The First Time is the Sweetest by Erin M. Leaf Read Free Book Online Page A

tell he was getting angry as Darrin and his friends continued to joke around.
    “Just ignore it,” Sabrina said, pushing the hurt down. “They’re not worth it. I told him he would never get his hands on me again, so he’s just trying to save face.”
    “I know.” Jimmy sighed. “I just hate when guys act like complete morons. Gives us all a bad rep, you know?”
    Sabrina nodded. “We should just go, I’m done here,” she said, pushing her plate away.
    Jimmy agreed, then tipped his cup to finish his coffee. They split the bill, and she grabbed her iced tea to finish on the way home. She wanted to get out of there and forget all about Darrin, but just as they left the table, Darrin walked over, smirking.
    “Who’s this?” he said, nodding at Jimmy and reaching out to touch her hair. Sabrina stepped back, glaring at him as Jimmy tensed.
    “None of your business,” she said.
    “Oh, I think it is my business,” Darrin replied, staring at Jimmy rudely. Darrin and Jimmy were the same height, but where Darrin was heavily muscled almost to the point of grossness, Jimmy was lean. He was very strong, but graceful, as though he were a dancer rather than a body-builder. Darrin snorted as Jimmy rolled his eyes. Sabrina couldn’t help snickering. It was a bit absurd for Darrin to be so obnoxious after one date. Jimmy shook his head and took Sabrina’s arm, but Darrin stepped in front of them.
    Sabrina frowned. “Go away, Darrin. I’m not going out on another date with you, so don’t even think about asking.” She began to move around him. Jimmy placed his hand on her back, ready to follow her lead.
    “Oh please, you can’t seriously be thinking of breaking up with me?” Darrin asked.
    She stopped and stared at him in disbelief. “We’re not dating! We only went out once, seriously. And it won’t be happening again, especially not after last night’s demonstration.” By now, Darrin’s friends had joined them, standing behind Darrin, chuckling and leering.
    “You don’t think this little guy can take us all on, do you?” Darrin jeered.
    Jimmy, little? Was Darrin a complete idiot? Jimmy was six feet tall! “What are you talking about?” Sabrina retorted. “I’m not going out with you. I’m not going on another date with you. There’s no reason to drag Jimmy into this, and frankly, you wouldn’t like the outcome if you did.” Sabrina was growing angry as well as frustrated. She had no idea Darrin could be such a moron. Sure, he had been a jerk on the date, but it never occurred to her that he would simply not accept reality. Maybe it’s the presence of his friends making him belligerent , she reasoned.
    “Come on, Sabrina,” Jimmy murmured. “Let’s go home.”
    She nodded, but as they moved past the boys, Darrin reached out and grabbed Jimmy’s arm.
    “You think you’re going to just leave?”
    Jimmy stared at the hand pressing into his skin, then looked into Darrin’s face.
    “I’m not your girl, Darrin!” Sabrina exclaimed, exasperated.
    “Sabrina’s made it clear to you that she’s not interested,” Jimmy growled. He flexed his arm, getting ready to pull away if necessary.
    “Or what?” Darrin grinned malevolently.
    Sabrina rolled her eyes, then caught Jimmy smiling at her obvious derision. She saw Darrin tighten his fingers, pressing into Jimmy’s skin hard enough to bruise. She could tell the exact moment Jimmy made the decision to move.
    “Or this,” he answered quietly. Suddenly, his arm was free and Darrin stood there looking shocked, then angry. Darrin reached for Jimmy again but missed as Jimmy moved Sabrina behind him where she would be safe. He blocked the arm heading for his face, hoping to avoid further violence, then realized Darrin’s friends had surrounded them.
    Sabrina glared at Darrin, angry that he was ruining her morning. She wasn’t afraid. She had a tendency to throw punches first and think of the consequences later. She may not have had a lot of