The Hazards of Sleeping With a Friend

by Alyssa Rose Ivy

  “I hope so.” I grinned.

  “If it involves you and me, I’m going to like it.” She touched her neck where my lips had just been.

  “Remember when you joked about having sex on this desk?” I tapped the table top.

  “Yes, I remember that well.” Her face flushed slightly in that cute way of hers. “You said you’ve never done it.”

  I reached out and took her hand in mine. “Care to change that?”

  “I’d love to change that.”

  “Good.” I crushed my lips into hers, and she responded immediately. I deepened the kiss as she slipped her hand under my t-shirt.

  I broke the kiss long enough to remove both my t-shirt and hers.

  She glanced toward the closed door. “I didn’t have a chance to show you my adventurous side this week.” She slipped off her skirt, and kicked away her flip flops.

  “I guess you didn’t.” I took off my shoes.

  She unbuttoned my shorts and pulled them off me. “Now it’s your turn to get inventive and decide exactly how you want to do this.”

  “I can take care of that.” The first thing I took care of was her remaining clothes. I unhooked her bra and tossed it onto the growing pile of fabric. Next I pulled down her panties. She carefully stepped out of them while not so carefully pulling off my boxers.

  “I’ve missed you.”

  “I already told you I’ve missed you.” My lips descended on her neck again while I slipped my hand between her legs. She was already so wet, so ready for me.

  She ran her hand up and down my back while her other hand slid between us. She took me in her hand. “I really missed you.”

  “Is that your way of telling me to hurry up?”

  “Yes,” she breathed against my ear.

  I didn’t need to be told twice. I dug a condom out of my wallet before placing her on the edge of the table. I positioned myself between her legs. We’d had sex so many times already, but this felt entirely different. We weren’t on vacation. We were back in the radio station, ready to have sex on my desk.

  She wrapped her arms around my neck, and I returned to my favorite place. She moaned softly as I moved inside her, needing all of her.

  “Kyle,” she called out my name as I continued my hard and deep movements. If she wanted sex on the desk she wasn’t looking for slow and gentle. Her nails dug into my back, and I slipped a hand underneath her to cup her ass and pull her body closer to me.

  I held on as long as I could before shuddering as I reached my release.

  I stayed inside her as we looked deep into each other’s eyes.

  “Welcome back.” She spoke with a straight face, but I could see the hint of a smile on her lips.

  “Shouldn’t I be welcoming you back? I am your boss.”

  “You can welcome me back another time.”

  I stepped back, and let her hop off the table. She got dressed while I stood staring at her.

  “Aren’t you going to get dressed?”

  “When I’m done watching you.” I’d never get tired of seeing her naked body.

  “Out of context that could sound skeevy.”

  “But since I just had myself buried inside you, I think it’s okay.”

  Her eyes widened. “That was open.”

  “Open? Isn’t it what I was doing?”

  “Yeah… but you don’t usually talk that way.” She clasped her bra and all I wanted to do was take it off again.

  “You’re bringing that side out of me I guess.” I pulled on my boxers.

  “I’ll have to decide how I feel about it.”

  “Meaning it turns you on, but you don’t want to admit it.”

  She pulled on her shirt. “Maybe.”

  I stepped into my jeans. “If you rather I didn’t talk that way I won’t.”

  “And that’s the Kyle I know.” She kissed me lightly on the lips.

  “I’ve never changed.”

  “No. I just get to see a different side of you now.” She ran her hands over my bare chest.

  “And I get to see a different side of you, although there’s more I’d like to see.”

  “What makes you think there’s more?” She pulled on her skirt and slipped into her flip flops. If anyone walked in now they’d have had no idea she’d been naked on my desk moments before.

  “It’s that look in your eyes you get sometimes.”

  “That look?” She laughed. “Very descriptive.”

  I shrugged. “I’m saying it like it is.”

  “Do you actually have stuff to do here today, or were you just stopping by?”

  “Why? Have any other good ideas?”

  “Because sex on your desk wasn’t enough?” She raised an eyebrow.

  “Just checking.” I pulled on my t-shirt.

  “I’m asking because I’m hungry.”

  “We can leave.” I put on my shoes.

  “I can’t really believe we just did that.” She fidgeted with her t-shirt as though she were trying to get it to sit right.

  “And to think you were the one who originally came up with the idea.”

  “Yep, I’m the one with the dirty mind.”

  “It’s not dirty. It’s perfect.” I walked her to the front of the station and we stepped out. I pulled the door tightly and locked it.

  “At least it’s not as sordid as yours.” She laughed.

  “Let’s get some food.”

  “Sounds great.”

  I took her hand in mine as we headed back toward my apartment.

  ***

  Jade had been over to my apartment plenty of times, but it felt completely different now. She wasn’t there to visit Savy or to talk about the station or her show. She was there for me.

  “You two are adorable.” Savy grinned at us as we sat drinking some wine after dinner.

  “Thanks.” I put an arm around Jade. I was already getting used to having her next to me—to being part of something that could be called adorable.

  “You’d think anything is adorable. You’re still on a Glen high.” Jade crossed her arms as she leaned into my side.

  “Don’t say that like it’s a bad thing.” Glen topped off my glass and set aside the empty bottle of red wine. He settled back down next to Savy on the love seat.

  “It’s not a bad thing, it’s a fact.”

  “Are you still going for that interview tomorrow night?” Savy looked at Jade.

  “Yeah. It could be a good job.”

  “Which interview?” She’d discussed looking for a job, but not where she was applying exactly.

  “Over at the Music Attic. Bryan thinks he can get me something.”

  “At the Music Attic? You want to work at a bar?” I tried to keep my voice level, but why didn’t she mention it to me? Had she been hiding it or something?

  “It’s more than a bar. It’s an awesome music venue, and I’d just be doing door work and stuff. I’m not old enough to serve or anything.”

  “Yeah, but you’re going to have to deal with loads of annoying drunk people.” I didn’t like the idea of her working in such a crazy environment. I knew she was tough, but some drunk guys could get dangerous.

  “But I’d get paid to listen to music.”

  “Want me to come with you?” I knew most of the people who worked there, so they probably wouldn’t mind me tagging along.

  “To the interview?” she turned to look at me.

  “Yeah. I’ll give you a ride or if you prefer I can walk you over.”

  “No thanks.” She pressed her lips together.

  “Why not?”

  “Because there’s no reason for it. I can get this job myself.”

  “I wasn’t implying you couldn’t. I thought you’d want the company.”

  “So you wanted to babysit or something?” She moved away.

  “Of course not. I thought you’d want me to come.”

  Glen laughed. “And you’re at it again. At least you’re getting used to the fighting now.”
/>
  “Fighting is normal for new relationships.” Savy scooted to the edge of the love seat. “It’s natural.”

  “This isn’t a relationship.” Jade sighed.

  “I’m sorry I suggested helping you. I guess I shouldn’t do that in the future.” Why was she being so defensive? I was only offering to help.

  “It would be fine if you were doing it for the right reasons.” She shifted further away from me.

  I needed to do something. I refused to let us get in a fight over something as stupid as me walking her to a job interview. I stood up and held out my hand in invitation. “You’ve never actually seen my room.”

  “You’re right. I haven’t.” She hesitated for a moment before accepting my outstretched hand. “See you guys later.”

  I led her toward my room before she could change her mind and leave. I’d find a way to get us over this initial transition period. I needed to bide my time, and everything else would work out.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Jade

  The first day back at the station was the strangest. We weren’t doing our regular shows during the summer, so instead of interviewing bands I was introducing listeners to new music. I tended to always go for the indie and underground groups, and Kyle never seemed to have a problem with it. He was good at his job. He made sure things ran smoothly, but otherwise he let the hosts exercise their creativity.

  I took my time getting in for my first hour on Monday morning. I usually showed up early as an excuse to see Kyle, but I didn’t need to make excuses to see him anymore. I smiled as I thought about how cute he’d looked when I left his bed that morning. We’d gotten spoiled with a king sized bed at the hotel, and his double was taking some time to get used to. I didn’t mind. I liked being close.

  I heard Kyle talking as soon as I pushed open the door to the station. I hesitated in the doorway. He was talking to Sean, another host. I tentatively walked further inside.

  Sean winked as soon as he saw me. “Hey, Jade. Next time try not to take your time off at the same time as Kyle. You left me hanging.”

  “Oh yeah, sure.” Did the wink mean he knew? I was too tired to read into it. The one downside to staying at Kyle’s was that I didn’t get as much sleep.

  “Sorry, she can’t agree to that.” Kyle walked over and put an arm around me.

  “Wait. Are you guys…?” Sean looked between us as a slow smile spread across his face.

  “Yes,” Kyle said at the exact same time I said, “Kind of.”

  Sean laughed. “So which is it?”

  “We’re letting things happen naturally.” Kyle ran his hand up and down my back. I wondered if that was his way of making sure I didn’t argue.

  Sean’s brow wrinkled. “And that means?”

  “It means I’m sleeping with him.” I stepped away from Kyle’s embrace and walked back to my desk in the inner office. Maybe I was a little bit blunt, but I wasn’t going to beat around the bush and start any false rumors. Right now Kyle was entertained by me. He’d get bored by the time the rest of the student body returned.

  I heard the door close behind me.

  “You’re sleeping with me?” Kyle said to my back. I wasn’t turning around.

  “I am.”

  “I think my ‘we’re letting it happen naturally’ explanation fits better.”

  “Tomato, tomato.”

  “Jade.” His voice came from right behind me. I fought the urge to turn around. “Look at me.”

  “Why?”

  “Come on.” He gave a heavy sigh.

  I finally turned around. I needed to get ready for my show so I’d have to turn around eventually. “Yes?”

  “You don’t need to be so self-deprecating. I like you. You like me. If you want me to start calling you my girlfriend I’m fine with that.”

  “I never asked you to do that.” I tried to ignore the tightness in my chest at the mention of the word girlfriend.

  “Ok, then how about this? I’m asking you to let me call you it.” His eyes bore into mine.

  “Why?”

  “Isn’t that obvious?” He rubbed the back of his neck.

  “No.” I crossed my arms.

  “I like you a lot. We work. Why not just make this more official?”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I wasn’t ready to take that risk yet unless I knew he really wanted it.

  “Why not?” His body stiffened.

  “I have to get ready.” I hurried toward the booth.

  “We’re not done with this conversation.”

  “We are for now.” I closed the door to the booth and got ready. I had no idea what to say to Kyle. I refused to let him call me his girlfriend out of some sense of obligation or guilt. He didn’t need to. It was easier to call it what it was.

  “I’m going to join you.” Kyle sat down next to me and put on a set of headphones.

  “I can do it myself.” I paid way more attention than necessary to checking over the set list.

  “I know that, but I’m joining you anyway.”

  “Fine, if you want to waste your time.” I rolled my eyes. Why was he being like this? The whole point of avoiding a relationship was avoiding the drama. Well, and avoiding the pain.

  I waited until exactly ten before putting us on air. “Good morning, Charleston. I hope everyone is doing well on this beautiful Monday morning. The only thing that could make this gorgeous day any better is some new music. So how about it? Let’s start with some new Pearberry that just dropped last week.” I switched on the new single from a local band I’d grown to love.

  As soon as I turned off my mic Kyle touched my hand. “About me calling you my girlfriend?”

  “I only want you to do it if you’re doing it for the right reasons.”

  “The right reasons being?” He narrowed his eyes.

  “You know.”

  “I think I do, except I’m struggling to come up with any wrong reasons.”

  “You’re only doing it because you think you have to.” I checked the time on the track. “You don’t.” The Chance of a Lifetime tune Sex on the Beach was up next.

  “I’m doing it because I want to… does that clear things up?”

  “What about letting things happen naturally?” I didn’t look at him. I couldn’t.

  “This is letting them happen naturally… and I’m not okay with people thinking I’m using you for sex or something.”

  “So now the truth comes out. You’re only saying this because of Sean. You’re worried he’s going to think less of you.”

  “No. You know what? You want to wait longer before attaching a relationship label? Fine.” He tossed his headphones aside and stormed out of the booth.

  I tried not to let it bother me, but it did. I wished I could see into his mind. What did he actually want? What did I want? I was crazy about Kyle, I loved the way he made me feel, but I wasn’t sure if that was enough.

  Chapter Twenty

  Kyle

  Jade was the single most infuriating, yet addicting, person I’d ever met. For the life of me I couldn’t read her. I couldn’t understand what she wanted or needed from me. If I thought she only wanted hook ups I’d have left it alone, but I knew she wanted more. I could see it in her eyes, and the way she stayed up to talk to me all night. I’d brought up the girlfriend thing because it made sense. Between Ray at the gym and her describing what we were doing as ‘just sleeping together’ something had to give. If we were agreeing to exclusive, why not use the label?

  I tried to step back, give her the space she wanted, but I wasn’t giving up. I’d never felt so connected to a girl before, and it didn’t help that my family called me constantly asking how she was. I wasn’t surprised she’d made such a good impression, but now I had no clue what to do. I definitely wasn’t telling them we’d broken up. If things went my way she’d officially be with me soon enough.

  I couldn’t sit around my apartment a second more. I knocked on Glen’s door, hoping I wasn’t
interrupting something with him and Savy.

  “Come in,” he called through the door.

  “Hey guys, do you feel like heading down to the Music Attic with me?”

  “I wonder why you’d want to go there?” Savy sat cross-legged on Glen’s bed. He was seated at his desk typing.

  “Yeah, well. I’m not going to pretend otherwise.”

  “I’m sure she’ll enjoy the surprise visit.” Savy grinned.

  “Can you give me twenty minutes? I need to finish this paper.” Glen looked away from the computer. He was taking a busy load of summer classes to make up for some time he’d taken off.

  “Sure. I’ll wait for you guys out here.” I headed out of Glen’s room, closing the door behind me.

  I hoped Savy was right, and Jade did enjoy the surprise.

  Forty minutes later we finally reached the door of the music venue where Jade worked. A local band was playing, and they’d drawn in a big crowd.

  “Hey!” Jade beamed when she saw us. “I didn’t know you guys were coming out tonight.”

  “Kyle decided to surprise you.” Savy patted my arm.

  “It’s a great surprise.” Her eyes sparkled. She was excited to see me, and that made the trip down to see her completely worth it.

  I handed over my credit card to cover the three tickets.

  Jade took it, scanned it, and handed me the card and a receipt back. “I’ll come find you guys when the line stops.”

  “All right. Text me if you can’t find us.” I leaned over the counter and kissed her lightly on the lips.

  She smiled. “All right. I will.”

  I reluctantly walked inside. I couldn’t hold up the line any longer.

  “Did you see the way she looked at you?” Savy ran a hand through her long blond hair.

  “Was it different than she normally does?”

  “No. It was the same. That’s the point. The girl’s clearly crazy about you.”

  “The feeling’s mutual.” I wondered where Savy was going with the conversation.

  “Have you broached the relationship status thing again?”

  Glen led the way through the crowd. “Savy, don’t get into the middle of this. It’s none of our business.”

  “It is my business. Jade is my friend. I want her happy.”