and a can of whipped cream from it, setting both on the counter.
A moment later, Troy curses so loudly that I’m sure it can be heard from miles away. I wince and then glance at the front door. I can make a run for it.
“Charlie! I’m going to kill you!”
Fuck. I don’t think he’s joking. But he’s already at the stairs, so running now would be pointless. He’d be able to catch me.
“What? Didn’t like my surprise?” I ask innocently.
His hazel eyes are dark with fury, and his body is coiled tight with tension. He strides in my direction and then walks around the counter like a lion that’s about to attack. I lose my bravado then and stagger backward until my back presses against the fridge.
“My room is a fucking mess! There’s shit and feathers everywhere,” he screams, invading my personal space.
I’ve never experienced this kind of wrath aimed at me from this close, but all I can think about is how delicious Troy’s aftershave smells.
What the hell is wrong with me?
“That’s payback for the party, my ruined costumes, and Poop Boy in my bathroom. Now you know how it feels.”
“Are you fucking kidding me? I said I was sorry.”
“Well, excuse me for not taking your apologies to heart. Now, get out of my way. You’re smothering me.” I press my palms against his chest and push back. He barely moves. “Troy, I’m fucking serious. Do you want me to crush your balls again?”
He narrows his eyes. “You wouldn’t dare. Besides, you won’t catch me by surprise this time.”
“Try me.”
He watches me for a couple more seconds before he finally moves away. I let out a breath of relief when he turns his back to me, but it’s too soon. A second later, he whirls around, can of whipped cream in hand, and the next thing I know, I have white foam all over my face.
I let out a shriek and then blindly try to find a towel near the sink to clean my eyes. They burn. Behind me, Troy laughs, making my blood boil. I finally find a dish towel and quickly wipe my face. I still have whipped cream everywhere, but at least now I can open my eyes.
Troy is doubled over, cackling like a madman. Him laughing at my expense snaps something in me. I see he no longer has the can in his hand, so I lunge for it. Before he can stop me, I squirt what’s left of the whipped cream on his face.
Take that, sucker!
His amusement ceases immediately. He wipes his face with the back of his forearm, but I don’t wait for him to attack again. I bolt for the stairs.
“Oh no. You’re not escaping now. It’s on.”
He tackles me, wrapping his steely arms around my body and keeping me from moving.
“Let go of me.” I struggle against his hold, though I know I won’t be able to break from his boa constrictor embrace.
“No. I won’t let you go until you apologize for all the headaches you’ve caused me since we met.”
“You’re crazy! You’re the one who’s acted like a jackass from the beginning.”
I try to stomp on his instep, missing it. However, my effort makes Troy lose his balance, and we both end up on the floor. The fall would have hurt me if Troy hadn’t taken the brunt of it.
“Fuck,” he grits out.
His hold slackens, allowing me to slide away from him. It’s not until I’m on my knees, ready to get back onto my feet, that I see he’s clutching his right arm and his face is twisted in agony.
“Are you okay?”
“No. I think I dislocated my shoulder.”
Shit. His shoulder does look weird now.
“Can you get up?”
He opens his eyes and peers at me. “Yeah. Can you call Andreas? I probably need to go to the emergency room.”
“What? Are you crazy? We’re not waiting for your friend to pick you up. I’ll take you.”
“You?” His surprised tone is obvious.
“I’m not a heartless bitch.” I crawl to his left side and help him to a sitting position.
He winces when I move him, making me feel horrible. I’m responsible for his pain. I wanted to make him suffer but not like this.
“I’m so sorry,” I say. “How bad does it hurt?”
“Not too bad. It’s not the first time it’s happened.”
Our eyes lock. His are bloodshot thanks to the whipped cream. We don’t speak for several beats. The air between us seems to be charged with electricity despite our situation. His gaze