All Right, Kid

by Nikki Paris

  I needed to clean up my act. I needed to focus on what I wanted in life and stop chasing ass.

  I had my stupid, entry-level job at an investment firm, but it wasn’t what I wanted. What did I want, though?

  ◆◆◆

  I collapsed onto my bed and groaned. What the hell was I about to do? I’d spent the last three weeks forcing myself to focus on what I really wanted out of life. It resulted in me enrolling in an executive MBA program. Classes started next week, and I was about to kiss my social life good-bye.

  In all of my stupid “soul-searching,” I’d decided that I liked numbers. They were easy, and they made sense —unlike love. I was fascinated by how companies chose to spend their money. What was my dream job? Chief Financial Officer. What did I need to do to be that? Get an MBA and a little more work experience? Easy. Done.

  At least now, my mom could get off my back about one aspect of my sad little life. But, having class three nights a week after work would make it so that I came to less of her family dinners. She seemed okay with the trade-off when I told her I’d enrolled.

  My phone buzzed on my nightstand, and I groaned again. I was too tired to roll over and see who had texted. It buzzed again, then one more time. “Fuck. Fine.” I mumbled and forced myself to sit up. It was from Dominic. DUDE! We’re partying tonight. Come to Habit!

  I thought I was tired now, but this time next week, I wouldn’t have the energy for any of these crazy nights. I should get off my ass and squeeze in one more night of fun. I texted back. I’ll be there in twenty.

  I rolled off my bed, changed my clothes, and ran some texture cream through my hair. Then I took an Uber to the club to meet the guys from work.

  Dominic, Trey, and Max were already at a table with several empties between them. “There he is!” Dominic cheered when I approached. “Let’s get some shots over here! This guy’s about to learn how to be our boss!” Dominic was stoked that I was starting school again. He kept saying he wanted to get an MBA, too. I’d just have to show him how it was done.

  I sank into an empty chair between Trey and Dominic and tossed back the double shot of vodka the waitress handed me. We kept the booze and the jokes flowing, and two hours later, I was solidly drunk.

  Rule number one when you’re trashed: DON’T text the girl you’re into. I recalled the rule and then laughed and pulled out my phone. I typed out a text to Skylar. You’re so damn hot. I’m not letting you get away again. Have your fun, just fucking come back single, got it? I pressed send and then tossed back another shot of vodka.

  “Dude, I am hammered.” Dominic laughed. “Look at that sexy blonde over there. Tia would be pissed as hell, but I want to fuck her.”

  I laughed and rested my head in my hands. “Don’t do it, man.”

  “You do it then.” Dominic shoved my shoulder and took a sip of his beer.

  The loud music pounded in my ears, and I glanced over at the blonde. She was a solid seven, but maybe that was the alcohol talking. I wasn’t interested. “I’m good.”

  “The hell is wrong with you?” Dominic slurred.

  Skylar. She was what was wrong with me. I couldn’t get her out of my head. My phone buzzed, and I was surprised to see a message from her. Then I laughed. Duh. I’d just texted her. What did I say to her again? I burst out laughing when I read the text I’d sent. Then I read Skylar’s text. You confuse the hell out of me, Derrick. What exactly do you want from me?

  Sex. Maybe a few rounds of Halo. I wanted other things, too, but even drunk me knew better than to say it.

  Skylar responded with the middle finger emoji. I laughed and slid my phone into my pocket. God, it was fun to mess with her. I would have bet my life that she was rolling her gorgeous eyes and trying not to smile. I loved her smile. I was going to make it happen with Skylar someday. I was going to be the guy that deserved her.

  16

  Two Years Later

  Skylar

  “Mom! Dad!” I hugged my parents on our porch and grinned. God, it was good to be home! It was winter break, and I’d just made the ten-hour drive from LCU. I loved my school, and it was a dream come true to live and breathe dance every day, but I couldn’t wait to graduate — only one more semester!

  “Hi, sweetheart! We’ve missed you!” My mom gave me a big kiss on my cheek, and we walked inside. “What are your plans for the break?”

  I sighed and set my bag down in the entryway. “I think I’ll be here for about two weeks. I’m heading back up on January 4th.”

  “Great! I’m assuming you’ll be getting together with Maci a lot? I saw Kate at the grocery store last week, and Maci is dying to see you.”

  “Absolutely. We’re meeting up for coffee tomorrow, and then she’s throwing this big New Year’s party at her apartment.” I couldn’t wait to see Maci! And of course, I’d been thinking about Derrick, too. Ugh. I saw him once, last summer, when I came home for a week-long visit. I saw him in the Myles’ backyard with his dad and quickly convinced Maci to go out dancing with me. I didn’t want to talk to him. I told myself it was because I didn’t care and that I was over him.

  But I was a big fat liar. I was scared that he’d break my heart.

  The pact with Nat didn’t work, and I gave it up after a few months. She’d fallen in love with someone new, though. So, yay for her.

  My mom smiled and led me into the kitchen. “That sounds fun! I made your favorite homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner! Come eat.”

  My dad picked up my bag and followed us to the kitchen. “It’s good to have you home, Sky-bug.” He rubbed my shoulder and smiled.

  ◆◆◆

  When I showed up for Maci’s New Year’s party, her apartment was packed. I scanned her living room and couldn’t see her anywhere. I headed for the kitchen, where it was less crowded and leaned against the counter.

  “Skylar Jones.” His voice shouldn’t still send chills down my spine. I turned to look at Derrick and instantly wished I hadn’t. He looked sinfully good in a navy blue button-down and light wash jeans. His dark hair was a little longer than the last time I saw him, and his chin and jaw were covered in a sexy stubble that wasn’t usually there. He made my mouth water, and my pussy practically drip.

  “Hey, Derrick.” I tried to sound disinterested.

  He smiled and stepped up beside me. “You look good.”

  I smirked at him. “I know, bitch.”

  Derrick laughed. “You’re still rude.”

  I laughed. “Wouldn’t you be disappointed if I wasn’t?”

  “I would.” His gorgeous green eyes traveled up and down my body. I wore a skin-tight red dress that hit me mid-thigh. He was clearly a fan. Derrick stepped a little closer. I could smell his intoxicating cologne. “Can I get you a drink?”

  “White wine.” I gazed at his lips. It would be so wrong to kiss him at Maci’s New Year’s party. She and I had been so busy with school that we’d hardly even seen each other in the last year. I was here for her, not her sexy as hell brother.

  I took a deep breath as Derrick walked away. Fuck. I wanted him so bad. Every time I saw him, I went through this.

  Derrick returned and handed me the white wine. “It’s fun that you’re old enough to drink with me now.” I rolled my eyes, and then he asked, “Are you seeing anyone, Skylar?”

  “No,” I answered too quickly. I needed to reign it in and pretend I wasn’t dying to sleep with him. Sleeping with him would be such a bad idea.

  “Good girl.” Derrick grinned and ran his fingers through the ends of my hair, making my heart feel like it would leap out of my chest.

  Ugh. I loved and hated the power he had over me. I fought to steady my breathing. “ I didn’t stay single just because you asked me to. You’re so full of yourself.” I rolled my eyes and meant to step away. Instead, I stepped closer.

  Derrick laughed. “Am I? I’ve never heard that before.” I loved and hated the smug look on his sexy face. “So, Skylar, I’m not seeing anyone either—”

&nbs
p; I rolled my eyes and interrupted. “Of course you’re not.” The stupid words he’d said four years ago echoed through my head far more often than I’d ever openly admit. “I don’t like being tied down. There are way too many sexy girls in the world to just pick one.”

  Derrick sighed. “You think you have me all figured out, don’t you?” He took a sip of his drink and then said, “I’ve always wondered something…” Derrick’s shoulder brushed against mine, sending butterflies rushing through my stomach.

  I smiled and stared straight ahead, not meeting his gaze. “What’s that?”

  “We’ve had some really hot kisses — like the night you left town, on the hood of my car, and back when you were like twelve, and we used to play Halo together.”

  I laughed. Damn. I was trying to play it cool, but he always made me laugh. “You mean the night we almost fucked in your parents’ basement?” I glanced over at him. “And I was seventeen. You shouldn’t actively try to make yourself sound like a pedophile.”

  Derrick burst out laughing. I’d forgotten how much I loved his laugh. “Skylar, you’re funny. I always forget two things about you: you’re funny, and you’re sexy as hell.”

  “Hmm. Well, I always forget you exist.” I smirked at him and turned my gaze back to the party. Maci’s party planning skills had infinitely improved over the last few years. This party was actually kind of cool.

  “Liar.”

  I shrugged. “What was it that you’ve always wondered?”

  Derrick leaned forward and whispered, right in my ear, “You were a damn good kisser. What are you like in bed?”

  My heart rammed against my ribcage. I was twenty-one years old and still in love with my childhood crush. He was whispering sexy things in my ear and making my knees weak. “Careful, Derrick. I might just show you.” I had experience now. I wasn’t an innocent little virgin, and I could make Derrick feel good. I smirked at him, and then walked away, making sure my hips swayed a little extra.

  Nice, Skylar. You played it sexy and cool. He’ll be eating out of the palm of your hand in a few hours.

  I spotted Maci and headed over to her. “Everything looks great, girl.” I draped my arm around her shoulders. She’d decorated her apartment with a mix of icicle and fairy lights. Large, gold snowflakes hung from the ceiling, and it all gave the illusion of a warm winter storm. The conflict was genius.

  Maci smiled at me and slid her arm around my waist. “Thanks! I know you hate parties, but I’m glad you came!” She gave me a sideways glance. “You look like sex on a stick tonight, by the way. Is there someone you’re trying to impress? Because I mean, mission accomplished for 95% of the males in this room, and at least 5% of the females.” She looked at someone across the room. Not at Derrick, right? She didn’t know. She hadn’t seen us flirting.

  I laughed. “I’m open to impressing anyone that wants to look.” I glanced over my shoulder and saw that Derrick still had his eyes glued to my backside.

  Maci laughed. “Well, that’s everyone, but I thought those days were behind you.”

  I rolled my eyes. Maci didn’t like it when I had my pact with Nat. She thought it was stupid, but she didn’t know why I was doing it. “Those days are past me, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have needs, Maci.”

  “Oh, Skylar. Just pick guys that are good enough for you, yeah?” She looked at me with her earnest brown eyes and then changed the subject. “Hey, how’s dance going? I’m so sorry I missed your winter showcase!”

  I smiled. “Maci, it was ten hours away, and you also had a million finals to prep for. I forgive you.”

  “I know, but… like, we show up for each other.” She looked sad. “At least, we used to.”

  I sighed. “Yeah. I hate being so far away from you. I’m almost done with school, though, and then we’ll be together all the time!” I set down my wine and took both of her hands in mine. “How are you doing, by the way, with all the Blake stuff?”

  Maci’s eyes filled with sadness. She and Blake had been on again off again since our junior year of high school. They either needed to get married or just end it for good. Maci’s hopeless romantic heart couldn’t handle much more of this rollercoaster.

  They’d broken up three times since high school but always got back together within a week or two. This last time though, felt worse. Blake had told her he wanted to see other people, because how could they really know they loved each other if they didn’t have anything to compare it to? When Maci told me what he’d said to her, I wanted to murder him.

  I still wanted to murder him, and it had been three whole months.

  Maci sighed. “I miss him, Sky. I miss him so much it hurts.”

  I frowned and wrapped my arms around her. “Will you let me kill him yet?”

  Maci half-laughed, half-cried. “No, because then he’d really be gone, and I’d miss him even more!”

  I laughed. “You’re too sweet for this world, Maci Myles.” I released her and looked up to see Blake walk through the door. He spotted us and pushed through the crowd to get to Maci. I sighed. “Well, he’s here.”

  Maci’s eyes popped, and her mouth dropped open. “Here? Blake?”

  I nodded and slowly backed away. “I’ll give you guys a minute.”

  Blake stood a few feet behind Maci, looking completely heartbroken. “Maci?”

  She turned, with her eyes full of hope. “Yeah?”

  “I’m so stupid. I miss you so much, and I feel like I’m going to die without you.”

  Maci flung her arms around his neck, and they started making out right in the middle of the party. I rolled my eyes and said, “For the love of God! Stop breaking up! Just get married, okay?” Then I walked away.

  I wandered through the house, stopping to chat with a few friends, always hyper-aware of Derrick’s location. He was heading toward me now, with something absolutely scorching in his eyes. Was it desire? For me?

  “You wanna get out of here, kid? Maci looks busy, and I know you’ve never been one for big parties.” Derrick stuck his thumbs in his front pockets and gazed at me with that scorching look.

  “Where do you have in mind?” I asked.

  Derrick shrugged. “My place. I have my own boring office job and my own boring house now.”

  I smiled. “That’s what I’d heard. You’re a financial planner, right? That’s so lame and boring, Derrick.”

  He laughed. “Thanks. Yeah, moving rich people’s money around is my new favorite pastime.” He stepped a little closer. “Well, my second favorite. I know how to do a few other less boring things that I think you might like.”

  I groaned. “Derrick, I don’t want to play Halo!”

  He burst out laughing. “Skylar, shut up and come with me. I’ve been dying to sleep with you since you were seventeen.”

  I narrowed my eyes and stepped a little closer. We were only a few inches apart now, and I could feel electricity crackling over every inch of my body. “I’ve been waiting for you to grow up so that you deserve to sleep with me.”

  He laughed out loud. “Skylar, I have a house! How much more grown-up do you want me to be?”

  My heart raced. Was I going to do this? It was a terrible idea. I shouldn’t.

  “Text me your address. I’ll leave in twenty.” I smirked at him and turned to walk away. I didn’t need to ask if he still had my number. We’d exchanged a handful of flirty and sexually charged texts over the years. Was it possible that the years of flirting and teasing were about to turn into something real? I knew I shouldn’t get my hopes up, but there they were, floating past the ceiling.

  17

  Skylar

  I pulled up to Derrick’s house with my heart racing and palms sweating. We were going to sleep together, finally. Was this just a hookup? Or did Derrick actually have feelings for me now?

  I walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell. Derrick pulled it open a moment later and just gazed at me.

  “Derrick?”

  “Yeah?” His voice
was soft.

  “It’s cold out here. Can I come in?”

  He laughed and backed away to let me inside.

  “Nice place.” I glanced around his cookie-cutter suburbia house. It looked like a page out of a Crate and Barrel catalog. I laughed. “Do you have a wife? Are there a couple of kids and a dog hanging around here somewhere?” I wandered down the hall and into the kitchen.

  Derrick followed close behind. “Yeah, my wife is going to join us in the bedroom, if you’re cool with that. I feel like I remember you being open to that kinda thing.”

  I glanced back at him with my eyebrows raised. He laughed and slid his arm around my waist. “I’m kidding! I bought this fully furnished model home a few months ago because everyone at work was talking about how smart it is to invest in real estate.”

  I faked a yawn and said, “Damn. You got boring. Maybe you’re too old for me now. Maybe we missed our window.”

  Derrick laughed and shook his head. “Shut up. Just fucking kiss me.” He grabbed my face with both hands and pressed his lips into mine. I didn’t want my heart to soar. I didn’t want to get lost in him, but he felt so damn good. I kissed him back and pushed him up against the wall, pressing my body into his.

  “Oh, God, Skylar.” Derrick’s hands roamed every inch of my body. “Your body is incredible. Oh, fuck. I want you naked.” He cupped my ass and sucked on my neck.

  I could hardly breathe, and I definitely couldn’t think straight. Derrick’s hands felt like bliss on my body. I managed to string together a few coherent words. “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”

  Derrick laughed and said, “All right, kid. Show me what you got.” He flipped me around and unzipped my dress in one fluid motion. He covered my shoulders and back in kisses as he slid the dress down. I wasn’t wearing a bra under my dress, just black lace panties. Derrick wasted no time in yanking the panties down. “Mmm, Skylar, you look good enough to lick.”