Felix - Heartbreaker

Ash

H is socks slid against the kitchen floor toward me. His backpack flailed around and smacked the kitchen counter.

Coffee, he demanded in haste.

In your cup. Go!

He skipped around, pulling on his shoes while stuffing an apple in his mouth. Then he readjusted the pack, and the door slammed behind him.

This was our life now. Breaker and I were both in school full time. And LSU had a personal vendetta against our relationship. I had full days on Tuesdays and Thursday, while Breaker did on Mondays and Wednesdays. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, I interned at a veterinary clinic.

Thank goodness it was our last semester. I didnt think I could take being on this roller coaster anymore. Seconds later, the door burst open. I smiled, facing the window above the sink, knowing what hed forgotten.

Built arms wrapped around my waist. His hips pressed into mine. A groan barreled from his mouth.

Its only February. How are we gonna last out the semester like this? I barely see you anymore. And when I do, Im in such a hurry thatwell, apparently, I forget things.

I leaned my head to the side to give him better access, and he took advantage, nipping and softly sucking at my neck.

I have to goreally this time.

I know. But Friday night, youre mine.

He chuckled, the vibrations making me shiver. Ash, Im yours every night.

Yeah, yeah, now go before youre late.

Ok, I love you. You know that right?

I shrugged. Prove it.

He pressed me further into the counter. I love it when you challenge me.

Go!

One more peck and he was out the door. After I swirled the rest of my cold coffee into the sink, I washed out my cup. I stayed at Breakers house more than I did my own apartment. My roommate hadnt seen my face in days, and Stephanie was getting a little ticked off at me. Ozark wasnt happy about it, either. I was constantly accused of ignoring my friends for Breaker. And it was all true. But I only got so much time with him.

Plus, Ozark and Stephanie were way into public displays of affection andeww.

After gathering my laundry and personals from Breakers room, I made the drive home, deciding to spend the day studying while doing my laundry. I shoved the key into the door and pushed it open with my bag. Stephanie was on the couch in her bra and underwear, eating chocolate ice cream and crying at something on the TV.

What the hell happened? I demanded.

Mind you, the only thing out of the ordinary in this scenario was the crying. Seeing Stephanie eat ice cream in her underwear was just regularly scheduled programming.

Ozark cheated on me.

He what? Ill kill him.

I dont understand it. Last freaking week, he told me he loved me. I didnt say it back. Maybe thats the reason he did it. With his TA of all people. Shes a hag.

So report him. Hes not supposed to be fooling around with his TA.

She cut me a look that made me shrink back. I already did. Ozark came over this morning freaking out. They apparently cant prove anything since they both deny it, but I know.

I dropped everything and sat on the couch. Now, here was the thing about Stephanie. I loved her, no doubt, but she could be a bit dramatic. I would gut anyone who messed with her, but I also knew she was one step away from winning an Academy Award.

Im so confused. Did Ozark admit he cheated?

She threw her spoon into the cardboard carton and scoffed. Do you think he would actually admit it?

I needed to tread this line carefully or there was a chance I would have ice cream all over me.

Tell me how you know.

Ugh, you shouldve seen the emails. She used the spoon as a point maker. The emails. Oh God, the emails. Oh, Ozark, youre so smart. I didnt even think of conducting the test time like that. Wow, Ozark, you are so talented. You would make a great professor one day.

The whole thing was filled with face contortions and voices. It was enough to make me wish Id stayed at Breakers.

I cleared my throat. Sounds sexy. I mean, you should probably submit that story to Playboy.

Cold, creamy chocolate hit me in the face.

My mouth really needed to learn its place.

Really? Ice cream in my face?

I got up and went to the kitchen sink to wash it off. I could hear her in the kitchen with me. She clanked a spoon into the sink and then slammed the freezer door.

He just denies it. But I know! A woman knows.

Maybe youre mistaken. I cant imagine Oz cheating on you. He loves you too much.

She flipped me the bird. Whatever, Ash. Not all of us can have the perfect relationship.

Andscene.

I reminded myself to contact the Academy.

L ater on , I called Ozark, and we agreed to meet for lunch. I went early after starting some laundry and brought my books to get a little studying in. There was no way I could study with Steph banging and stomping around the apartment. The waitress brought me coffee, and I managed to get in some cram time before the waitress came back and tapped me on the shoulder.

Maam, Im not trying to alarm you, but that guy has been watching you and looking awfully suspicious for the past half hour or so. Do you want me to call the police?

I looked up and saw the one person I would willingly allow to stalk me. Breaker broke out in a smile. Then he looked to the right and waved over someoneOzark. He stood at my table for a minute before the waitress got the picture and brought another chair to our table as she witnessed our exchange.

What the hell? I said as Breaker kissed my temple.

Oz was afraid you and Stephanie were gonna castrate him or something. He called me in for backup.

Hey, Im here to try to help. Now, Stephanie, shes a different story. Howd you get out of class?

Breaker shrugged. I can miss a class here and there to help a friend. Anyway, Astronomy is boring as hell.

I closed my books. Ok, so tell me why my best friend chucked ice cream at me this morning.

Oz told us the whole story, which, summed up, told me Stephanie was a trust-less gooberwhich I kind of already knew. He did admit he thought the TA had a crush on him, but hed never pursued it and never intended to.