Paul was probably on patrol as he usually took the second shift at his construction job, so he always opted for first shift patrols. Knowing that he would come straight home to shower, I did what I always do and made myself at home. I grabbed some lemonade from the fridge and filled a glass with ice before pouring the lemony goodness on top of it. Flicking on the tv, as I flopped down onto his ratty plaid couch, I threw my converse covered feet onto his coffee table and decided to catch up on The Flash. Halfway through my second episode, my best friend strutted through the door with a smile, happy to see me.
"Hey Bells. I'm gonna take a quick shower. I'll be right out."
"I'll be here." I said as lightly as I could. I didn't want him tipped off to my anger or he would stall.
I waved as he went down the small hallway to take a shower and finished the episode while he was washing up. By the time he emerged, the warm scent of his Apollo Axe filling the air, he was wearing a dark gray tee and a pair of loose fit jeans and attaching his tool belt to his waist. His almost black hair was still wet, sending droplets of water running down the sides of his face as he sat on the couch beside me, bending over to put on his steel toe work boots.
Switching off the tv and getting up to set my glass in the sink, I turned and leaned my hip against the bottom set of cupboards, my fingers curling under the countertop where I held on behind me. Seeing my stance and the look on my face, which I know was not impressed, Paul stood and walked toward me.
"You wanna tell me why the heck you're using me as your own personal rank raiser?" I asked, my tone flat.
"I wouldn't have kissed you." He defended easily. "But you'd have enjoyed it if I had." He said with a smile and wiggle of his eyebrows.
I rolled my eyes. "Not funny, Paul. You really made Sam jealous. You're already his beta -" I started, using my hands to speak now as he worked me up. I didn't like when he implied that I would enjoy anything sexual with him. He was my best friend and we didn't need any unnecessary drama.
"I'm his second beta, Bells. Jared's above me. I want to prove my place and be at Sam's side." His eyes pleaded with me to understand but I just couldn't.
Don't be too hard on Paul. He's a good egg.