by Stacy Borel
She giggled. “You twerk for me, and I’ll give you a good spanking.”
I gaped. “I get the feeling you speak from experience.”
She cleared her throat in an attempt to compose herself. “I’m sorry, but all of this is just wrong. It’s all wrong. How old are you?”
I raised my brow. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, how old are you?”
“I’m turning twenty-one, remember?”
“I was being facetious. I know what birthday it is. I’m trying to tell you that you aren’t a stay-at-home momma of two with a breadwinner husband. There’s nothing wrong with crop tops, bralettes, and red lipstick. You are a young woman with a bangin’ body and a sweet little personality to match. Embrace your sexuality. Men like that.”
I thought I already did all that. I even had the red lip gloss in my purse to prove it. Maybe I was a little stuffy with my clothing—granted, I didn’t dress provocatively—but I also never had anywhere to go that required anything grander than church attire. Whether I was going to school, work, at family’s, or home, I didn’t adventure much past jeans or sweatpants.
“Okay then, what would you suggest? I’m sort of running out of time here.”
If the devil had a grin, I think this was exactly what it looked like. “I’m glad you asked,” she stated formally. “I just so happen to have the perfect dress for you that is for occasions such as this one.”
I watched with an eagle eye as she went to her closet and dug to the very back. Nothing good ever came from the back of a woman’s closet. That was where we kept our deepest, darkest secrets. Most of us had some sort of box with past boyfriends’ pictures or love letters. It was where we keep the Victoria’s Secret lingerie we never had any intentions of wearing. And it was where we hang that one outfit that you always thought you’d wear but would never have the balls to actually wear in public. Anything in the back of Holly’s closet terrified me.
“Here it is!” She nearly squealed in delight. “Oh my god, it’s even better than I remembered.”
She spun around with it draped over her forearm while the other hand held the hanger. She was holding a deep purple lacy number that had black material underneath and was barely enough to cover the goodies. It was so tiny; I didn’t even think one of my butt cheeks could squeeze into it.
Holly was smiling like she was showing me an Oscar or something. My eyes scanned the dress, and then I deadpanned, “Where’s the rest of it?”
Her face dropped. “What do you mean where’s the rest of it? This is like the most amazing dress you’ll ever wear in your life.”
I didn’t want to laugh in her face, but I was tempted. “I can’t wear that.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t think it’ll fit, for starters. Plus, I’m not planning on showing Crew a peek of my areolas on our first night out.”
“Jesus, Ashton, it’s not that low cut. Would you go put it on, and we can see how you feel in it.”
“I already know how I’m going to feel.”
She gave me a look that said she would wrestle me to the floor and dress me if I didn’t do it on my own, so reluctantly, I went to the bathroom and put it on. The lace material hugged every little curve on my body and was much softer than it looked on the hanger. While it was oddly comfortable, I didn’t know if I could walk and not have it ride up my thighs.
I was afraid to look in the mirror. When I stepped out to show her, her eyes bugged out, and her mouth dropped open.
“I think I just became a lesbian.”
Laughter bubbled out of my throat. “That slutty, huh?”
“Nah, girl. It’s that gorgeous. Look.”
She gripped my shoulders and spun me around. What I saw staring back shocked the words right out of me. This dress didn’t just hug my curves; it accentuated them in all the right ways. The color against my barely tanned skin, the low cut in the front, and even without a bra on, it was tight enough to make my breasts look like I was wearing a push-up bra. My chestnut-colored hair and blue eyes pieced it all together. I wasn’t wearing the dress; it was wearing me.
“Wow … I think I’d even date myself.”
Holly chortled. “Told ya. Now all you need is a pair of black heels, and Momma will be ready to see her girl off into the world.”
I bit my lip to hide my smile. I couldn’t look away from the mirror. I’d never felt like I could walk into any place and know that eyes would be on me. I’d had few moments in my life when I knew I looked good. Being all done up for my senior prom was one of them; however, I was younger, and that was “little girl pretty.” This … this was “damn, I’m sexy.”
“So about the heels. I can’t really walk in them.”
“Why am I not surprised. You know what? Wear whatever you want on your feet because nobody is going to notice anything below your knees.”
I wanted to turn myself around and let out a giddy schoolgirl squeak, but I contained myself.
“You don’t think Crew will think I’m trying too hard, do you?”
“If he thinks this is an act of desperation and doesn’t appreciate it like the warm-blooded male he is, then you need to snag yourself a hot frat boy who will ravish you.”
I twisted to face her. “Are you sure you don’t mind me wearing this?”
She flung her hand up in the air to wave me off. “Keep it. It’s not even my taste. I’d have to add something funky to make it my own, so I’m happy to give it to you.”
“Thank you.” I gave her a genuine smile.
Holly nodded and brought up something that had been on my mind for days now. “So what’s going to happen if things get a little physical with Crew?”
I looked down at the floor and thought about it. “I mean, considering we aren’t like a couple or anything, I’m sure it’s not the best idea to go jumping into his bed.”
“Great things tend to come from bad decisions.”
“You know what I mean. He lives with my cousin, and the last thing I want is to make everyone uncomfortable because of a one-night stand.”
She scooted back onto her bed and sat cross-legged. She shared a home with one of her bandmates, and it was a small two-bedroom cottage that I’d never depict being her style. Furthermore, her bedroom had light gray walls, a plush white fur rug, and a white duvet over a queen-size bed. It was a stark contrast to her black attire and goth vibe.
“You’re sexually attracted to him, right?”
My cheeks heated. “Yeah, a little.”
“Then there’s nothing wrong with any of this. If what went down the other evening was your hint that he is into you, then you are two consenting adults partaking in adult activities.”
I rolled my eyes. “Holly, this isn’t like playing a game of parcheesi or Twister. It’s sex. I don’t just toss my vagina into the wind and let it fall onto the first penis I find.”
She burst out laughing. “I just got a visual.”
“Don’t envision my vagina.” I swatted at her arm.
“No, no, not yours, but anyway, go on.”
Now I was distracted. “I’m saying I’m not interested in something casual. I’ve never done it that way before, but I’m pretty sure it’s not my thing.”
She shrugged, then leaned over and dug around in her dark gray nightstand. When she found what she was looking for, she tossed a small square foil packet at me, and I fumbled around to catch it.
A condom.
“Don’t leave home without it. So casual isn’t your thing? Nothing wrong with that. But remember what I said. You’ll never know if this could be a good thing unless you put yourself out there and try.”
“I don’t think I’ll have to try too hard with this dress on.”
Her smile never left her face. “Nope, sure won’t.”
I had an idea, and it was one that I knew would be out of her comfort zone. “Hey, why don’t you come with me? It could be fun. We can dance and have a few drinks.”
Her face droppe
d. “A frat house is not my kind of crowd, honey, but thank you.”
“Aw, come on.”
Her black hair fell in front of her shoulders as she shook her head vigorously. “Truthfully, parties like that freak me out. I had a bad experience when I was younger, which is why I’m glad that Crew and Foster will be with you. I’m sure they will keep a close eye on you. But do me a favor and don’t leave your drink unattended. It takes less than a second for someone to slip something into it when you are distracted.”
I was trying to comprehend what she was saying. “Like a date rape drug?”
She nodded, and I realized she was speaking from experience. “I got lucky, and my friends immediately noticed that my behavior had changed, so they took me home and didn’t leave me until I was okay again. It was one of the scariest moments of my life, so I can’t stress enough to you to just be cautious. I adore you for inviting me, I really do, but those kinds of parties are a hard limit.”
Wow. Holly had always been one of those people who were open about so many subjects, but her personal life was an anomaly to me. She didn’t talk about anything personal. I mean, not really. I walked over to her and sat down on the corner of her bed. She wasn’t a hugger, and I wasn’t either, but I simply placed my hand on her knee for a brief second, then let my hand fall.
“I appreciate all of this.” I motioned my hand down the length of me.
She hummed. “Not a problem.”
The air felt a little heavier, and I wanted to make her smile. “You know, Foster is single.”
“Shit, I saw that comment coming from a mile away. After everything you’ve told me about him, he can keep his man whore ways far away.” She put her fingers up like a cross. “I’ve had my fair share of them to last a lifetime.”
I looked at her over my shoulder and cocked a brow. “I have no doubt. But if you change your mind …”
“Woman … don’t make me take that dress back.”
I smiled. “Okay, okay.” I stood and started toward the bathroom. I needed to change and head home to get the rest of my schoolwork done before tomorrow. I had a feeling I wouldn’t be feeling much up to thinking if I had a hangover on Sunday.
When I changed and headed out the front door, Holly called after me, “Be the best naughty little maneater that you can be.” She waved proudly as though I was her child getting on the school bus for my first day. “Make me proud.”
I rushed to get in my car, feeling flushed, as the old man next door stopped watering his lawn to look at me. I lifted my hand to awkwardly wave, but Holly didn’t even notice him. She really was as bad as Foster. I should try to set them up. I laughed inwardly as I pulled out of the driveway. It would be a perfect way to get even with both of them.
Crew
THE DOOR OF THE APARTMENT OPENED, and I could only assume Ashton had just got here. I was still in my room throwing on a clean pair of jeans and a black V-neck shirt. My face was a little scruffy from not shaving for three days straight, but I didn’t have time to clean it up. I sprayed my favorite cologne and slipped my wallet into my back pocket. I didn’t even bother with combing my damp hair after I had showered. Instead, I opted to run my fingers through it a few times and call it good. I wasn’t an overly complicated person when it came to getting ready, but I wished I would have taken a little more time since it was Ashton’s birthday.
After a quick glance in the mirror to make sure I was ready, I walked out of my room. I was only one step into the hallway when I caught sight of her standing there. Her back was to me, and she appeared to be in a heated argument with Foster. I didn’t have to eavesdrop to know what had him all riled up. My own hackles were raised. I had a full view of her from the back, and fuck, it was a glorious side of her. She was wearing a dress made to sin. I didn’t know if I wanted to bend her over my knee and spank her or yank her into my bedroom and fuck her till she couldn’t walk. At least with the second option, we could skip the party.
Foster was so pissed he looked like he could shoot fire from his eyes. “Not like that, Ashton. I can’t fucking keep every guy off you when you walk in there looking like this.”
Her stance was rigid, and she was giving him a fight. “Give it a rest. You don’t need to go throwing punches. I’m sure they will keep their hands to themselves.”
She was clueless. Just when I thought she might have some idea as to what kind of power she wielded over a man, she did something to prove me wrong. I balled my fists at my side and clenched my jaw. Her long brown hair was clipped halfway up and in curls that cascaded down her back. Even from a few feet away, she smelled delicious. It was like cotton candy and some other sugary confection creating the most desirable dessert.
Foster flung his hands in the air in exasperation. “Did your dad see you before you left?”
She laughed sardonically. “Oh please, you know the answer to that.”
“Damn straight because if he had, he would have locked you in your bedroom and not let you out.”
“Whatever.”
He dropped his head between his shoulders and looked down at the ground. “Ashton, please,” he pleaded. “Just go into my room and get a shirt, and we can run to the store really quick and get some of those skinny jeans or other shit you girls wear.”
She cocked her hip out and rested a hand on it. “Foster Brooks, you listen to me and you listen good. I am wearing what I’m wearing. I’m not changing for anybody just because you think it shows too much skin. Don’t be one of those assholes. I can take care of myself.”
“The hell you can,” I barked louder than I intended.
Foster hadn’t even noticed me standing there because he was so focused on her. Ashton swung around, her hair whipping her face. I felt like saying oof as if I’d been sucker punched in the gut. The full view of her from the front was far more disturbing than the back. The deep purple fabric was cut low, and the fullness of her breasts were nearly spilling over the top with each breath she took. She had on more makeup than the past few times I’d seen her with dark lined lashes, pink cheeks, and color on her lips that made me want to nibble them. She had an incredible hourglass shape, and I held back from demanding Foster get the fuck out so I could run my hands over her curves. My eyes hadn’t even run the full length of her till now. Unlike a typical girl in heels, she was wearing a pair of black Chucks; she was some tomboy trying her hardest to be more than the girl next door.
A groan rumbled in my chest.
“You two can’t dictate what I wear. And the fact you think you can is hysterical.”
My teeth made an audible clicking sound, and my jaw clenched. “If you’re trying to prove a point, now is not the time. Not a place like where we are going and not with that dress.”
She flinched at my tone. “You don’t like it?”
I scanned her face and saw uncertainty in her eyes. She honestly thought I didn’t like it? “I like it too much. And if I like it, so will all the other drunk, horny twentysomethings.”
“You’re a twentysomething.”
“I’m different.”
“No, it’s the same,” she argued, trying to regain her firmness.
Okay, it was the same, but that didn’t matter. I was different because I was me, and it was her.
“Ash, we’re not saying you don’t look great. But you’re my fucking cousin, and I don’t feel like listening to every single one of those assholes talking about trying to get it in with the birthday girl,” Foster argued.
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not letting that happen.”
“No, you’re not,” I ground out. The very idea made me want to throttle anything with a dick that came near her.
She shifted till she was directly in front of me. She squared her shoulders, flipping her hair back, and jutted out her cute little jaw in an act of solidarity … with herself. I’d pat her head and tell her she was being adorable if I didn’t think she’d slap me. Her need for rebellion made my dick twitch. Her piercing blue eyes didn’t waver. A few b
eats later, the corner of her mouth tipped up into a smile.
“Let’s go, boys. I’m ready to get this party started.”
Thoroughly ignoring both of us, she headed to the door. Foster scrubbed his hand down his face, and I watched as she marched out of the apartment.
“Fuck.”
Fuck was right.
Ashton
Not even fifteen minutes later, we were pulling up outside a two-story colonial house. The front had a large stone with the frat’s Greek letters etched into it and an immaculately landscaped lawn. Cars already lined the street, and the long driveway that went from the road to the back of the house was full of vehicles. I thought we were a little early but maybe not.
I rode with Foster while Crew followed in his vehicle. There was some relief that he wasn’t with us because I was a bundle of nerves already. At the apartment, he’d looked at me with feral eyes, and I saw a world full of pleasure waiting for me in their depths. I’d learned from all the men in my life that they only reacted strongly to something when it affected them with jealousy, desire, and anger. Anything else rolled right off their shoulder, slick as butter. He caught sight of me in lace, and there was an intensity behind his conviction for me to go change. My need to make him want me was stronger. He and Foster could kick rocks. It was my birthday, and I wanted to have my fun.
The three of us got out of our vehicles a little way down the road, and I thanked the high heavens that I opted to wear comfortable shoes. As we walked, I noticed that both boys had strategically placed themselves slightly in front of me, blocking anyone from seeing me or me seeing them. Were they one brain tonight, or was this typical male code?
Once inside, music blared from a room next to the living room. There was a DJ in the corner with two large standing speakers on either side of his table, and other speakers placed throughout the bottom floor. A few familiar faces who’d been at the apartment greeted Foster. The rest was a sea of unknown. It wasn’t lost on me the ones looking in my direction, male and female alike, were passing judgment. The guys nodded in approval while most of the girls sneered. Jealousy is a bitch, I thought to myself.
