Sex Material

by Ashley, Victoria

  It doesn’t take long before the emptiness I’m used to consumes me. So I do what I do best and throw myself into work. And the whole time that I’m at the house working on renovations, I find myself wondering if anyone at the school knows what Douchebag Khakis did to Cami.

  As far as everyone knows they’re still dating according to Benny. I’m not sure why, but I don’t like the idea of that.

  Deciding to take a break, I step out front into the dark night and light up a cigarette. I don’t even hear anyone approaching until Cami is standing right in front of me with an envelope.

  “Here.” She holds it out to me.

  “What’s this?” I exhale, my eyes meeting hers.

  “First month’s rent and deposit. I forgot to give it to you yesterday.” She shoves it into my chest and I grab it. “Take it.”

  I take another drag and watch as Cami walks through the grass, barefoot. “You look hot-as-fuck right now,” my lack-of-filter mouth says before I can stop it.

  She stops and turns around, narrowing her eyes at me. “I don’t know how you manage to always sound so damn gentleman-like. Must be a talent you naturally possess. Goodnight, Jensen.”

  “There are lots of talents I naturally possess, Cami. You already discovered one. There’s a whole lot fucking more where that came from.” I toss my cigarette down. “Goodnight, Cami. See you tomorrow. Five p.m. Don’t be late.”

  I walk inside before my mouth can get me into any more trouble. Truth is, it’s late, and I’m exhausted. The last thing I should be doing is any kind of socializing no matter how brief it is.

  After cleaning up a counter full of empty beer bottles, I head home and take a long, hot shower to clear my thoughts.

  The pounding in my head has me searching through the medicine cabinet for some painkillers, but what I end up finding is an old medicine bottle that has me throwing my fist through the mirror.

  “Fuck!” Blood drips over my knuckles and onto the sink and floor as I reach behind me for a hand towel to wrap my fist in.

  I don’t bother cleaning up the blood. Instead, I find myself in the kitchen, drowning myself in a bottle of whiskey until I black the fuck out.

  JENSEN MADE IT CLEAR LAST night that I was to be at the house by five today and no later, but after the crap day I had at work, seeing him is the last thing I want or need.

  “I can’t believe Susan had the balls to come to your classroom and ask to speak to you in the hallway. That’s just…” Veronica stops to take a sip of her wine, as if she needs it just as much as I need mine right now. “Insane. It’s fucking insane. I would’ve cunt punched that slut so hard.”

  “Oh, I considered it, trust me.” I wave my hand as our waitress walks by. “Another round, please.” I finish off the last of my wine before setting the empty glass on the table. “She ‘apologized’, telling me she shouldn’t have gone for Douglas, but after having feelings for him for so long, spanning before I came along, she had a moment of weakness when the opportunity arose. But that’s not even the best part. Just wait.”

  I pay for the round of drinks the waitress drops off and offer her a weak smile, before diving into my fresh glass of wine.

  “Holy shit. There’s more? I’m going to need this. Hold up.” She holds her finger up, while taking a long drink of her wine. “Okay. Go.”

  I exhale and look down at my phone to see that it’s half past seven. “She asked me if I was dating Jensen.”

  “What!”

  “Yup. Can you believe it?”

  “And your answer was?” Veronica pushes.

  I swallow and set my wine glass down.

  “Well? What did you tell her?”

  I’m back to hating myself as I answer her. “I told her yes. Shit! What was I thinking?”

  “Whoa!” She shrieks. “I can’t believe you told her yes.”

  “I was embarrassed that my boyfriend wanted her and I just said the first thing that popped in my head. It was as if I needed her to see that someone else finds me attractive. Someone that she wanted and never got. I wanted to get back at her. To prove that she didn’t win. I don’t know what the hell I was thinking. I messed up big time.”

  “I’m speechless, Cami.” She smiles above her glass. “Are you going to tell Jensen that you guys are ‘dating’?”

  “No!” I shout a bit too frantically. “No. He never has to know. It’s not like I’m ever going to see Susan or Douglas outside of the school anyway. They both live thirty minutes away. I doubt they hang out here. At least I know Douglas doesn’t. Let’s just hope he doesn’t start.”

  “Speaking of Jensen… weren’t you supposed to work on the house with him today?”

  I nod, while sipping my wine. “According to him, yes. But after the lie I told today, I really don’t want to see him right now. I need a day or two, or three. We’ll see.”

  “I think that’s going to be a problem,” she says nervously. “He just walked through the door.”

  My heart drops to my stomach as I quickly turn around to see Jensen grabbing a beer from the bartender. He places the bottle to his lips and looks around the room, his eyes landing on me before I can pull mine away.

  “Why did we choose this place of all places?” I mutter once turning around to look at my best friend. “We should go. Come on.” I stand up and search in my purse for money, but just as I’m about to throw it down on the table, a twenty lands in front of me.

  “Get lost?” Jensen’s deep voice questions. “Because I was pretty positive a teacher would be capable of finding her way to the house next door.”

  My stupid heart slams against my ribcage when I bring my eyes up to meet Jensen’s icy blue ones. He needs to work on not being so incredibly gorgeous when I’m supposed to not want to see him. Ugh! “How did you know I was here? Who’s the stalker now?” I mumble.

  “Does it really matter?” he questions harshly. “What matters is that you were supposed to meet me almost three hours ago and patience is something I don’t naturally possess.”

  “I’m going to um… get another round of drinks?” Veronica questions, standing up.

  “No.”

  “Yes.” Jensen chimes in. “Tell Rachel to put it on my tab.”

  “Seriously!” I look up at Jensen, my anger flaring. “What makes you think I want to sit here and drink with you? Did you not see we were just leaving?”

  “What for?” he questions. “I’m the only person you’re supposed to meet, and since I’m fucking here instead of where you were supposed to meet me, we might as well enjoy a drink together.”

  Huffing, I return to my seat and slam my purse down on the booth beside me. “One drink and we’re done.”

  “Why?” he questions with a smile. “Are you ashamed to be seen with me in public? It’s probably something you should do since we’re dating and all.”

  My jaw drops open before I can stop it. “How did… who told you that?”

  “You tell me, Cami.” He brings the beer bottle to his lips and looks down at me, waiting for an answer. The look in his icy blues give me the chills.

  “It was a mistake. I hate her. We all say things we don’t mean when faced with someone we dislike. I wish I could take it back. So do me a favor and let’s both forget it ever happened.”

  He shakes his head and sits down beside me. “I can’t do that.”

  “Why?” I question, annoyed.

  He nods toward the bar. “You see that pretty bartender up there?”

  I shrug and sip my wine, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of me answering.

  “She’s Susan’s sister. You definitely picked the wrong place to come tonight.”

  My face heats with embarrassment when I look over my shoulder to see the bartender looking our way, as if she’s trying to determine if we’re really together.

  What I’m trying to figure out is whether I’ll look like a fool more if I confess and come clean or wait a few days and stage a breakup because Jensen is a complete assho
le.

  “Do you really want her running back to her big sister with gossip that you’re so single and desperate you lied not to look pathetic? I’m going to guess not.”

  “Screw you,” I spit out.

  “Maybe later,” he says with a wink.

  “All right, well, that bartender sure was talkative,” Veronica says, taking a seat. “She kept asking me about the two of you. I didn’t know what to say.”

  “You should’ve told her that once we leave here I’m taking Cami back to the rental and fucking her so hard she’ll hear her screams from behind the bar.”

  “No.” I growl. “What you should’ve told her is that Jensen is a huge asshole with an ego the size of Texas and he will not be taking me anywhere tonight or ever.”

  Jensen lifts a brow and tilts back his beer. I’m sure he has something smartass to say, but for some reason he decides to keep it to himself. For now, at least.

  That’s one thing I’m thankful for today.

  “Oh crap!” Veronica looks up from her phone and stands. “I forgot about the casserole I put in the oven before we left. I should’ve taken it out twenty minutes ago. Peter has been waiting on us to eat.”

  “I forgot about it too.” I stand and get ready to grab my purse, but Jensen grabs my waist and pulls me into him.

  “Don’t you think Rachel would find it suspicious if you left the moment I sat down? Stay and finish your drink and then I’ll drive you home.”

  I sit back down and exhale, realizing he’s right. “I’ll be home in twenty minutes. Maybe sooner. Save me some?”

  “You know I will. Good luck,” she says on a smile. “Try not to kill each other.”

  “I can’t make any promises,” I mutter. “But I’ll do my best to keep my hands away from his throat.”

  “You like it kinky too, I see. This should be a fun night.”

  “That’s not how I meant… you know what? Never mind. Let’s get this drink over with.” I look back to Veronica, who is watching us with amusement. “See you soon.”

  “All right, babe.”

  Things become awkward the moment we’re alone. I’m hoping with everything in me Jensen will remain quiet and let us enjoy the rest of our drinks in peace.

  “Why did you lie to Susan? I thought you didn’t want Ugly Shoes to think we’re dating.”

  So much for that hope.

  “Ugly Shoes?” I ask, confused.

  “Never mind.” He plays with the label on his bottle. “Douglas.”

  “I didn’t. I mean I don’t. But…”

  “But what?” he pushes.

  “Susan,” I grit out, squeezing my wine glass, wishing it was her face. “She pushes me. I didn’t mean for it to come out. It just did. Like I said, it was a mistake. I’m not proud of it.”

  “I get it,” he says, before ordering another round of drinks that I gladly accept, because I’m pissed at my thoughts and need an escape. “I’m sexy as fuck and you want to look good to the woman that grabbed Khaki Boy’s attention, right?”

  “No!” I blurt, causing Rachel to look our way. “You’re such an idiot,” I say, quieter this time. “Just drop it.”

  “Sure. Whatever you say.”

  “Why are you such an asshole?” I question, sitting up straight. “What made you treat others this way?”

  “Who said anything made me this way?” he responds, his jaw tight. “Maybe I was born an asshole.”

  “No.” I shake my head before taking a quick sip of wine. “There’s always someone that turns us into assholes. I know, because my mom turned my dad into an asshole when she left him for his best friend. He was never the same after that. He treated everyone around him like shit, including his only child. I haven’t spoken to him in five years, because I can’t stand to even look at him anymore.”

  “That’s unfortunate for your dad,” he mumbles, not bothering to look up at me. “But no one has that kind of power over me and never will. Now, can we drink in silence and get the fuck out of here?”

  “I thought you’d never ask,” I grit out. “Once we’re through with these drinks we’re out of here.”

  It was a lie, because one hour and three glasses of wine later, I’m still sitting beside Jensen, except now the effects of the wine has kicked in. I’m feeling good and carefree.

  And when I see Susan’s sister eyeing us over for the hundredth time, taking notes as if she’s sure we’re not really together, something inside of me changes and I move my purse out of the way to get to Jensen.

  Like I’ve thought before, he’s extremely sexy when he doesn’t talk, and he hasn’t said a word for the last twenty minutes or so. He seems just as lost in thought as I’ve been.

  Jensen grips my thigh and squeezes it when I straddle his lap and run my lips up his neck.

  “Okay. You’ve gotta be drunk to be this close to me without a knife in hand.”

  “I am.” I admit. “And Bartender is watching us, so shhh…” I place my finger to his lips, letting the wine take over. “Just go with it.”

  A small growl sounds from his chest when I bite his earlobe and give it a slight tug. Between the wine and us being watched, I’m feeling brazen. I’d never do this totally sober and away from prying eyes.

  And apparently, due to the lack of groping hands, he knows this too.

  “Cami,” he warns, when I move my hand along his strong thigh, inching toward the visible erection in his jeans. “It’s time to get you home. You’re drunk.”

  He slams the rest of his beer back and does something on his phone as I continue to brush my lips over his neck.

  “Fuck me!” he yells when my hand grips his dick and squeezes. “Austin needs to hurry the fuck up.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m not going to fuck you when you’re drunk, and if you keep touching me like that it’s going to get harder not to bend you over right here in front of everyone.”

  His words have a sobering effect, and I crawl out of his lap before hurrying to the bathroom, feeling foolish.

  Once inside, I lean over the sink and splash cold water on my face to wake myself up. “What are you doing, Cami? Holy shit!”

  I can’t believe I’m letting Susan get to me like this. I’m making a fool of myself. I’m going to tell her the truth tomorrow at work. This isn’t me. Not even close. I’ll never be this girl.

  A few moments later there’s a knock on the door, before Jensen pushes the door open and steps inside, not caring that he’s in the women’s restroom. That sobers me up even more. He’s proven to be a buzz kill more than once, and the number keeps going up.

  He waits until I turn off the water and dry my face off before speaking. “Time to go before you jump me right here in public.”

  “Don’t push me,” I hiss, embarrassed by my behavior. “Just leave. I’ll find my own way home. I’d rather not be around you right now.”

  “I’m not going anywhere without you, Cami.” He tosses my purse to me. “Austin is here to give us a ride. Pull your shit together and meet me outside.”

  With that, he walks away, leaving me standing here hating his guts even more.

  When I leave the restroom moments later, Susan’s sister is watching me with a grin. I have no idea what she thinks happened in there or what she might tell people happened in there, but the idea of people thinking we had sex in a public restroom has me wanting to disappear and be alone.

  “Let’s go,” I spit out, walking past Jensen to the car waiting on us. “Don’t say anything. I’m hungry and tired. I just need to eat and go to bed.”

  “You don’t have to tell me how hungry you are, Cami,” he says with a satisfied smile. “You already showed me and everyone else inside the bar. Now get in.”

  Unfortunately for me, I doubt Jensen will let me forget this night, and I doubt I could even if I tried.

  Once we pull up in front of the rental, I thank Austin and rush out of the car, ignoring Jensen as he lights a cigarette and watches me walk away. I
can feel his eyes on me, and I refuse to look back at his smug face.

  Veronica and Peter are in bed watching TV when I let myself inside, so I quietly make myself a plate of her casserole and climb into bed to find something to watch while stuffing my face.

  “Hey, sweets. I was expecting you a while ago,” Veronica says from the doorway. “Are you okay?”

  I nod and fork my plate of food. “Other than making a complete fool of myself, I’m as okay as I can be. I think I just need to sleep this day off. Is it cool if we don’t talk about it?”

  “Of course, babe. Let me know if you need me. We’re watching Sons Of Anarchy for like the fifth time, so it’s cool if I take a break.”

  “Thanks.” I shove a bite of food into my mouth, before speaking. “And this is delicious, by the way. So good. Thank you for dinner. I’ll make us tacos tomorrow.”

  “What about Jensen?” she says with a small smile. “He’s going to expect you tomorrow since you blew him off today.”

  “I don’t know if I’m even still getting the place. It’s too complicated with Jensen right now and my stupid lie. I need to figure things out when I’m sober.”

  She nods. “You’ll figure it out. Talk to me tomorrow.”

  “Sounds good. Night.”

  “Night.”

  Moments after she leaves my phone vibrates with a text from Douglas.

  Douglas: Please tell me you didn’t have sex with that Jensen guy in a public restroom.

  My stomach twists into knots. What I expected to happen has already started. Looks like Susan’s sister really was taking notes. She’s worse than the damn paparazzi.

  Less than a minute later two more messages come.

  Douglas: Are you two really dating? Answer me, Cami. I deserve answers.

  Douglas: I’m waiting…

  “Seriously!” Him pushing for answers and assuming he deserves anything from me has me answering with another lie just to piss him off.

  Cami: YES. So fuck off.

  I toss my phone down in frustration and set my plate on the nightstand, forgoing the eating part and going straight into the sleeping part.