by Mary Smith
I want more.
“Want to do a shot?” Will asks.
“Sure.” I nod.
He waves the bartender over and orders tequila. I give Starlight a look as to help me out here, but she’s deep in conversation and isn’t paying a bit of attention.
“Here.” He pushes the shot glass over to me. He hands me a salt pack and lime.
“I’m not sure how this works.”
“Really?”
I nod feeling like an idiot.
“Okay, let me show you.” He licks the back of his hand, opens the packet of salt and shakes it where he just licked. Then he licks up the salt, takes the shot, and then sucks on the lime.
“That’s a lot of steps.” I giggle.
“You try.”
I do everything he did and am barely able to keep the liquor down. “That’s gross.” I cough. “I need some water.”
“Just sip your drink.” He laughs.
The overly sweet drink does help a bit, but I’m feeling a bit tipsy. “Want to dance?” I ask. I need to step away from the bar for a moment before he tries to give me another drink.
“Sure.”
I ease off the stool and let Starlight know we’re hitting the floor. Will guides me by placing his hand on the small of my bare back. It doesn’t give me the same rush as it does when Nathan touches me.
The bass is loud enough that I can feel my heart jumping out of rhythm. We are able to find a small spot in the center of the dance floor. Will grinds up against me in an arrhythmic manner. In fact, his belt buckle is hurting me. It’s not as sexy as the movies make it out to be. I know it won’t be exactly like the movies, but this is uncomfortable and just plain sucks.
Thankfully, the song ends and I turn around to tell Will I’m going back to the bar. I get the feeling as if someone’s staring at me. When I look around I’m stunned to see Alden and Nathan glaring down at me from the second floor VIP rooms.
I roll my eyes and loudly tell Will to meet me back at the bar. I weave and push my way through the crowd until I manage to find the stairs. It takes me a second to find the correct room. Oddly the bodyguard already knew my name when I told him it and he let me right in.
Standing in the middle of the room is Nathan and Alden with their arms crossed. “What the hell?” I yell at them both.
“I think we should be asking you the same question.” Alden narrows his glare. “I can’t believe you’re wearing this.”
“Shut up.” I stomp my foot. “You have no right to follow me like this. I’m an adult.”
“No you’re not. Just because you’re twenty-one doesn’t make you an adult.” He continues.
“I don’t need my brother or my roommate to babysit me.” Nathan looks as if I hurt his feelings. “Now, I’m going back downstairs to drink enough alcohol that I’ll have to have a whole bottle of aspirin in the morning. Plus, I’m gonna lose my virginity in the bathroom.”
I spin on my toes and storm away from them. When I reach the bar, I tell Starlight I want to get drunk. I can’t believe I just announced I’m a virgin in front of Nathan. I’m embarrassed, but now I’m going to drink until I don’t have any more feelings.
Will is trying to talk to me, but when the bartender is near I order two more shots of tequila and another sex on the beach. Just for myself.
With each shot I do it’s in clear view for my brother and Nathan to see. Will is still trying to talk to me, but I finally tell him – in a nice way – to go away. He does with hesitation, and I continue my drinking.
I’m going to make sure I’m completely drunk by the end of the night.
Chapter Eight
Nathan
I’m ready to stomp every guy’s face in in this place because I’m mad at Amara. I know I told her I want to go slow, but this is crazy.
“I’m ready to go down there and drag her out of this place.” Alden pushes his hands through his hair.
I didn’t want to call him, but I knew he would keep me from killing any guy who touched her. “I’m ready too.”
“What is she thinking going out in public dressed like a whore?”
The dress looks amazing on her, but she needs to be on my arm and not some sleazy guy. Dad told me to fight for her, and I hadn’t fought hard enough.
“She’s drinking a lot all alone.” He observes.
“I know.” I watch her take another shot. It’s her sixth. For a girl who’s never drank before, she’s throwing them back right now.
I watch her some more as she becomes more giggly and is leaning up against Starlight. “This is bullshit. I’m going to get her.” I race out of the VIP room, down the stairs, and push my way through the crowd until I get to her.
“You’re done.” I take the shot glass out of her hand.
“Hey, go away.” She pushes on my chest, but it’s more of a touch. “I’m having fun.” She throws her hands in the air and yells, “Woo!”
“She’s done,” Alden says. He turns to Starlight and tells her something I can’t hear.
“Can you stand up?” I ask.
“Of course I can.” She snaps. She jumps off the stool and loses her footing, falling into me. She laughs loudly.
“Come on.” I lead her through the crowd and out the door.
“I can take her.” Alden reaches for her and I instinctively pull her closer to me.
“I’ve got her.”
“She’s my sister.” He counters.
Before I can argue the point she pushes away from me.
“I don’t like either of you right now.” She slurs.
“Amara—” I go to reach for her but she slaps my hand.
“No.” She points her finger at Alden. “You hurt my feelings. You’re my big brother and you won’t let me be an adult.
“I want to protect you.” He tells her.
“Let me live. Let me date. Let me fall in love.” She begs and stumbles.
I grab her arm, but she jerks away again.
“You hurt my feelings too,” she yells. “Why am I not pretty enough for you? Why won’t you be my boyfriend?
“Amara—”
“No.” She shakes her head. “No one wants me to live my life. It’s like I’m sick again. But I’m not sick. However, I will be someday. The cancer will come back and I want to live before I die.” She begins to sob.
My heart breaks for her. I don’t care how much she fights me, I’m taking her home. I wrap her in my arms and she clings to me.
“She’s going home with me.” I lift her up into my arms as I tell Alden.
“Okay.” He leads the way to my car and helps me get her inside. “I’ll be by in the morning to check on her.”
“We’ll be there.” I get in the driver’s seat and I take us home.
I carry her upstairs and she’s mumbling, but I don’t really understand her. I take off her heels and with great effort, I get her into the bed and under the covers. I quickly change out of my jeans and into a pair of shorts. I should leave my shirt on, but I always sleep shirtless. I decide to take it off, find some aspirin, and grab a couple of bottles of water. I even grab the empty mop bucket, in case she needs to throw up.
I don’t want her to be alone because she might need help. I crawl in the bed next to her and brush the hair out of her face. She’s truly stunning. I can stare at her all day. I wish I was stronger. Dad told me to fight for her and now look what happened. She went out and got drunk. What am I going to do now?
Amara rolls onto her side, and I lean down and kiss her forehead.
“I love you.” She mumbles.
My heart stops. Is she thinking about me? I realize I shouldn’t take advantage of her sleepy state, but I try.
“Why did you go out tonight?”
She squints her eyes open. She’s not completely passed out. “I was mad at you.”
“All I said was I didn’t want to push anything. I’m twenty-two, never been in a relationship, and I don’t know what I’m doing.” I really shouldn’t
be confessing all of this to drunk Amara.
“Well, I’m a virgin so get over yourself.” She grumbles and closes her eyes.
I’m speechless. I thought she said it at the club, but I wasn’t sure. I know I did hear her correctly.
“But I thought you had boyfriends?”
She doesn’t respond.
I know she’s only twenty-one, but I was certain she lost her virginity. I’m the one who’s twenty-two and been playing hockey. I watch her for a few moments and come to an epiphany.
I’m going to fight for her.
The next morning Amara is still asleep when I ease out of her room and make coffee. As I stir in the sugar, the door buzzer goes off.
“Hello?”
“It’s me. Open up.” Alden’s voice comes through the speaker.
I sigh letting him in. I unlock the door and crack it open. A moment later he’s walking through with Baylor.
“Good morning.” She smiles at me. “We brought food.” She holds up one of the bags.
“Great. You guys want coffee?” I offer.
“Please,” she says.
“Alden?”
“Sure.” He shrugs. “How’s my sis?”
I fix their coffee as I tell them about bringing her home. I leave out our conversation.
“She’s still asleep.” I put their cups down.
Baylor comes around and makes herself at home, pulling out plates and silverware. She begins to plate up our food.
“Are you and Bas working out today?” Alden asks.
“Maybe. It depends on Amara. If she’s too sick then I’ll stay with her until she feels better.”
“How sweet.” Baylor sets a plate down in front of Alden. “Come.” She nods at the breakfast bar and puts down another plate.
“I should check on Amara.” I put my cup down.
“She feels like a zombie with a rock band in her head.” She comes shuffling down the hall. Her hair is in a messy ponytail. She’s in sweatpants and a large sweatshirt with Canada on it.
“Hey.” Alden shouts. “How are you feeling?”
She glares at him as she flips him the middle finger. “Shut up.”
“Here.” I rush over and guide her to the plate of food Baylor made for me. “I’ll get you some coffee.” I make it just the way she likes it.
“You need to eat.” Alden tells her. “It really will help.”
“Everything hurts.” She moans.
“It will today.” I give her the coffee cup. “You really should eat.” I push the plate toward her.
“Ugh.” She holds her head. “Never again.”
We all laugh.
“Everyone says that.” Alden rubs her back and picks up his fork with his free hand. “Pick up your fork and eat. Come on.”
She groans again. “Fine.” She picks at the food but does take a few bites. “Why are you here?”
“Because I want to make sure you’re all right,” he says. “Plus, I came over to burn that fucking outfit you were wearing last night.”
“Let it go, bro.” She takes another bite. “It’s just an outfit.”
“Doesn’t matter. I’m still taking it with me.” He turns back to his plate.
Baylor and I fill our plates and we all eat for a while in silence.
“Where’s Kace?” I ask.
“He’s with my aunt.” Baylor tells me. “He’s excited to meet your brothers. When will they be coming?”
“Monday. They were going to stay two weeks, but they were invited to an exclusive hockey camp, so they’ll only be here a week.” Marie texted me yesterday to let me know. I’m sad they won’t be here longer, but at least I get to see them.
“I can’t eat anymore.” Amara pushes her plate away. “My head is killing me.”
“Did you take the meds I left on your nightstand?”
“I did. Thank you.” She gives me a small smile.
I get up and begin to clean the plates and load the dishwasher. When I turn around Alden and Amara are gone and Baylor is wiping down the counter. I can hear them getting louder as they speak in French. This isn’t going to end well.
A moment later, Alden comes out red-faced, with the dress in his hands. “Come on, Baylor. It’s time to go. Later, Nate.”
“Bye, guys.”
After they are gone, I go down the hall and lightly tap on her door.
“What?” Her voice is muffled.
I push open her door and see her wrapped up her in blankets. “I brought you some water. You need to stay hydrated.”
“Thanks.” She glances at me. “Nathan, why does my pillow smell like your cologne?”
“Because I slept in your bed last night.”
Her eyes went wide. “You did?”
“I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Thank you.”
I sit on the side of her bed. “What did Alden and you argue about this time?”
“He took my outfit.” She rolls her eyes. “I was trying to explain to him I wasn’t a child, but he doesn’t listen.”
“Do you need me to get you anything?”
“No. Thanks.” She fiddles with the top of her comforter.
I stare at her makeup-free, flawless face. I can’t let her just be my friend or roommate. I will fight for her.
“I hated seeing you dancing with that guy last night.” I start out. “I asked you not to push things because I’ve never been in this situation.”
“Living with a female?”
“Dating,” I answer.
Now she focuses on me. “What?” She obviously doesn’t remember our conversation from last night.
“I have never dated anyone. My focus is on hockey and always has been. I’m only twenty-two and haven’t really been able to make time for females.”
Amara sits up and continues to listen. I need to be open and honest with her. If she knows the truth and still wants to be with me… great. If she just wants to be only friends… okay. But I don’t lie, and I like to be upfront about everything.
“You told me something last night and I want you to know the truth about me.”
“What did I say?” The nervousness is clear in her tone.
“That you went out because you were mad at me.”
“Not a lie.” She mumbles.
“You told me you were a virgin.”
She groans. “Please tell me I’m dreaming right now.”
“You’re not dreaming and you really told me.” I clear my throat. “You also should know I am as well.”
She drops her hand as well as her jaw. “There’s no way.”
“It’s true. I don’t rush into relationships or into bed. I hope you can understand this. If you can then I’d like to take you out on a proper date. If you can’t, then I hope we can remain friends and roommates.”
She stares at me for several seconds – still in shock.
“Just think about it and get some rest.” It’s the last thing I say before getting up and going to my bedroom.
Chapter Nine
Amara
My head is hurting worse than I could ever imagine. I’m hoping this hangover will just go away, but it seems to have taken up residence in my head and body. Not to mention, I’ve not talked to Nathan since he left my room yesterday.
A statement as profound as “I’m a virgin,” isn’t as easy to handle as I thought. I never expected to hear him say those words. Him never having a girlfriend is another hard statement to chew on. I had been certain – in my mind – neither of those was true.
Now, I’m holding my pounding head, with a steaming hot cup of coffee in front of me, trying to figure out my life.
“Care to tell me what you’re doing here?”
I look to see Alden’s confused expression. “I need my big brother. No fighting.” Tears fill my eyes.
Where did those come from?
He pulls the chair out next to me and sits down. “Okay I’m here.”
I take a deep breath and tell him th
e conversation between Nathan and me. Yes, Alden is still mad at me, and I at him, but he’s someone I can still trust. He’s never told a single secret of mine nor have I told his.
“What do I do?”
He groans, then stands up and fixes himself a cup of coffee. Then comes back over to his chair.
“Please, Alden. I need my big brother right now.” I sniff.
“All right.” He sighs. “Nathan told me about being a virgin. It was only the other day, but I knew. Listen, he’s a good guy. When he called me telling me how you were dressed like some slut and bar hopping, I knew he cared for you. He was angry the whole time. If you want to date, I think you should. Plus, you’re more than welcome to come back here to live.”
I hug his neck tightly. “You’re the best brother ever. But I’m going to stay where I am. I need to be on my own.” I pull away from him. “I love you.”
“I love you too. Now, I think you should listen to Nathan. Take your time together. He’s a little shy, and it takes time for him to warm up to people. Don’t rush him.”
“Hey, I’m not mean,” I say offended.
“I know, but you and I are a lot alike. We have dominating personalities. It can scare others and turn them off. Just take my advice.”
I nod. “No, you’re right. I’ll dial it back. Thank you.”
Now, I have to figure out how to take it slow.
I want to do something special for Nathan. He did something nice for me when he created the dinner. Now, I need to show him how great I cook for him.
I stop at the market and pick up the best ingredients. I get to the house and see his car is gone. It’ll give me time to get it all ready. I know his brothers will be here tomorrow, and I want us both to be on the same page.
Since it’s still early, I decide to do a brunch meal. But I need to make sure he’s coming back to the apartment in time.
