by Jacob Chance
My lips form an automatic grin. “Hey. How was the rest of your day?”
“I had a good time. It was great hanging with Eliza and her family is always fun to be around.”
“How’s Eliza dealing with the breakup?”
“It’s a struggle for her, but I’m really proud because she’s giving him space to work everything out. She’s not calling him, or trying to force anything.”
“That seems like a good plan. I really don’t think they’ll be apart for much longer.”
“Hmm. I hope you’re right.” I hear the scuffle of her moving around.
“Where are you now?”
“I’m in bed.”
My body automatically reacts. There’s something about hearing her utter ‘bed’ in that husky tone. It gets me thinking about the times we were in mine together. I swear I can still smell her on my sheets and pillow. My mom wanted me to strip my sheets the other day and I made up some lame excuse and told her I’d do it this week sometime. In reality, I want to go to sleep with Perri’s scent on my pillow for as long as I can.
“That’s a coincidence because I am also in bed.”
“You’re not going to make this weird by asking me to touch myself so you can listen, are you?”
“Jesus, Perri. The things you say.” Any chance of my dick not being hard as a rock has quickly flown out the window.
“What?”
“You know what. Now stop torturing me. I’m trying to behave. Work with me, woman.”
I giggle, “How was your dinner? What did you do for the rest of the night?”
“Dinner was nice. It was just the four of us. My mom made a roast and all our favorite side dishes. After we ate, my parents’ best friends came over with their daughter.”
“How old is she?”
“She’s my age. We grew up together. Went to prom together.”
“Did you date her?” she snaps.
“We went out on a couple of dates, but nothing ever came of it.”
“What about tonight? Did you want something to come of it?”
“Perri, I thought we came to some sort of agreement when you were here. We’re going to be friends who give each other orgasms, remember? Others might be into doing that with more than one person, but that’s not the type of guy I am. I thought I’d made that pretty clear.”
“Not as clear as you thought, I guess,” she sniffs.
I chuckle, “Good to know. I’m going to say it again. I’m not looking to orgasm-date anyone else. In fact, I called you to see if there’s any way you can come spend New Year’s Eve with me. My parents are going out of town for the night. You could arrive the day before, meet them, and then spend as much or as little time here as you’d like.”
“I’d love to visit, but I need to work. But I might be able to swing it for a couple of days. Oh man, I can already taste the pumpkin spice coffee and omelet at the Blue Sky Cafe.”
“You just want to visit for the food and drink. I see how it is.”
“Totally. But I’m sure we can find something fun to do while I’m there.” She sounds playful and I love this side of her.
“I have no doubt that we can. In fact I’ve got a few ideas already.”
“Tell me about them.”
“We can kiss until our lips ache. I don’t know that we’ll be able to sleep together until my parents leave, but once they do…”
“I like what I’ve heard so far.”
“When you were here I forgot to show you one of my favorite things about this house.”
“Really? What is it, because I thought I saw it all.”
“There’s a hot tub off the back of the house in our three season porch.”
“Doesn’t three season mean you’re not supposed to use it during winter?”
“Technically yes, but the water is so warm you won’t mind the cold. When you get out you have to grab your towel and run inside.”
“Sounds like a blast,” she gibes.
“You’ll see how amazing it is and I know for a fact that I’ll enjoy it much more with you here.”
“Why didn’t you ask your prom friend to go in with you?”
“Are you jealous? Because thinking of you being jealous about another girl is pretty hot.”
“Maybe a little.”
“I don’t know why you’d worry. You’re already most of my firsts. And I won’t be any of yours.”
She remains silent for a few seconds before she agrees, “I know.”
“I’m going to grab some sleep. Donovan and I are hitting our home gym at seven a.m.”
“Why so early?”
“Because then our workout is done and we don’t have to think about it for the rest of the day.”
“I don’t remember seeing the gym. Where’s that?”
“That’s also off the back of the house. I’ll remedy that when you’re here. We can workout together.”
“I’d like that.”
“Sleep well. I’m going to pretend you’re here in my arms until you finally are.”
“I can’t wait for that moment. Night.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Perri
Five days later
Nolan meets me at my driver side door, pulling it open before I have a chance to. Sliding one hand underneath my thighs and one behind my back, he picks me up and removes me from the sport utility. He releases my legs and I wrap them around his lean hips, clinging to him like a koala on a tree branch. No words are spoken between us. Our eyes roam over each other’s faces, recalling every vivid detail before we break and crash our lips together.
We kiss frantically, devouring one another with thrusting tongues and grinding hips. We kiss like this is our last chance. Like the end of the world is here and these are our last moments.
Nolan braces my back against the side of my vehicle and cups my face in his palms. His pace slows, his lips soften and he shows me how much I mean to him. His tongue leisurely strokes mine, while his hands slip under my hair, cupping the back of my neck.
His mouth slides across my cheek to tease my ear lobe. “I missed you, friend,” he rasps before his lips slide down to nibble on the side of my neck. Is he reminding himself or me that we’re only friends? Because our kiss felt familiar and emotional.
Clutching his hair, I tug his head back and stare into his bright blue eyes. “I missed you, too.”
“I hate to break up the reunion, but mom and dad want to meet Perri.” Donovan stands at the rear hatch, his hands in the pockets of his jeans.
I smile and give him a little wave before tucking my head into the crook of Nolan’s neck.
“We’ll be right in,” Nolan assures him. We watch as he turns and walks back inside the house.
Nolan’s fingers dig into my sides making me giggle and squirm. “Don’t be embarrassed that my brother saw us kissing. You have nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I’m not ashamed of anything. Public displays of affection make me feel weird.”
“You’ll get over that if I have my way. I just started to touch you. I’m not about to curb that for anyone.”
“Not even your parents? Or our friends at school? Won’t they think it’s weird that we’re friends if we’re all over each other?”
“For my parents I will, but fuck what our friends think.” He lowers me to my feet and squeezes me in a quick hug. “Come on. Let’s get inside so you can meet my folks. My brother and I can grab your bags later.”
Kicking my boots off, I place them in a cubby, along with my jacket and scarf.
“You’ll score points with my mom for putting your stuff away.”
“How else can I make a good impression?”
“By being yourself.” He taps the tip of my nose with his fingertip.
“I’m a little nervous. I haven’t met anyone’s parents since high school.”
“Really?”
“That surprises you?”
“A little. I guess I imagined you’d have new friends th
at would introduce you.”
“Not, really. Eliza is my best friend. And most of my other friends are from dancing. I did have an ex-boyfriend who was from Chicago, but I never got the opportunity to travel home with him while we were together.”
“How long did you guys date?”
“About five months. I beat him out for the job at the school paper and that was the end of our relationship.”
“You deserve someone who’ll celebrate your victories, not compete with them.” He takes my hand, pulling me to stand in front of him.
I shrug. “And that’s another reason why relationships are a bad idea. Friends are much more supportive of each other’s successes.”
Donovan peeks his head around the doorway of the mudroom. “Guys, please get upstairs and put mom out of her misery. She can’t wait any longer and she’s driving dad and me crazy.”
“So, you really mean please put you and dad out of your misery.” Nolan reasons.
“Pretty much. Now follow me, please.” Donovan leads the way through the finished basement and up the stairs to the main floor. I trudge behind him and as we reach the midway point of the staircase my stomach uneasily stirs.
What if his parents hate me? Especially his mom. What if he’s one of those momma’s boys who does everything she tells him? What if she tells him I’m not friend material and he listens?
“Perri.” Nolan stops behind me, and squeezes my arm. “Stop worrying. My parents are the easiest going adults you’ll ever meet. They’re going to love you, I promise.”
“You think?”
“I know.” He brushes his lips against my cheek and pats me on the ass. “Get going.”
Nolan laces our fingers together when we reach the main floor and gives a quick squeeze. He releases his hold and leads me into the living room. His parents both rise from the couch as we approach. His father is almost as tall as Nolan and he gets his eye color from him, although his dad’s are shielded by black framed glasses. His mother is petite and has a similar hair color as Nolan, although hers is lighter, leaning more toward a sandy brown.
“Mom, Dad, this is Perri.” He gestures to them. “Perri, these are my folks.” Nolan releases my hand and I want to grip hold of him again.
His mother steps forward. “Please, call me Patty. And this is my husband, Allen.”
“It’s nice to meet you both.”
His dad shakes my hand. “Have a seat. You must be tired after the drive.”
Nolan and I lower onto an oversized leather ottoman near the fireplace. The flames are warm against my back, soothing the chill that overtook me when I first arrived. Of course, Nolan helped warm me with his kisses, but now, sitting shoulder to shoulder like this, a comfortable and reassuring warmth spreads through me. I want to climb onto his lap, burrow my face under his chin, and inhale his woodsy scent. But I don’t think that would impress his parents or reassure them that we’re only friends.
His mother smiles. “Perri, tell us about yourself.”
I hate when people say this. I always want to ask if they can be more specific. What would you like to know? Because I don’t really want to volunteer anything.
Nolan’s leg nudges mine. And I imagine him saying ‘it’s okay’. Can he sense how anxious I’m feeling?
“I’m a junior at Boston University. I live in an apartment off campus with my cousin Eliza who’s also a junior.”
“What are you majoring in?” his father questions. Are they going to take turns every time?
“I’m a journalism major. I want to be a writer.”
“That’s a tough gig.” He shakes his head, but not in a disapproving way. “It’s admirable to see someone your age who knows what area they want for a career.”
“There are a few ways I could take my writing, but I’m not sure which way things will go. I could end up reporting news which I’d love, but I’d also like to try my hand at penning books.”
“You can certainly do both. They’re not mutually exclusive.” He smiles.
“No, they’re not.” My lips lift in reaction.
“Where are you from?” Mrs. Archer asks.
“Wellesley, Massachusetts. It’s about twenty minutes from Boston.”
“Have you always lived there?” she continues her inquiry.
“I have. My parents bought the house we live in when I was a baby and we’ve been there ever since.”
Nolan shifts on the ottoman and the outside of his thigh brushes mine. “Perri’s father is the dean at Boston University. He’s the one who arranged for me to go there. And also the person I met with when I first arrived.”
Mr. Archer nods. “I remember you telling me about him.”
“He’s a great guy,” Nolan praises.
A buzzer goes off interrupting and Patty rises. “Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. I hope you’re hungry, Perri.”
Nolan laughs, “She’s always hungry.”
I jab my elbow into his arm. “Hey, be nice.”
“What’s not nice about that? I love a girl with a healthy appetite.” A half smile hooks the side of his lips and shows his dimple.
If only he wasn’t generalizing. I imagine anyone loved by Nolan Archer would be one lucky woman.
“Mrs. Archer, can I help you with anything?”
“No, dear. And please, call me Patty.” She walks off and seconds later I hear her talking to Donovan before the sound of dishes clanking is heard.
“We should head into the dining room before Patty gets after us,” Allen cautions with a teasing smile.
Nolan stands and pulls me to my feet beside him. We follow his dad into the dining room. Patty and Donovan have set out a serving platter with the sliced roast along with bowls of vegetables lining the middle of the table.
We all get situated in seats; me next to Nolan and across from Donovan who winks reassuringly at me. The food is passed around and we fill up our plates. Silence falls as we focus on eating the delicious meal.
I’m hesitant to break the silence, but good manners dictate it’s the right thing to do. “Everything is delicious. Thank you so much for having me here.”
“My mom makes a mean roast,” Nolan joins in.
“Thank you. I’m glad you like it.” She gestures at the three guys. “With all they can eat it’s easier to make a roast.”
“How was your vacation?” I query Mr. Archer.
“It was wonderful. We saw the Great Wall of China. What an awe inspiring sight.”
“I’ve always wanted to see that. It’s on my bucket list.”
Nolan leans close showing his interest. “What else is on your list?”
“Dancing on stage in Vegas.”
“Really?”
“Yep. I’d love to perform an aerial act there. I have a couple of friends from my dance school that moved out there. They told me the audiences are like no other and every night they perform for a packed venue.”
“Maybe we can take a trip out there and you can see for yourself.”
Go on a trip with him?
“Why do you look so shocked?”
“I guess I didn’t expect you to say that. We haven’t been friends that long.”
He shrugs with one shoulder. “Aren’t you on a trip here right now?”
“You make a great point. I really didn’t think of it that way.”
“What kind of dancing do you do, Perri?” Patty draws my attention from Nolan.
“She’s a stripper,” Donovan answers deadpan. It’s evident that Mr. and Mrs. Archer are both surprised. There’s no hiding it with their mouths frozen in an expression of stunned silence.
I snort and cover my face. Half of me finds this amusing and the other half is embarrassed and horrified. And I never get embarrassed. I really wanted to make a good impression.
“Donovan, knock it off. Perri’s not a stripper.”
Donovan grins mischievously. “I couldn’t resist.”
Patty’s eyes sweep to Donovan, silently scolding him before sh
e moves them onto Nolan. “She’s not a stripper?”
“No, mom. Perri’s not and since she’s sitting right here, you can ask her yourself.” His tone is bristly and I pat his leg under the table to calm him.
“What kind of dancing do you do, dear?” She wastes no time asking again.
“I do all kinds, actually. I perform at a theatre in Boston a few nights per week. I dance in the chorus, I have a modern dance duet I perform, and also an aerial act.”
“You must have trained for many years,” Allen observes.
“Yes, most of my life.”
“You should see her, Dad. She’s incredible,” Nolan effuses, and I can’t help but fall for him a little more. Friends, Perri. Only friends.
“How do you find time for dancing, performing, and school?”
“It’s not easy, but I really don’t have a social life, so that helps. And I’ve always been a goal oriented person.”
Allen gives a quick nod in my direction. “That’s admirable for someone your age. It seems like you and Nolan have that in common.”
“She gets great grades too,” Nolan boasts. “And we have a lot of similar interests.”
We do?
“She can snowboard almost as well as me.” He winks at me to take the sting out of the truth. I might be good on a snowboard, but I’m nowhere near as good as Nolan.
“Another similarity between you.”
Glancing at Nolan next to me, I smile. Maybe his parents won’t think it’s weird that we’re just friends now that they know more about me.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Nolan
Dinner and dessert are over and all in all my parents weren’t too weird. I’m relieved no one mentioned anything awkward, aside from Donovan making the stripper joke. Although I got after him, that shit was funny as hell. Even Perri took it well.
“What do you guys have planned for the rest of the night?” Dad wonders.
“We’ll probably watch a movie or play some cards.”
“I made up the guest room with clean sheets for Perri,” my mom volunteers this information as a reminder for me. She doesn’t want Perri in my bed, even as a friend. I already got the friends don’t sleep together lecture from her before she agreed to let Perri come visit. It didn’t matter that she’d already spent five days here without my parents being home.
