Page 1 of Maneater

Chapter One

Darien

“Oh, man!”

I throw my body against the couch cushions in frustration, twisting the game controller in the air as if I were actually behind the wheel of the wacky vehicle on the big screen TV. Kade and I have the racing game set to the highest speed, something we’ve never tried before. But since it might be the last time we get to play together, we’ve decided to go for it.

I jerk forward again, gasping as Kade blocks my car, sending me careening into a boulder.

“Oops.” Kade laughs maniacally, and I growl.

“Curses! You’ll regret that rash move.”

I run my tongue across the top of my teeth, tension coiling in my body. One vicious T-bone, two sideswipes later, and a sore jaw from clenching my teeth—I reign victorious, barely making it across the finish line before he does.

We both go limp, the controllers falling out of our hands as we pant as though we’ve run the LA Marathon.

“Phew,” I say. “I thought you had me up until the last second.”

Kade shrugs. He has a rep in our small circle of friends for being a sore loser. “Well, it wouldn’t be fair for me to beat you on your last night in town.”

I snort. “Yeah, that must be what happened.”

Kade gives me the side eye. “Whatever, dude.”

He launches himself from the couch that takes up most of the space in his studio apartment. Kade is in one of the older Hollywood buildings, closer to the hills by the sign. Some of them can be pretty cool, but this one isn’t much bigger than a closet, and I can’t think of anyone who would describe it as being cool.

It’s the type of building that might’ve been built in the early days to accommodate the droves of hopefuls climbing off buses and dreaming of stardom. This particular throwback of a structure boasts charming architectural Deco touches but is primarily a wreck.

The rickety cage elevator hasn’t worked in decades, the ravages of time have been painted over so often the cupboards won’t close properly, and the stains on the ceiling from water leaks past have become a part of the décor.

But it’s what he can afford, and I’m grateful to have a place to spend my last night in California. I’ve already cleared out of my bedroom in the apartment I was renting with our other friend, Chuck. He’s stuck working a shift at the fancy French restaurant where he’s a server, so he wasn’t able to join the festivities.

Kade emerges from the bathroom and pads the five steps into the kitchen. Fuck me, it’ll be so great to escape this city, have some room, breathe clean air. Get away from all the noise and chaos. A flutter fills my chest.

This is really happening. I’m really leaving for Arkansas in the morning. I swallow around a lump in my throat. All by myself. Sadly, no one in our crowd but me appreciates calm and nature.

Kade peeks from around the open refrigerator door. “Wanna soda or anything?”

“Nah, I’m good.”

I sniff, clasping my hands before placing them in my lap. Yeah, I’m excited to finally be starting my new life after planning my escape from LA for so long. But I’m also leaving behind everything and everyone I’ve ever known.

Kade takes another five steps from the kitchen toward the couch and plops down next to me, beer in hand. Square footage is for the wealthy. Not one of us in our crowd can lay claim to the W word. Not even close.

He pops the tab of his drink and takes a big slug. He wipes his lips with the back of his hand. “Sorry that you’re stuck sleeping on the sofa bed with me tonight.”

I frown. “What makes you say that? I’m grateful you’re letting me stay.” I whack his knee. “You saved me from having to get a motel. And anyway, it’s not like I haven’t crashed here before.”

Kade takes another gulp, then sets the can on the TV tray. A coffee table would’ve taken up the only space left to walk on. At least the tray can be moved around at will and folded up when it’s in the way.

He glances up. “I just figured maybe Gia would’ve asked you to stay with her tonight.”

Ah, yes. That’s what this is about. He’s fishing for ex-girlfriend gossip.

I rub my mouth to mask my smile. “Dude. The last thing Gia would ask me to do is spend the night with her. We’ve been broken up for over a month.” I look away. “Officially, anyway.”

Kade smacks my arm. “What do you mean by that? You have a side piece?”