way,” she calls to my back as I walk away from her. “I’ll be sure to tell my mother what a whore you are so she can tell yours.”

“I’ll tell mine what a cunt you are, so we’re even,” I call back over my shoulder.

I make it back to my room, but my anger hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s more inflamed.

“Who pissed in your cereal this morning?” Rebecca asks as she puts on a pair of earrings.

“Mara’s such a cunt.”

Rebecca stops, turning to me, her mouth wide open.

“What?” I snap.

“I’m just surprised. What did Mara do?”

“She’s still pissed I slept with Jared. She doesn’t care why or that I was messed up then. Not saying that completely excuses my behavior, but that doesn’t mean she has the right to openly admit she wants Xavier. Well, she can’t have him.”

Rebecca’s smile flames the blood boiling beneath my skin. “You think this is funny?”

“No. Not at all. I’m proud of you. You’re finally seeing her true colors.”

Some of the anger slips out as she comes over and hugs me.

“Thanks. I guess I always knew she was nasty, but I didn’t realize until tonight.”

“Well, either way, I’m proud. Don’t worry about her interest in Xavier either. That boy is smart enough to avoid a snake and if he isn’t Jack sure as hell is.”

I take a deep breath, letting it whoosh from my mouth. “Thanks. I shouldn’t care if she gets with Xavier, but he deserves better.”

She winks at me. “He deserves a good girl like you.”

I chuckle. “He deserves better than me.”

“Whatever you say. I’m going out. Want to come? Or do you need me to stay in with you?”

“No. You go on. I’m going to decompress.”

“‘Kay. Let me know if you need me. I’ll have my cell on me.”

I give her a small smile, falling back on my bed as soon as she shuts the door.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, so I pull it out.

Six texts and one missed call.

I read the texts first.

Avi: Too much?

Avi: Adra??

Clicking out of his message, I see the other four messages are from Mara. I ignore her.

Looking at the missed call, I see it’s from Xavier. Pressing redial, I put the phone to my ear.

“I’m sorry.”

His voice is like a calming balm to my anger.

“Avi, there’s no reason to be sorry.”

“Really? You kind of dipped out on me.”

“It has nothing to do with you. I had a confrontation with Mara on the walk home.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Mara is the chick from the bar, right?”

“Yeah.” My body tenses at the fact he remembers her.

“I didn’t like that she let you walk out the door with a stranger. I’m sorry that you had an argument with her, though. Want to talk about it?”

The tension leaves me at his words. “You didn’t like her?”

“Hell no. I mean, she’s not really my type, anyway. Too showy. She seems like she would be twenty-four-seven drama.”

I chuckle. “You have her pegged. She sure likes you though.”

I bite my lip, waiting for his response.

“She’s not really my type.”

“What’s your type?” I don’t miss how my voice sounds huskier.

He hums for a moment before answering. “I’d say I’m attracted to blonde hair, blue eyes, with an ass to die for. Too bad they are always so mouthy.”

“Hey, I’m not mouthy,” I protest, my heart stuttering in my chest at his words.

“Who said I was talking about you, Adra?”

My stomach drops. “I mean, you said blonde with blue eyes, so I just…” I trail off.

He chuckles. “I’m kidding. You’re the only blonde hair blue-eyed girl I talk to. Besides, despite your protest, you are totally mouthy as fuck. Your protest only proves my point.”

“I really want to argue, but I feel like that would be digging the hole deeper, so instead, I am going to change the subject.”

“Sure, quit before you lose. I get what you’re doing. Since we are changing the subject, how about you answer my question.”

“What was that?”

“What does it take to get a woman?” His voice drops a couple of octaves.

My skin heats.

“Well, it depends on the type of woman. If you’re looking for one like Mara, well, you already have it all. All you need to do is crook your finger at her and she’ll come.”

“No, not like Mara. Someone more my type. More like you.”

I feel a little dizzy at how fast my heart is beating. “A good, southern girl?”

He hums, “Mmhmm.”

I let out the deep breath I was holding. “We like a little romance. Don’t get me wrong. We secretly love a little jealousy. Just a touch of possessiveness showing us you care, but we also want some sweet words and a tender touch. A genuine conversation, proving that we are more than our bodies to you. That you value our