The Perfect Emotion (Book Two of The Perfect Series)

by Rolka, Melissa

  “It’s your turn now.”

  “Okay… I don’t plan on hurting you. In fact, all I want to do is protect you from getting hurt, Kate. And abandoning you isn’t even an option. I care about you too much…” He cups my cheeks with his thumbs pushing my chin up to look into his eyes and then he mouths, “olive juice”. Slowly I close my eyes and let a small smile fall upon my lips. Before I open my eyes the softness of his lips brush along mine. His teeth graze on my bottom lightly and then he sucks it in between his lips. I let out a deep and heavy sigh that sounds like a moan. He releases my bottom lip with a chaste kiss. “I’ll answer and explain everything else, but let’s get out of here. I need you closer to me and probably in less clothing,” he says in a deep husky tone and then winks. I practically melt and find myself pressing my legs together squirming wishing I had the friction of Reed’s expertise fingers or maybe mouth or… Dear God what have I turned into?

  I wash my face off and run my fingers through my hair before we make our way to exit out of the restroom. My cheeks remain flushed though especially once we exit the bathroom. Luckily, the rain has stopped and Reed thought ahead to sneak us through the kitchen and out the back door. Once back in the alley Reed guides us down to the main road and there waits his car. I feel guilty leaving without saying goodbye to Bonnie, but am extremely relieved I didn’t have to face anyone. It dawns on me as Reed opens the passenger door that I probably should be more embarrassed with Reed for my overreaction. Of course, I am slightly embarrassed, but I told him everything I was feeling and why. It feels right … and good.

  Reed shifts into gear and off we go back towards campus. The one thing I absolutely hate about this car is that he can’t really hold my hand or touch me when he drives. I’ve never felt this need or craving to be embraced with someone as much as I do with Reed. My mind stirs curiously as I concoct up answers to my questions, but I remain quiet knowing that he said he’d answer all my questions.

  “I’m taking you back to my place tonight.” Raising my eyebrows in shock and questioning his authority I turn towards him waiting for him to notice my reaction. I can see him chewing the inside of his check as if he is deep in thought. It occurs to me that maybe it’s harder than I thought for him to open up about his past and family. I had been thinking that he was intentionally keeping things from me, but I may be wrong. I’m still waiting for him to notice me so I cough mockingly and he turns to take in my expression. “Shit, I’m sorry, will you come back to my place tonight?” He says with laughter in his voice and I of course lower my eyebrows with a smile.

  “Yes, thanks for asking,” I say with a bit of sass and retort.

  CHAPTER 24

  When we walk into the house I want to move us straight up to my room, but everyone is hanging out in the family room. Quinn is sitting on Matt’s lap on one of the mismatched couches and she jumps up at the sight of Kate. It never ceases to amaze me how much energy Quinn always has. Kate truly looks happy to see her too. I glance around the room and see all the guys and… Reese. Reese is the last person Kate needs to be exposed to though. I know she hooks up with the other guys, but still she pursues me. She is sitting between two of the guys with a beer in her hand. I can feel her eyes darting in my direction, but I keep my attention elsewhere. Quinn pulls Kate down into the couch forcing Matt to stand up. I make my way towards the kitchen and Matt follows. I grab a cup and tap the keg knowing I might need a drink to loosen up for my conversation with Kate. Matt follows suit.

  “Why the hell is Reese here?” I ask annoyed.

  “No clue, assuming that she’s hoping you’d be here. And here you are.” Matt says flatly.

  “Fuck, she annoys me. I don’t want her anywhere near Kate.” He doesn’t respond, but gives me a look that reminds me that I’m the one who hooked up with her in the first place. Not the brightest decision I’ll admit.

  “So, I wanted to ask you something,” Matt says with a bit of eagerness to his tone. “I was wondering if there was anyway you’d let me borrow your car Friday night for a couple hours.” He knows I love that car, but what he doesn’t know is I despise the stipulations that come with it… Even more so lately.

  “Sure, what for?” I ask, but I’m distracted trying to keep my eyes on Kate and Reese. Then I turn to face Matt knowing he probably hated asking me to borrow my nice car.

  “Well, I’m trying to plan a nice, or at least I hope she thinks so, date night for Quinn. I don’t know, I thought it would be nice to take her out in something decent rather than the POS.” We start to walk back towards the family room.

  “Nice, let me know if you want to take her to my dad’s restaurant, it’ll be on the house.”

  “Sweet, thanks man.” When I look up I see Kate now standing up with Quinn and Reese planted directly in front of her. I’m still in the kitchen area and can’t make out the words. Kate’s stance is firm and her shoulders are upright. The innocence on her face is still there though and as she shifts her feet leaning into her right hip I know she is uncomfortable. Reese’s lips twitch and I still can’t hear the words leaving them. My feet pick up in pace thudding loudly across the old wood floor causing it to creak throughout the dining room. Then I hear Quinn’s voice pitchy like always, but loud.

  “Back off, Reese,” Quinn says in a protective manner. Everyone else has stilled and is listening intently. It appears that a few others have shown up to drink and hang out. Kate’s cheeks redden and I wish they were not from this situation. I should have insisted on taking her straight up to my bedroom. Before I can reach them she turns to look at me approaching the room and then she looks around the room to see that everyone’s attention is on her.

  I start to tell her to “come here”, but it’s too late she turns and I see the glassiness of her eyes as she heads for the staircase in the front of the house. She doesn’t run up the stairs, nor does she hunch over to cover her emotions. Knowing her like I do I’m sure it is taking all her power to keep her stance.

  “Get the fuck out of here, Reese.” I grit out in anger and then gesture to everyone else, especially my roommates. “I don’t want her in this house again and if any of you have a problem with it you can find someone else to cover the damn rent!” I try not to show my anger often, but certain times I can’t prevent it, this is one of those times. As a matter of fact, anytime I feel that Kate is in danger of being hurt it’s a given that my anger will rise out. Usually, I can control it better though. Even as the words are leaving my mouth I know I’ll regret lashing out at everyone.

  “Fine by me, I’d prefer that,” Matt says on his way over to check on Quinn. He pulls her to him and kisses the top of her head. I know Quinn is fine and can hold her own though. It’s the girl up stairs that I’m worried about.

  “Reed, wait, I just told her that I needed time alone with you. I want to discuss our relationship,” Reese whispers barely loud enough for me to hear. The others start to leave or head into the kitchen area.

  “Hmph!” Quinn utters loudly. “That is not what you said at all and you know it. Telling his current girlfriend that you give the best head he’s ever had is not the same thing!” Quinn spat out and then tells Matt she is going up to check on Kate. Matt pats me on the shoulder and follows her up.

  A rage starts to boil in me. Every time I see Reese now she inflicts such hatred out of me. I never used to mind her and her antics, but I didn’t ever see anything real with her. I used her. I used her to escape. She distracted me. I guess I probably knew she liked me more than a hook up, but I never lied to her. I was blunt and forward about what I wanted. She willingly provided. As pissed as I am standing here looking at her I feel something different other than anger towards her. I don’t like thinking about the fact that I used her, honest or not with her it was a shitty thing to do to a person. I hate that she is hurting Kate, but I can see she is grasping at straws. This has to stop though. There is no chance of me changing my mind. There is no chance of me stepping away from Kate. She needs to know. I sti
ll don’t want her around in this house anymore. I know it’s not a healthy thing for Kate to have to see her like this. God, I don’t even like being around Derek and Kate only kissed him. Plus, Derek has a current girlfriend. This is different though. Reeling in my anger I run a hand through my thick hair and hiss out a ragged breath. She continues to stand in front of me waiting. Her hair is back in a headband exposing her face more than usual. A line stretches across her forehead in worry and for a moment she looks sincere. Her lips pout out naturally. I used to like those lips more than just fine, but now I can’t see the beauty of her anymore. I never saw any internal beauty in her. Can’t say that I even tried and now someone else’s internal and external beauty has take over all my thoughts completely.

  “I, I want a chance with you,” she says while trying to hold my gaze, but I’m pacing across the room. In all honesty, I’m anxious to get up to Kate, but this has to be handled first.

  “I’m sorry, Reese. Listen, I really do feel bad now, but it’s not going to happen. I don’t see you like that. I never did.”

  “Didn’t anything we did together mean anything to you? You used to be into me.” I stop and look at her knowing that if I am completely honest with her it will only hurt her feelings even more.

  “You’ve been into other guys too, what about them?” I ask in an attempt to show her she could move on and that this isn’t anything to be holding onto.

  “I only tried to get you jealous,” she states honestly. She steps towards me and tries to put her hands onto my shoulders. I step backwards removing her hands from me. “Come on, you can’t be that committed to her.” She bats her eyelashes and licks her lips seductively. I can’t deny that she is attractive, but it does nothing for me. Now this is an area I know I will have no problem being honest about and I don’t care if it hurts her feelings.

  “Oh you have no idea. I’m very committed to her. That’s why you have to stop this. It’s not going to change. I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you. I shouldn’t have been … such an ass about what was going on. It was shitty of me to do that to you.” Her eyes brighten widely taking in my words. I can see the shock hitting her like a train. I’m sure she thought she could still appeal to me with sex (well, in this case a blowjob).

  “You’re going to regret this,” is all she can stammer out. I shake my head lightly.

  “No, I won’t. Please don’t come around here anymore and stay away from Kate.” To soften the harshness I add, “I do hope you find someone better for you though, Reese.” She bends down to grab her coat and purse. I open the front door and watch her walk down the steps. This scene gives me a bit of deja vu.

  My dad had reamed me out earlier in the day about studying more. This only drove me into the doors of McGee’s though. Alcohol was swimming through my body lightly bringing me to a buzzed state. Right where I wanted to be. Drowning out the pressures I felt from my dad was my main goal… well, and hooking up. I pounded another beer down and then Matt walked over with a shot. Perfect. I slammed that too. One goal accomplished. I was officially buzzed. The second goal was never really a challenge for me. I had a bit of a reputation on campus for being a player of sorts. It didn’t bother me. I also was known for satisfying the girls I hooked up with. That reputation didn’t bother me in the least either.

  Matt and I started playing pool with a couple girls. I had seen the one on campus and she was pretty. Her auburn hair hung down her back emphasizing her full round ass. She was shorter than I preferred, but her curves and looks made up for it. We flirted all throughout the game. Matt was getting along with her friend too. The bar started to close and Matt asked them back to our house. It was empty when we got there. The others were still out partying. Matt took the girl he had been with all night upstairs. They had already kissed on the porch and just continued on their way up the stairs. I grabbed cups of beer for the pretty auburn haired girl and me. Shit. I couldn’t even remember her name. Rachel? Something with an R.

  When I handed her the cup she took it and put it on the coffee table and then grabbed mine and did the same. She kissed me on the lips. It was fast, sloppy and wet, very wet. Her hands quickly made their way to my belt and before I knew it she pulled my jeans and boxers down past my hips. I sprung free and her lips traveled to my chin, down my neck and straight to the source of her attention. She took me hard and fast. My head flew back as she worked me in and out, up and down to the base of me perfectly. My mind was still swimming in a buzz of alcohol, but it was far from the stresses of earlier. Damn. This was easier than usual. I didn’t have to work for this at all.

  “Fuck,” I grit out and gave her warning that I was going to come. She kept her lips attached and swallowed though. After I was done I leaned against the wall letting myself gain back some control. She stood up and leaned against me and I held her for a moment before pulling my jeans back up. “Wow, thanks,” I mumbled into her head. She laughed and then asked where my room was. I didn’t bring girls up to my room because I didn’t want the hassle of getting rid of them in the morning or for them to think that there was more going on than there was.

  “Sorry, tonight’s not a good night,” was all I said. She didn’t respond and I started to walk her towards the front door. I couldn’t tell if she was offended or not, but I didn’t give a shit. “I’ll see ya around.” I said as she walked down the steps.

  Before she hit the bottom step she turned around, “It’s Reese by the way. My name.” I smiled and winked at her.

  I cringe thinking about that first night I hooked up with her and the other nights that followed. This time when she hit the bottom step she didn’t turn around and I let out a breath I was holding in. Relief fills me, but a part of me regrets treating her so carelessly. I know going forward that I will never live like that again. I’ll never do one of those types of relationships again. I snicker internally knowing that I don’t plan on doing any other relationship besides one with Kate.

  I turn and head straight for the stairs sprinting up them two at a time, but am stopped by a long, lean, beautiful blonde sitting patiently in a t-shirt of mine. Katherine.

  Once I got up to Reed’s room I started to hyperventilate. I’m not even sure why. I knew this already. I knew that Reed had done God knows what with her, but still I didn’t like hearing it or thinking of her claws on him. She was being nasty and was desperately trying to deter me from sticking around. She may think she won this battle because I cowered away from her. I wasn’t going anywhere though. More than anything I just felt overwhelmed by her and embarrassed that everyone was staring at me. The door started to creak open and Quinn’s pretty little face peaked through.

  “Well, isn’t she something else!” She says with energy and spite. Matt stands behind her and shrugs agreeing. My eyes are tear filled, but I won’t let them fall.

  “I’d say so,” I mutter as I lean against the side of Reed’s bed.

  “You have nothing to worry about, Kate. Trust me I’m sure this will be the last you will see or hear of her,” Matt states firmly and Quinn nods in support. Matt tends to be on the quiet side, which I can relate to. But I have to say it is nice to hear him speak up. Hearing him say that Reed is handling this calms me. Matt is Reed’s best friend and that has to speak for something.

  “Of course, she doesn’t,” Quinn chimes in and makes her way over to me. Her arm encases around me, as I swallow past the familiar lump in my throat. “You okay?”

  “Yea, yes, I’ll be fine.” I don’t want to talk in detail about all of this to Quinn, especially with Matt still standing in the doorway. “Can I just have a moment though, alone?” I ask as kindly as I can.

  “Okay, just come get us if you need anything.” Quinn says as she hugs me tightly and then releases me to get up. Matt holds his hand out and she quickly reaches for it. I smile watching them walk away.

  I hear one of the other roommates in the room across from Reed’s, but don’t look out for fear of embarrassment. I lie back onto the bed throwing an arm over
my eyes. As uncomfortable as I feel about this situation I believe in what I have with Reed. I believe that he wants to protect me, I believe that he cares about more than he has with any other girl before… well, I’m still not sure about Jessica, but I know we have something different. Something more, much more… so I believe in the trust we are building. Sitting back up I take in a deep breath. I know that I am not leaving here tonight as I reach over to one of the drawers to his dresser and pull out an oversized t-shirt. The door is still partially opened, but I scoot out of sight and strip down to my bra and panties and slip on the t-shirt with a picture of a 5K race he must have completed on it.

  Instead of waiting I decide to make my way to him. I lightly pad out of his room and down the hall towards the front staircase. I tip toe down a few steps keeping myself out of sight and then I hear Reese saying something about Reed regretting his decision. When Reed responds back I hang onto every single word he says. Hearing his voice holding the confidence I always find assuring laced with finality eases my worries. In the end I hear compassion and I realize that even though I don’t like Reese one bit I feel sorry for her. The door creaks and then closes shut. Reed is practically running up the stairs with his head hung down and then he sees me sitting on the steps.

  “I’m sorry, Katherine,” he says with not as much confidence as I’d like to hear. His face is scrunched with his eyebrows pulled together. The worry races across his face and all I want to do is take it away. “Let’s talk, please,” he says questioningly and his eyes glaze over my legs taking in their bareness.

  “No,” I whisper softly realizing that I don’t want to talk right now. Reed exhales while straightening his stance on the stairs. He rocks back on his heels and runs his hands through his hair.

  “Shit, Kate. Please, I’m sorry. Let me-,” he stammers out.