“He was totally into you, girl.” She says. I laugh and we collapse on my bed in giggles.
“You totally love him, don’t you?” She asks, settling down.
“Yeah.” I say, softly.
“So…. why aren’t you together? He is obviously attracted to you.”
“He keeps pushing me away and I don’t understand why.” I say.
“You know he is having a party tomorrow night.”
“Seriously?” I can’t believe he would do that after what happened with Michael.
“Yeah, well, apparently Natalie is inviting everyone over. His mom is going out of town for work.” She says. I’m hurt that I didn’t know about it.
“I guess I’m not invited.”
“Well, maybe you should crash it. How bout’ this…we get you all dolled up and you show him what he is missing?” I think about it. This could be fun, or I could be humiliated….
“Sure, why not.”
I only have so many more days of freedom before my mom and Tim return. Then I have to be on my guard all day and night. Why not torture Ash while I can?
We laugh away the night and finally fall asleep. I wake to the sound of drums. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard them. I notice that Trix has already left. She will be back later to help me get ready. I lay on my back and listen to the rhythm. He is fucking fantastic on the drums.
I get up and scoot to the edge of my bed. I peek into his room and there he is. He is sitting shirtless behind his drum set. Sweat is beading on his bare chest. His ab muscles are clenching with his intense movements. Holy hotness….
He glances up and sees me peeking. He winks at me and keeps pounding away. Damn, the guy is so freaking talented. I give up and walk over to the window, leaning out, listening to him. My hair is all over the place, but I could care less at the moment. I just want to soak up some of his talent. I close my eyes, sway and nod to the beat.
He picks up the tempo and I start dancing, letting loose. When he does the final clang, I laugh out loud. I open my eyes and see him smiling wide. It takes me back because it’s been a long time since I’ve seen his genuine smile.
“That was awesome!” I exclaim. He wipes the sweat from his forehead.
“I haven’t played in a while. Sorry if I woke you.” He says, getting up and walking towards the window. His bare chest is so distracting….
“What?”
“I said I’m sorry if I woke you.” He says with a knowing smirk.
“Uh…no, you’re good.” I stumble over the words still distracted by his hotness.
“That was a pretty good show last night. You might have a future as a stripper.” He teases.
“Well, you know, gotta pay the bills.” I joke back.
“You may need to keep practicing.”
“Oh, I do, huh. You think you can do better?” I challenge. He laughs.
“Oh Charleigh, you don’t want to go there. I’ll break you so fast.”
“Really? Is that a bet, I hear?” What the hell am I doing?
“You seriously think you can get me to lose control first?”
“I know I can.” I say, with a confident smile. Although, inside I’m cussing myself out.
“Okay, I’ll think about it.” He says with a sexy smile.
“Pussy.” Jesus, Charleigh, shut up!
“Oh no you didn’t.” He laughs. “Look, it would be fun, but we have to work together. I don’t screw my employees.”
“Wait a second, I’m not working for you.”
“Think again, Char Char.”
“Michael is the only one who can call me that.” I say, crossing my arms.
“Whatever.” He starts to turn into his room.
“So, I’m not invited to the party? Seems kind of stupid after the whole PR incident.” I say.
“I didn’t set this up.”
“That’s right, your sweet girlfriend did. How’s the ho?”
He laughs.
“You can come, but you better behave.”
“Count on it.” I say.
He licks his lips and then bites his bottom lip.
“Wear your hair down.” He says, winking. He turns back and goes to his drum set without looking at me again.
That man makes me crazy!
I hear the drums start up again. I have a naughty thought. I strip out of my shirt, showing off my bare back. I pull down my pajama shorts and pull my hair up. I hear an offbeat clash of the drums and smile to myself. I walk off satisfied I won round one of our challenge.
After putting on some shorts and a sports bra, I take off on my normal run. The music playing is calming me, and it makes me think. One day, I would love to hear my own voice singing the songs I wrote. I don’t want others to get credit for it anymore. I hate that Michael is suffering for me to get my chance, but… I’m also thankful it pushed me to get what I want. Maybe it’s finally time for me.
Asher was right. I used to be a fighter. I’ve lost my way. I’ve always blamed them for leaving me, but the truth is I didn’t fight hard enough for what I wanted. I should have told Michael that I wanted to go with them. I could have been emancipated from my mother. She probably wouldn’t have fought me that hard.
The should haves or could haves in life just end up making you feel bad. I need to move on. Michael is giving me the perfect out. I can tour with them. I would be doing what I love, and I would be far away from my past. I can watch over Michael and be with…. Asher.
That thought stops me cold. He has me all turned upside down. It’s fun flirting with him, but I will never confess my feelings for him again. If I act like he doesn’t matter, maybe I can make him crazy for me. I could hold the cards. Play the player.
With that thought and a little plan in my head, I head for home. I roll my eyes when I see Natalie’s car next door. I will not think about what they are doing in there. I’m such a liar. The jealousy burns through me. The sad truth is I’m a sucker for punishment. I want him and I think he wants me, but why is he playing these games?
There is something big I’m missing. Something that is keeping him from me. I need to know what happened between us. What changed his feelings from caring to hate? I feel that we are developing a better relationship. What that relationship is… I don’t know.
I run up to my room and peek into his room. It’s empty, thankfully. I take a shower and come out in a towel. I’m combing through my wet hair when I hear a shriek. My startled gaze goes to the window and I see Natalie staring at me from Asher’s window.
“What the fuck is this?” She yells at me.
I look at her like she is crazy. Asher comes up behind her and looks me over.
“What?” He asks.
“You can see into her bedroom and she is naked.” She exclaims, pissed. I look down at myself.
“I’m not naked.” Good one, Charleigh. Asher just laughs. Natalie glares at me.
“You are such a skanky ho. Is this how you try to get his attention? How pathetic! Don’t think I don’t remember your little crush on him.” She states.
“Yep, Natalie, you are so right. I’m going to drop my towel right now, so I can get him to look at me. Is that what you want to hear? That I get naked every night for him?”
“She does dance for me.” Asher states, smirking. Natalie whirls around.
“Is this why you won’t sleep with me?” She asks. She thinks she is talking softly, but I heard her. They haven’t slept together?
“Damn, that’s the smartest thing Asher has ever done. Hope is not lost! Hallelujah!” I say, throwing my arms up in the air, like I’m praying.
In doing so, my towel drops. Shit, shit, shit! Natalie hasn’t turned around, but Asher’s eyes widen. I drop to the ground, reaching for the towel. I can hear Asher howling in laughter. It makes me smile.
“Where did she go?” Natalie asks.
“Don’t know and don’t care. Let’s go.” He says. I wait for a minute and finally climb to my feet.
We
ll, that was interesting. I pull on some comfy clothes and make my way downstairs. The house is huge and lonely. I fix myself some lunch and wait for Trix to come by.
I alternate between watching reality shows to thinking about how hot Asher looked today. Do I prefer him sweaty and bare chested or dressed in his dark grungy band clothes? Definitely, bare chested.
Finally, a few hours later, the doorbell rings. I run to it and open it wide, smiling. I drop my smile when I see who is leaning against the door frame.
“What do you want?” I ask with a fake smile.
“Ice.”
“What?”
“We need more ice.”
“Well, go buy some.”
He rolls his eyes and pushes past me. I inhale his cologne. Damn, that’s super sexy too. Get control of your hormones! I mentally slap myself.
I follow him into the kitchen. He is taking bags of ice out of the freezer.
“Why do we have those?”
“Leftovers from the last party.” He says, making me feel stupid.
“Okay, bye.” I say, gesturing for the door.
“Hot date?” He asks, looking at me curiously.
“Yep. Now leave.”
“Who is it?”
I can tell he doesn’t believe me.
“None of your business! Now get out.” I say.
“Nah, I think I’ll stick around. Mike said I had to watch over you.” He says with a cocky smirk.
“Natalie is waiting.”
“She can wait.”
“Man, you’re an ass. I would feel sorry for her if she wasn’t such a bitch.”
“Guess we’re a match made in heaven.” He says dryly. I actually laugh at that.
“You said it.”
Asher comes closer to me. He takes a piece of my hair and tucks it behind my ear. He rubs the back of his knuckles down my cheek. I shudder.
“Your body is unbelievable.” He whispers into my lips. Come on, kiss me, asshole.
“So easy…” He whispers and then chuckles. I push away from him. Fuck! Round Two goes to him.
He picks up the two bags of ice and strolls to the door without a fucking care in the world. He opens the door and Trix is standing there, getting ready to knock.
“Are you the hot date?”
“Huh?” She asks, perplexed.
“Thought so. See you girls later.” He says, laughing. I’m fuming. Stupid, Charleigh!
“What was that about?” Trix asks, following me back into the kitchen.
“Just Asher being Asher.” I say.
“Are you ready for tonight?”
“No.” I say and she laughs.
“One thing is for sure… I’m going to make you look super-hot tonight!”
“Good luck!” I tease, gesturing at myself.
“Asher is not going to know what hit him!” She says, excited.
I wish I could be excited, but I’m not so sure about tonight. It could go either way.
Asher likes to play games and honestly, I suck at games.
Chapter Eleven
We let the party get started before we make our entrance. I closed my curtains and we spent hours getting ready. We heard the arrival of people and the music blaring. It was hard, but we waited for over an hour to go over there.
I take a look at myself one more time in the mirror. My reflection shows long wavy dark hair that flows down to my waist. I’m wearing low cut tight jeans paired with a black lacey crop top. My tan stomach is showing. My black ankle boots are kick ass and my makeup is a little edgy. Trix went heavy on the eye liner and shadow, making my eyes look more exotic.
“Damn girl, you look like the rock star now.” She hands me some dangling black earrings that hang past my chin.
“Perfect.” I say with a wink to her.
“We are definitely going to turn heads tonight!” I say looking her over.
She looks hot in a short jean mini skirt and a tight red V-neck shirt. Her dark hair is pulled back in a low ponytail. She always wears dark makeup so tonight is no different.
“Tonight, is about you.” She says. “Let’s get you a man.”
I roll my eyes at her comment.
“Maybe you will get one in the process.” I say.
“Girl, I’m counting on it.” She says with a laugh.
“Not BLAKE!” We both say at the same time. We start laughing.
I key in the code to lock up behind us and we start walking over to the house. Just before we enter, my cellphone goes off. It’s my mom’s ringtone. I glance down and ignore the call. I am not dealing with her. I’m going to enjoy my freedom while I can.
We enter the house and it is packed. There are people everywhere. The bass of the music is rattling the windows. Trix and I look at each other with wide eyes. The police will surely be called.
“Let’s get a drink.” Trix yells over the music.
Bodies are knocking into each other and drinks are being spilled all over the place. We push through people, trying to reach the kitchen. We finally make it and breathe a sigh of relief. It’s a little quieter in here and less people.
“Tammy is going to be so pissed!” I say, looking at the mess on the floors and counters. Trix just shrugs while checking out the liquor situation. She hands me a beer.
“Shall we?” She asks with a smile.
“We shall.” I say, looping my arm through hers. We enter the front room, and someone has turned down the music. We catch a lot of attention and I lead Trix to a corner.
“What are we doing?” She hisses to me.
“I don’t know. People are staring at me.”
“That was the point!”
“I know… I just…”
“Hey, Charleigh.” Brett says.
“Hey.” I say, embarrassed because the last time I was around him, I was dancing on a table.
“You want to dance?” He asks, tilting his head to where people are grinding on each other.
“Go.” Trix whispers.
I let Brett drag me away. He pulls me in close and starts rubbing his body on mine. I’m definitely too sober for this, but just when I was going to leave him stranded, I catch sight of Asher and Natalie. They are dancing close and Natalie’s fingers are tangled in his hair.
His eyes meet mine. His slightly widen at the sight of me. His gaze runs up and down my body and then he smirks. Natalie whispers something in his ear, but he never takes his eyes off mine. Before I know it, my body is moving with Brett’s, but my focus never leaves Asher.
His eyes harden when Brett puts his hands on my ass. I smile and run my hands through my hair. My body feels hot under his gaze. I’m trying to tell him with my eyes, that this could have been him.
Natalie turns around to see what has him distracted. I pucker my lips in a kiss and wink at her. She whips around and starts yelling at him. He just laughs in her face and walks off. She takes off after him like a puppy. Round three goes to me!
Brett turns me towards him and grabs my face. He slams his lips on mine. It’s really sloppy and there’s lots of spit involved. Who knew that the most popular kid in school sucks at kissing? When he releases me, he gestures towards the stairs. Not gonna happen, buddy.
I shake my head and gesture towards the kitchen. My beer is empty, and I want to find Trix. He looks disappointed, but nods. I leave him talking to some of his football buddies.
I find Trix at the dining room table playing beer pong. She is killing it!
“Come on, Charleigh, do the next round!” She yells out when she sees me.
“Okay.”
“I’m in.” Asher says, standing behind me. Good chills run down my spine at how close he is.
“So, what do I get if I win?” Asher whispers in my ear.
“What do you want?”
“I want you to realize that nothing is going to happen between us.”
“I never thought that.” I retort back. He smirks at me.
“What do I get if I win?”
“A k
iss.” He says.
“Shouldn’t it be something I want?” I ask. He gives me a knowing look.
“Come on guys!” Trix calls out.
He walks to the opposite side of the table from me. The game begins and I’m feeling pretty confident until I’m not. Damn, he is sinking every cup and I’m drinking a lot of alcohol. When the game is over and he is the victor, he comes over to me.
“How the hell are you so good at that?” I ask.
“Lots of down time on the tour bus.” He states with a smirk.
“Looks like I won.”
“Yeah, I’m so disappointed!” I say with sarcasm. He takes a piece of my long hair and twirls it around his finger.
“Me too, actually.” He says softly. My eyes fly to his and I can see the desire there. Damn, he plays this game too well.
“Asher!” Natalie whines out. I roll my eyes and Asher releases my hair.
“See you around, Char Char.” He throws an arm around Natalie’s shoulders and she throws me a bitchy smirk.
I roll my eyes and join Trix.
“She is such a bitch.” I state.
“Yeah, I’m surprised he is still hanging around her.”
“I think he is trying to prove a point to me.”
“What would that be?”
“No clue.”
The next few hours fly by in an alcohol induced state. I’m having a blast hanging with some old friends from my past life. I find that I miss them. Not all of them are shady like I thought. Natalie is consumed with Asher, so she isn’t paying attention to who her posse is talking to. I catch glimpses of him, and it almost looks like he is trying to ditch her, and she keeps chasing after him. I laugh myself silly on that thought.
He can’t deny the many times that I have caught him looking at me. I boldly look back. His gaze is hot, and I find myself flirting with him across the room.
“Asher!” Natalie yells out and then tumbles to the ground, trying to reach him.
He helps her up and leads her to the couch. She is trashed. He leaves her there and gestures for her friends to take care of her. They fawn over her and Asher looks relieved. He takes off and starts talking to some guys.
I decide it’s time to try to win the challenge. I have enough liquid courage in me. I walk over to him and the guys part for me. I come so close to him that our chests are an inch apart. I run a hand through his silky hair. He looks at me knowingly. The other guys start teasing us.
Lucky Me Page 10
