by Ashley Erin
“Wait! You haven’t met her, but my friend Nella lives alone and she doesn’t like the neighbors in the upstairs apartment. She won’t say why, but I assume they are too noisy. Maybe she could move in and you would both save money!” The thought of having my two best friends close to me has me bouncing up and down until Lucas sets his hands on my shoulders.
“If we hit it off at the party tonight that is a fabulous idea.”
“Oh you will. She’s awesome, and will balance your crazy well.” We smirk at each other as Kensi flips me off.
“Okay lover boy. Get out. We need to get dressed and ready for this party.” Lucas kisses me quickly before Kensi pushes him out the door and turns to me with a gleam in her eyes. “I bought you a new dress.”
Oh. No.
Despite Dean’s protests I managed to keep the party small. Dax and the girls haven’t arrived yet and Dean is currently pouting as he drinks his beer because the girl he invited hasn’t shown up. Our buddies Carter and Jaden are playing Halo. I’m impressed Jaden came, he is always so intense on his studies especially around this time of the semester. Carter, on the other hand, is always up for a good time.
Andie hasn’t met Carter and Jaden yet. Carter was finishing up the football season and Jaden always has his nose in a book. We’ve gone out a couple of times for a guy’s night, but it never worked to have them meet her. Andie seemed to think I didn’t want her to meet them, but I reassured her they are just busy and I didn’t want to overwhelm her with all the testosterone.
“Pity party of one going on over here?” Elbowing Dean as he fidgets with the label on his beer bottle. He shakes his head like he is physically shaking off images of this girl.
“Nah man. Plenty of other women there, just waiting for the sausage fest to end.” He smirks at me and he quits pouting, going to join the guys in their game.
“You’re going to want to prepare yourself guys. The girls went all out.” Dax comes in, shutting the door behind him and greeting everyone. He has come out with us on nights we hung out, usually when Andie was with Nella, and he immediately clicked with all of the guys.
It was funny to see their apprehension at first because when he first approached us he had a glowering look on his face. Dax without smile has this presence to him that all at once makes people respect him, but feel a little uneasy. I had told him to do that because I thought it would be hilarious, I was right. Once they realized how easy going he really is, they relaxed and he has become one of the guys.
All heads turn as the door opens again carrying the sounds of giggles and female voices. Shaking my head with a smile as Kensi comes strutting in like she’s on a runway. I glance out of the corner of my eye as Dean, Jaden and Carter all drop their controllers with jaws dropped. She does look hot in a black dress that enhances her cleavage. As she turns, the fact that the dress is backless has all the guys except myself and Dax squirming in their seats. Kensi gives them all a knowing wink before stopping in the center of the living room.
Andie wasn’t lying when she said that girl is a handful.
“Up next, we have the stunning Nella. Boy’s adjust yourselves because you’re in for a treat.” Kensi announces. Sympathy for Nella fills me. She is so quiet and shy, making Andie look extremely outgoing. She slowly walks in the room, blushing furiously.
Somehow Kensi managed to get Nella into a red strapless dress that is tight in the chest and then flows loosely to just above her knees. Soft coughing behind me catches my ear and I see Carter shifting uncomfortably, eyes trained in on Nella. Smirking at him as he looks away, a pensive expression on his face, I return my attention to the girls. Nella moves to stand slightly behind Kensi, nervously checking her dress, blush still highlighting her cheeks.
“Last, but definitely not least, we have Andie. Boy’s beware, she is smoking hot, but don’t look too closely, Lucas may cut your members off.” She winks at me as all the guys except Dax look at me out of the corner of their eyes. Smirking, I focus on the door eagerly waiting to see what she convinced Andie to wear.
Taking a deep breath, I lower my eyes to the floor to mentally prepare myself. A foot clad in the sexiest black stiletto I’ve ever laid my eyes on steps into the room and I gulp as I widen my stance, damn it’s a good thing I wore jeans. Trailing my gaze up her bare legs, I’m fully aroused as I take in the skin tight dress that stops mid-thigh. It is sea-foam green and fits tightly to her entire body, showing off each and every curve. One of her shoulders is bare as the dress drapes from one shoulder, fitting tightly into the rest of the dress.
Little diamonds sparkle around her waist, drawing your eyes to her hour glass figure. Andie’s long hair falls in waves over her shoulders, teasing her skin and I want to wrap my hands in the glossy strands. By the time I meet her gaze, she is nibbling on her lower lip nervously. Maintaining eye contact, I stride towards her and wrap my hand in her hair, tilting her head back slightly and kissing her.
My tongue meets hers and I pull her into my body so she can feel what that dress is doing to me. The heels make her head pass my shoulders and yet the way she curves into my body still feels right.
Coughing and gagging noises sound from around us and I reluctantly pull away. Her eyes dance as we both try to catch our breath and I resist the urge to tell everyone to leave. Kissing her gently on the lips, I turn around and walk her over to introduce Jaden and Carter.
“Let’s play Mario Kart.” Andie suggests as we finish eating the pizza Dax picked up. Smirking, I watch as Jaden, Carter and Dean all jump up, psyched to play. Kensi, Dax and I all grin at each other. The boys are in for a shock. “I should probably . . .”
“No, you shouldn’t.” Shaking my head, I cut her off. Oh, I can’t wait to see their reaction. Andie smiles as I wink at her. The guys look at me oddly before going back to loading the game.
“Ok do we want to battle or do a race?” Carter grins, sure he is going to win.
“Let’s race.”
Carter loads up a track and the countdown begins. Andie carefully sits on the floor between my legs, relaxed and ready to kick some ass. With the final ding, they are off and Andie is quickly in the lead.
“Holy shit!” Dean, Jaden and Carter all lose some of their stride as they gape at Andie racing expertly through the track.
Andie wins each race and several battles before the guys are admitting defeat.
“You hustled us!” Dean laughs good-naturedly.
“I was going to say something, Lucas thought this would be funnier.” Laughing, I kiss Andie before going into the kitchen for another beer. Carter follows me in to refill his drink.
“I can see why you decided to give up that whole ridiculous no dating rule. She’s pretty awesome.” Carter nods his approval.
“It served me well dude. What about you? Technically you don’t really date.” Carter is a flirt and never lacks company, but none of the women he sees stays around for long. Although come to think of it, he’s been more focused on sports than usual this year.
“Yeah, just haven’t found one that keeps my interest.” His eyes seek out Nella again and I bite back a chuckle.
“I don’t know. A certain someone in a red dress seems to be holding your interest.” Unable to resist calling him on it, I laugh when he darts his eyes away from Nella and purposely turns away from her.
“Nah, she’s too quiet. She does have a smokin’ body though. Besides she lives in our building on the floor below us. Too close for comfort.” Carter looks away from me as he takes a deep drink from his glass.
Smirking to myself as Andie and Nella walk up behind Carter, I can’t help but chuckle.
“Hey guys.” Andie greets us and leans into me. She’s been a lot more affectionate since our snow shoe date and my heart hopes that she is starting to feel the same way about me as I do about her. Smiling at her, I watch Carter’s reaction out of the corner of my eye. As Nella stands next to him, he can’t stop looking at her. Nodding to Dean, I subtly gesture to them and he gets a w
icked grin.
“What’s up guys?” Dean asks and throws an arm around Nella. She blushes red and looks shocked that he would do that. It’s almost as though she is used to being invisible. I see Andie narrow her eyes at Dean, but I squeeze her shoulder reassuringly. She glances at me curiously and I nod slightly at Carter whose jaw is clenched as he shoots daggers at Dean who is smiling shamelessly at him. Nella recovers from the shock and ducks out from under Dean’s arm to stand by Andie.
A smug grin spreads across Carter’s face before he realizes and fixes a neutral expression in its place. Dean smacks him on the shoulder and walks away laughing. Andie and Nella look at Dean in confusion before linking arms and walking back to where Kensi is shamelessly flirting with Jaden. He looks relieved at the interruption and leaves them.
“Kensi is a force to be reckoned with.” He smiles to soften his words. “Anyways, I have a paper to finish tomorrow so I’m going to head home.”
“Oh shit! That reminds me I have a huge presentation due in Sports Med this week. I’m out too.” Carter and Jaden shout goodbye to everyone as they head out the door, Carter’s eyes lingering on Nella before he shuts the door.
“Nella and I better go. With the house clearing out I don’t trust you two to keep your hands off each other.” Kensi and Nella hug Andie goodbye.
Dean and Dax follow, loading up a game of Call of Duty. Andie eagerly jumps in and Dax tosses me a controller.
“You two can be on a team, Dean and I can take you.”
An hour later, Dax and Dean are groaning as Andie and I defeat them again.
“It’s time to call it a night. I don’t think I can handle any more of this shame.” Dean laughs as he nudges Andie on his way out the door.
“Yeah, I’m going to head across the hall before you two start mauling each other. Goodnight.”
Andie sighs and folds herself into my arms.
“I’m exhausted. It’s new having a social life, I’m used to hanging with Kensi or you and Dax, but this whole crowd thing is tiring.” Andie smiles happily despite her words. “It feels kind of nice having a normal group of friends, doing a normal party. Instead of holing myself up unless Kensi convinces me to do something.” She tries to pull away, but I tighten my grip, hugging her closer before bending down and draping her over my shoulder.
“This dress has been torturing me all night.” She giggles as I carry her into my room and flip her onto my bed. The temptation is too much and instead of teasing her like I want, I quickly undress and lift her dress up, pushing into her rapidly and keeping a fast and hard pace until we both come, moaning in pleasure.
We’re lying in bed when Andie gets up and starts getting dressed. “Lucas, I think I’m going to head home tonight. I have some homework to do in the morning and it will be easier if I can start it right away.” Pouting, I reluctantly walk her to the door and kiss her goodnight.
“Come see me tomorrow when you’re done with your homework.” Shutting the door, I head back to my room, jumping when my phone starts to ring.
“It’s a little late don’t you think?”
“I’m sorry, you know I wouldn’t be calling if I didn’t really need you. I got stuck in the driveway and need you to dig me out. I know it’s a long drive, but I really need you, we have an appointment really early tomorrow morning and it will be forever until we can reschedule a new one. Please Lucas.” Ava’s voice is strained and I know she feels bad.
“Okay, I’m on my way.”
“I will pay you back. After our appointment Noah and I will swing by and bring you a treat. We can spend the day together and I can finally meet Andie.”
“Ha! It better be a good treat!” She thanks me profusely and I hang up the phone. Shit, this is going to be a long night. I think about texting Andie, but decide against it. If I hurry, I shouldn’t be gone for too long.
Yawning, the words in my textbook blur together. I slept like shit last night. I had been home less than 10 minutes when I heard Lucas’s car start up and roar off. Tossing and turning, I finally fell asleep around four in the morning and he still hadn’t returned. My gut has been tied in knots all morning and I’m worried. What if something happened to him?
What if . . . Carla’s words resurface and I wonder if he’s found someone else. Why else would he be driving off in the earliest hours of the morning? No, that can’t be it. Shaking it off, I trust that Lucas had good reason for leaving the apartment in the middle of the night.
It’s now eleven in the morning and his car pulled up four hours ago. It feels wrong to be watching, wondering, but I can’t help it. The doubt in the back of my mind lingers despite trying to push it away.
Feeling sick, I slam my text shut and try to talk myself down. He has done nothing to make you doubt him. Why do you have to be so fucked up? Fuck! I need to remember that I am better than my past and that Lucas doesn’t deserve my doubt. Guilt fills me as I realize I’m fulfilling my own prophecy, and that Lucas isn’t an asshole. Getting up, I decide to forgo the homework and spend the day with my boyfriend.
Biting my lower lip, I knock on the door. Why won’t this feeling go away? Footsteps sound from inside and the door swings open. Standing there is a gorgeous woman with short brown hair wearing a pair of Lucas’s sweatpants and one of his t-shirts.
“Hello?” Her voice is soft, sweet and it makes me feel sick. She sounds happy and content, the way I imagine I sound after waking up in Lucas’s arms.
Looking past her in shock as Lucas stumbles out of his room, sleepily rubbing his eyes.
Gritting my teeth, anger floods my entire being and I stalk over to him, pulling him back into his bedroom and slamming the door. “What the fuck is going on Lucas? I leave your house last night, hear you drive off and some hussy opens the damn door?”
Lucas opens his mouth to speak but I cut him off. “I trusted you. I trusted you when Carla told me you would do this and you said she was full of shit. She is wearing your clothes. You didn’t even try to hide it. Last night we . . . and then this? That’s fucked up.”
“Andie!” Lucas shouts, I immediately cower away from him. A knee jerk reaction from my childhood. “That’s Ava. My sister. Her picture is on the wall . . .” His voice is softer and he steps in. Flinching reflexively as he raises his hand, I cringe as he drops it with a sigh.
I haven’t really looked closely at the photos on his wall, but I can see the family resemblance. I’m such a fucking idiot. “I’m sorry.” Whispering, I back away to the door.
Lucas follows my steps and this time when he reaches out I don’t flinch. His hand gently strokes my cheek and he pulls me into his arms. “She needed me to dig her car out last night. She came here after some appointment she had. She slipped in the snow outside our building and needed dry clothes.” He sighs, I can feel the heaviness in his heart at my reaction and my constant distrust.
“That makes sense. I’m really sorry I jumped to such a shitty conclusion. I’m going to go, I will text you later okay?” Lucas sighs again and drops his arms from around me. Turning, I slip out of his room and rush out of his apartment without meeting Ava’s eyes.
The whole episode in Lucas’s apartment felt like it happened in slow motion, when in reality I was in and out of the apartment in less than twenty minutes.
I can’t go home, I’m ashamed of my reaction and I honestly don’t want to see the disappointment in Dax’s eyes too.
Running down the stairs and out into the snow, I head to Nella’s apartment. Maybe some time with my girls. They won’t agree with my reaction either, but they will understand where it came from.
As I walk briskly across campus, I’m so embarrassed at my reaction and berate myself for being so fucked up, I can feel tears building and I try to hold them back without success. They stream down my face in frozen little trails as I finally reach Nella’s building and knock on her door. She gasps when she sees me and pulls me into a hug.
“I’m calling Kensi.” Nodding, I lay on the couch and sob un
controllably.
“Hi Kensi? It’s Nella . . . Andie is here. Something has happened . . .” She pauses as Kensi talks to her. “Andie, is it your dad?”
Shaking my head, I gasp out, “Lucas.” Tears fall, my breaths come in and out in gasps. I can’t even breathe enough to tell her not to think the worst.
Tears escape for my lost childhood, the escape for the woman I could have been and the girl I once was. The escape for Lucas and the rough road he has if he chooses to deal with my chaos. All the tears I’ve restrained, the tears I’ve not allowed myself to truly cry are flooding out of me.
“She says it’s Lucas.” Nella hangs up and sits by my head, stroking my hair and making soothing noises, gasping when she sees the swelling in my hand. “What happened?”
“I . . .” Hiccupping, I just shake my head. Nella silently strokes my back.
Nella’s door bursts open and slams shut. Kensi is here, her strong presence taking over the room like a force of nature. She races around to the front of the couch and kneels in front of me, concern etched on her face.
“Oh sweetie.” Her voice is soft as she takes in my puffy eyes and tear streaked face. She gets up and gingerly crawls over me, laying behind me on the couch and wrapping me into her arms where I fall asleep, tears still escaping my exhausted and burning eyes.
I’m on fire and crushed under something. Why can’t I move? My eyes burn as I try to open them and the events from this morning come crashing back causing tears to fill my eyes. How do I still have tears? I’ve lost so much water from crying, I’m shocked I haven’t become a dried prune.
Wiping the back of my hand over my eyes to clear them, I look around and realize that Kensi has fallen asleep with me and her legs are thrown over mine. Well that explains the fire and the weight. A glass of water appears in front of me, reaching out I meet Nella’s empathetic gaze as I take the water.
Sitting up, I down the glass and she takes it wordlessly to fill it up again. This time I sip slowly at it. “Thank you.” Shit my voice is hoarse. “What time is it?”
