The smile he offered took my breath away. It would have turned most women into blind fools. Wearing that, he could do whatever he wanted and get whatever he desired, apart from me.
Hesitation radiated from his behaviour when he lowered his head somewhat. Realising what he wanted, I smiled wryly and stretched up on my toes to meet him. His warm mouth moulded against my own, but it felt different this time. There was a vulnerability behind the motions of his lips, as if he were holding back to protect himself from harm, when what he truly wanted was to consume me. While part of me wished the moment would last forever, a larger part demanded I pull away.
“You know where I live,” he said and proceeded to cup my cheeks in his hands. “So, if you change your mind, you’ll know where to find me,” he added and quickly stole another kiss. When his lips parted from mine, I was mesmerised by the urgency in his eyes. “Do change your mind,” he implored.
I gave him a faint smile and turned away from him. With a sigh that came straight from my heart, I headed into the car. Once he’d shut the door for me, he tapped the window on the front passenger side. Curious, I leaned over to see what he wanted. The driver rolled down the window, and through it, William extended a few notes to cover the fee for my trip. “Drive safely,” he stressed.
“Of course, sir,” the driver replied.
“Thanks. Have a good day.”
“You too.” With that, the driver rolled up the window again and pulled out on the street.
It was tempting to glance through the rear windshield, but I didn’t. Instead, I pouted to myself while I wished him all the best. Right man, wrong time, was what it was. So, in the end, he wasn’t really the right man at all. Had he been, he would have arrived later, when I’d be ready to commit to someone.
6
SOUNDS LIKE YOUR TYPE
During the trip, I opened Olivia’s text.
‘You alive? x’
‘Just left. Can I call you? x’
A moment later, she called.
“Hi,” I greeted.
“How was it?” Olivia wasn’t beating around the bush.
Heat prickled my cheeks. “He was brilliant – all around.”
“I knew it!” she cheered. “You had so much chemistry, Cara. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m so happy for you.”
“Yeah, suppose we did,” I mumbled as I studied my nails, and I wondered to myself whether there were remnants of his skin still underneath them. In the end, I did recall clawing down his back several times.
“What are you going to do, then? How were things this morning?”
“They were a bit awkward, mainly because I rejected the chance to see him again.”
Olivia groaned loudly. “Cara, why? Why would you do that? If you liked him, why not give the poor man a chance? I seriously don’t think you’ll ever come across a better model of the male specimen in your life. I know I won’t.”
I chuckled. “I’m sorry, but that’s just stupid. I won’t think like that.”
“Why not?”
“Because I hardly think it’s right to start seeing someone based on that premise. Grabbing the chance merely because I don’t think I’ll come across something better? Please. He deserves better than that.”
“So you didn’t tell him your name, then?”
“No.”
“Poor man.”
I sighed. “Yeah, he was quite remarkable. I wonder if I’ll regret it. Then again, I’m not one to wallow in the past. Besides, I’ve got far too many obligations to mind as it is, so I’m sure it was for the best.”
“Just don’t come complaining to me when you end up alone.”
I looked out the window. “Well, there’s a difference between being lonely and being alone. I seriously doubt I’ll ever be discontent with being alone. You see, I rather enjoy solitude. It’s my best friend. We get on so well.”
She groaned again, and I knew that if she’d been here, I’d have seen her eyes roll.
To change the subject, I asked, “Anyway, how was your night?”
“I had such a blast, Cara.” I could hear the smile in her voice. “We left the bar after a couple of hours and went to play table tennis. Some random lads joined us, as well as a couple of girls, and it just turned out to be a really fun night. I made so many friends I’ll probably never see again.”
Her last comment made me laugh. “I’m glad, Livy.”
“Yeah. But you know, Andy did tell me something after you left last night, about William.”
Dread made my chest contract. “What did he say?”
“It’s nothing bad, but I just think you ought to know.”
“Know what?”
“Apparently, Will’s not one to have one-night stands very often. Andy was quite shocked about it after you left. Mentioned it had been years since it last happened.”
I’d already inferred as much, but that didn’t prevent my heart from clenching in that same unfamiliar manner. All I could think was that it was the last thing I needed to hear. “Are you saying this to make me feel special? Because I don’t require an ego-boost.”
“Oh, Cara. I think you know why I’m saying it. Just something to consider.”
“There’s nothing to consider,” I corrected curtly. “Anyway, I’m nearly home now. Speak later, yeah?”
“Yeah. Tell Jason I said hello when you see him.”
“Will do. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
§ § §
Upon unlocking the front door and pushing it open, I discovered Jason exiting the bathroom just behind it, wearing nothing but a towel around his hips. With his dirty blonde hair and light blue eyes, he resembled Apollo himself – especially with that towel that could have doubled as a fustanella. Any other woman would have taken the opportunity to ogle his impressive physique, but since I’d witnessed it countless times by now, I hardly noticed.
“There she is,” he greeted once our eyes locked. “How are you feeling?”
“Tired.”
“I bet.”
“Livy says hello.”
He frowned, as if he’d suddenly recalled something. “Whatever happened to her last night?”
“Well, the guy I slept with was there with a friend, so she spent the rest of the night with him. Went to play table tennis apparently.”
“Sounds like fun. They end up in bed?”
I shook my head. “No. She wasn’t feeling it, and neither was he. Like her, he was fresh out of a relationship.”
“But I thought the whole reason you went out last night was to find her a rebound?”
“Yeah, but she’s changed her mind. Told me a one-night stand isn’t going to help her get over Colin, so she’d rather wait till she makes a new genuine connection with someone.”
Jason looked impressed. “Good for her.”
“Yeah, I thought so, too. Anyway, I’m sorry for making you wait.”
He scoffed. “No worries, love.” Folding his arms, he tilted his head and smirked. “Well?”
“Well what?”
“Did you stick to your rules, then?”
I sighed as I undid the sash of my coat. “Yeah.”
He shook his head in comical despair. “Poor man. Was he gutted?”
Upset at the reminder, I pouted. “Quite.”
He tutted. “Again, poor man. I’m so glad I’ve never fancied you that way when you’re as unattainable as they come.”
I snorted. “Don’t be silly, Jason. Besides, I’m not sure you would have liked him much, so you shouldn’t feel bad for him. He was very forthright – and opinionated.”
Jason was far too idealistic in his nature to tolerate a brutal force like William. If there existed a single person who could make Jason lose his temper, I was confident that William would be that person.
“Sounds like your type,” he teased.
I chuckled. “Definitely was.”
Jason’s eyes widened considerably then. “What are you wearing!” Laughter spilled out of him.
Glancing down at myself, I sensed my embarrassment reveal itself in my face. “He tore my knickers apart. Gave me a pair of boxers to compensate, as well as a T-shirt.”
“He did what?” Though he continued to laugh, he sounded more shocked now.
“Yeah, he was something else.”
“Jesus Christ, what a brute. Were they expensive?”
“No. Besides, it was honestly quite arousing.”
Disbelieving, Jason shook his head. “What else did he do? Who is this guy?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
His ensuing smile was sympathetic. “You never do.”
I nodded. “Just easier to leave it in the past that way.”
“You know best.” He gestured towards the mountain of boxes standing outside my bedroom door. “Anyway, shall we crack on with it, then?”
“Yeah.”
§ § §
The following Monday, I walked into Bentham House alongside Olivia, where we had planned to meet Aaron in the social hub before our lecture in Advanced Contract Law. It was the only module I had in common with her now that we had completed the compulsory ones of the first and second year. While she was ambivalent about the module, I found it nothing short of riveting, and the same applied to Aaron, which wasn’t all that surprising when considering the fact that Aaron and I had selected all the same ones. While Olivia preferred areas of public law, Aaron and I favoured private law.
Upon entering the social hub, I scanned the people present until I located him next to a girl named Cassie. I had nothing against her, but I had a funny feeling she rather disliked me, and I suspected it was because she had developed feelings for my regular bed partner. Aaron denied it, but I wasn’t convinced.
‘She doesn’t dislike you,’ he’d always say, ‘and she doesn’t fancy me that way.’
“Ah, Cassie,” Olivia murmured from beside me. “Of course.”
I chuckled. Olivia absolutely could not stand the poor girl after she’d overheard her gossiping about me in one of the common rooms two years ago. I hadn’t minded because I was aware that I came across as aloof and therefore tended to give off a terrible impression.
“Retract your claws, Livy,” I joked and adjusted my bag on my shoulder.
“I can’t believe he doesn’t see it. She’s so taken with him – it’s almost painful.”
“He insists she isn’t.”
Olivia raised a brow and faced me. “Would you be cross if he ever sleeps with her?”
Dumbfounded, I replied, “It’s far too early for this, but no, of course not. He can sleep with whomever he likes. We’re not in a relationship.”
“What if they start dating?”
“Then he’ll have my blessing.” I shrugged.
While it was true that a small part of me worried that he’d fall in love with someone else, it was only because it would mean that I’d ultimately lose him as a bed partner, and I didn’t think I’d ever find another Aaron. He truly was the ideal fuck friend. I’d be gutted if I lost him before I was ready for it to happen. However, I’d been aware of that risk ever since the beginning of our arrangement, so of course I wouldn’t be so selfish as to get angry over it.
If he fell in love, I’d be the last person to stand in his way, because while I didn’t love him romantically, I loved him as a friend, and that meant I’d put his happiness first.
“You’re so rational it should be criminal.” Olivia smirked.
“Hardly.”
“Do you even have an ego?”
“A huge one,” I joked.
“Oh, he’s seen us,” she warned and turned her head to give him a smile of acknowledgement. Once I looked over, I saw him walking towards us, and behind him, Cassie glared daggers in my direction.
Tall and lean, Aaron Myers was easy on the eyes. His dense Afro-textured hair was cut short, and I had a habit of clawing through it whenever he claimed my body. In the comeliness of his face resided eyes that were nearly black in colour, and they regarded me with tenderness as he approached.
Ambitious and strategic, Aaron was one of the cleverest men I’d met, and his introverted nature complemented mine. His presence was profoundly comforting. He’d listen in silence and contemplate whatever I had to say before he’d offer unique insights and impressive reflections.
We had met during our first year at UCL at a social event that the university’s student union had organised to provide students with an opportunity to make friends and start networking. He had been seated with a group of lads, but he’d looked far from interested in whatever they were discussing.
Across the room, our eyes had met. Instead of looking away, I’d given him a small smile, which he’d immediately returned. Excusing himself from the others, he’d approached me, somewhat shy in his demeanour. I was easily the more socially confident one, and he seemed to have appreciated that, because once I’d started talking, he’d expressed no desire for me to ever shut up.
That night, we’d wound up in my bed, and from there, our casual arrangement had been set into motion. In fact, one of the things I fancied most about sleeping with Aaron was that his schedule was aligned with my own, so finding time for a sensual round was never much of a challenge.
We’d done it in the lavatories on campus several times – generally whenever we required a quick break from studying. Another bonus was the fact that Aaron wielded skills that were above average. He was keenly attuned to my needs and always prioritised them, just as I made a point of prioritising his.
Alas, the expertise of a certain man I’d met this past weekend forced him into the shadows. William possessed what I considered to be an X-factor. Aside from his outstanding talents between the sheets, there was something remarkably compelling about him. However, I couldn’t put my finger on precisely what it was. He was just so assertive and self-assured – seemingly unshakable. I admired his apparent resolve about things. He knew what he wanted, and he didn’t waste a second trying to seize it.
Like a breath of fresh air, he’d been exceptionally stimulating. That was just it – he was exceptional.
“Hiya,” Aaron greeted and successfully distracted me from the dangerous lane of thought I’d entered. I reminded myself at that moment not to think of William. It wasn’t fair to Aaron, and it wasn’t good for my sanity. William was the past. Aaron was the present, and I would keep it that way.
“Did you have a nice weekend?” he continued and managed to steer me right back onto the thought of William.
“It was quite dull, to be honest,” I lied. Olivia gave me a knowing glance, but I ignored it as I continued, “I finished unpacking most of my things, but had to order a new wardrobe from IKEA since there wasn’t enough space for all my clothes. Bought a desk while I was at it.”
Aaron chuckled. “I’m not even slightly surprised. Jason help you out?”
“Yeah.”
“Good of him. You could’ve asked me, you know.”
“I know, but I wanted some quality time with him since neither of us has got much time to spare with my exams coming up and his current placement at the hospital.”
“Understandable. How about you, Livy?”
“My weekend was great. Spent it with my mum.”
“Weren’t you and Cara going for a drink on Friday?” he probed her then, but she didn’t so much as twitch.
“We did.” She smiled. “Was great fun, but we decided to head home early because of exams coming up,” she explained with a nonchalant shrug.
“Responsible of you,” he commented, amused. “So, I take it your plan to find a rebound failed, then?”
“I cancelled t
he quest,” she replied with a chuckle.
“Oh. How come?”
Since I’d already heard this part, I zoned out of their conversation and started towards the lecture theatre. I was adamant about sitting at the front, which was why I always arrived early.
§ § §
With a few other classmates, we were sitting in the café for lunch after our lecture when my phone notified me that I’d received an email. I wasn’t usually one to look at my phone when surrounded by my friends, but since I wasn’t particularly involved in their current discussion, I decided to take the liberty.
As soon as I identified the sender my heart jolted. It was from Day & Night LLP where I was set to complete a vacation scheme this summer. Alarm ruled my body as I rushed to open it. I hadn’t expected to hear from them during this time, so I was worried it contained bad news regarding my work experience placement. While I waited for it to load, I prayed to the god I didn’t believe in that they weren’t going to terminate it. Once the text showed up, I was at first met with a polite greeting from Theresa Ainsley, who was the woman I’d been both interviewed and hired by.
As I read on, I was pleasantly surprised.
“You okay, Cara?” Aaron suddenly asked, and it occurred to me that he must have noticed my apprehension.
Lifting my gaze from my screen, I replied, “More than okay. I’m brilliant, actually.”
Everyone fell silent around me.
“What’s up?” Aaron probed with a frown.
“I’ve just received an email from Day & Night.”
“And?”
“Well, it appears one of their paralegals is pregnant and is going to take maternity leave this summer, so they’ve asked whether I’d be interested in extending the length of my work experience placement. They’ve offered me to shadow one of their solicitors instead, as a paralegal slash legal assistant. Essentially, they’re offering me to be a trainee for a few months.”
Aaron’s lips parted while Olivia gasped beside me.
“You’re kidding!” she exclaimed.
“Am not.”
Skin of the Night: Book One of The Night series Page 9
