Vicious Circles

by JL Paul

  Yeah, I’d have to get over this little crush. Maybe I’d meet a new guy at Rusty’s or at the pool or something. The new school year was just around the corner – I could meet someone there. It didn’t matter where I met the guy – I just had to meet him. Then I’d banish these silly feelings.

  As I drifted off, I knew I was only fooling myself.

  Chapter 2

  Rusty’s was pretty packed Friday night, which wasn’t surprising. It was stifling hot outside and the beer was ice cold.

  We took our usual table, where Irelyn already sat, and I immediately ordered a drink – coke and whiskey. Marissa, the waitress, raised a brow – I was usually just a beer girl – but I thought I’d need something a little stronger to get me through the night.

  Irelyn smiled her thanks when Marissa returned with our drinks then pointed her eyes at me. She lifted a brow in an effort to be coy but I knew her all too well.

  “Just spit it out, chick,” I said, smirking. “You have something on your mind.”

  “I heard you and Spencer called it quits,” she said and caught her bottom lip between her teeth. “Why?”

  I lifted a nonchalant shoulder and sipped my drink. It was strong – just the way I liked it- and I welcomed the burn of whiskey on my throat. “I just don’t really like him that way anymore,” I explained. “We agreed from the start that we were just fooling around – we were both able to see other people.”

  “I see,” she said, her brow furrowed. I rolled my eyes and watched as the guys took the stage. They usually wore jeans and t-shirts but Collin had on a pair of khaki shorts and I couldn’t help but admire his well-toned legs.

  “Take a chill, Irelyn,” I said, trying hard not to snap. “We weren’t serious, all right? I didn’t love him, he didn’t love me. And when I realized that it just wasn’t there for me anymore, I told him. End of discussion, case closed.”

  She blinked at me, a little stunned. “Bailey, I wasn’t accusing you of anything. I just wondered if something was wrong, that’s all.”

  I nodded, a little ashamed at my tone. But I always struck first when I felt threatened – it was safer that way. “So, I think I’ll go see the folks next weekend. Anyone interested in tagging along?”

  “Can’t,” Irelyn frowned. “I have to work that Saturday and I can’t request it off because I have to be off the following Saturday to go with Luke to his parents’ place.”

  “I might be able to go,” Morgan offered. “I need to check my work schedule.”

  “Cool,” I said as the guys ended their first song. “They’re playing at that party that weekend, right?” I asked as I gestured toward the stage. “That girl who graduated high school or something?”

  “Yeah,” Irelyn said, her eyes on Lucas. “Friends of Luke’s parents – their daughter graduated high school and asked Out Back to play at her grad party. They volunteered to do it free of charge.”

  “Hm,” I said, deliberating. “Maybe I’ll tag along,” I mused. “It’s been awhile since I’ve been to the Chicago area.”

  “Sure,” Irelyn said, dragging her gaze from Lucas to meet mine. “Luke’s parents won’t mind and I’d be happy for the company. I don’t think I could handle sitting through their entire set alone or listening to Mrs. Newton subtly tell me that Luke and I should just go ahead and marry since we’re already living together.”

  I laughed as an evil smile took possession of my face. “Did you tell her what happened the last time someone proposed to you?”

  She narrowed her eyes at me but I could see that she wanted to giggle. “No, I don’t think I’ve shared that heartwarming story with her yet.”

  I shrugged a shoulder. “Maybe I will.”

  “Maybe I’ll tell her about you and her nephew making out in the pool house while the over sixty group did their water aerobics just a mere fifty feet away…”

  I laughed and nearly choked on my drink. “Yeah, I’d love to see her face. Who knows, maybe that will give her ideas and Mr. Newton will be smiling the same way Spencer was that day.”

  “You’re terrible,” Irelyn laughed.

  I leaned closer to her. “That’s not what Spencer said.”

  She actually blushed and I straightened victoriously in my chair. I finished my drink and motioned for Marissa to bring us a round. That’s when I noticed Morgan and her full glass.

  “What’s up, Morg?”

  She jumped and turned her lovely eyes on me. “Huh?” she asked.

  I smiled. “What’s the matter? You’ve hardly said a word and you haven’t touched your drink. Something wrong?”

  She shook her head and forced a smile. “No, not at all. Thanks.” She picked up her glass and started taking frequent, tiny sips as if to appease me and assure me nothing really was wrong. I raised a brow at Irelyn who just shook her head discreetly.

  When the guys finished, Collin invited everyone to his place to chill out for awhile. It took both me and Irelyn to convince Morgan not to go home but to come with us, but she finally agreed.

  At Collin’s place, we gathered in the kitchen around the table and enjoyed a pizza and plenty of alcohol. Tori, Collin’s upstairs neighbor and daughter of his landlord, came down to join us. She was a pretty girl and I knew Irelyn liked her, but something about her always struck me as odd. She helped herself to a beer and sat in the only available seat next to Spencer.

  I thought things would be tense and a little weird with me and Spencer but he acted as if everything was normal. I knew how people liked to hide unpleasant feelings from others – I myself was a master at it – so I kept a close eye on him. I didn’t want him anymore but I still genuinely cared about him and hated to see him hurt.

  Morgan continued her zombie-like behavior and I managed to corner Irelyn in the bathroom about it.

  “I’ll talk to you about it later,” she insisted before I could delve any further. “Just let her be tonight.”

  “Do you know what’s bothering her?” I asked, astounded. How could I not know when she lived with me?

  “I think so,” Irelyn said. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow, okay?”

  “Yeah, sure,” I mumbled as I left her alone and made my way back to the table.

  My drink had been refreshed and I smiled my thanks at Spencer. He took it as an invitation and dropped into the empty seat next to me.

  “How you doing?” I asked.

  “Bailey, I’m fine,” he insisted. “Geez, it’s not like we were engaged.”

  I fake pouted. “Maybe I was expecting you to pine for me.” I sighed overdramatically. “Did you even shed a single tear?”

  His eyes grew as he snatched a slice out of the box. “Did you want me to? Because honestly, I’d rather eat pizza.” I laughed and patted his stomach. He draped an arm over the back of my chair and leaned his head in close. “Bailey, I’m fine, honest. We’re cool – we’ll always be cool.”

  I nodded and wished that I could have fallen in love with him. He wasn’t quite my type – and neither was Collin, actually. They were both such good guys; nice, sweet, charming. Spencer was more of a goofball while Collin was the quiet one of the bunch.

  I pecked Spencer’s cheek and ruffled his hair. I was hoping he was telling the truth and maybe it was my overconfidence that was making me worry. Perhaps he wasn’t all that into me. I’d have to ask Irelyn – maybe she knew.

  The party started to break up around one-thirty when Morgan announced she was tired. I offered to follow her home but she would have none of it- assuring me she was fine.

  Irelyn followed suit – claiming she had to work the next day. Lucas kissed my cheek and whispered in my ear that they would make sure Morgan made it home all right.

  As if on cue, Spencer stood and yanked me into a hug. “I’m out of here, too. I’m supposed to head over to Owen’s club. He thinks he can talk me into convincing you guys to play over there.”

  Collin shook his head as he chanced a quick glance at Tori. “Tell him hell no.”

 
; “Aw, mate, come on,” Spencer whined, his accent more pronounced.

  “He expects us to do it for free,” Collin continued.

  “No he doesn’t,” Spencer argued.

  Collin held up a hand. “Okay – go talk to him. Find out what he has to say and we’ll discuss it.”

  Spencer grinned, shot me a wink, and bolted out the front door. Tori got to her feet, yawned and headed to the back door.

  “I’m out of here, too,” she said. “See you later, Bailey. Good night, Collin.”

  “You don’t have to leave,” Collin said, his eyes lingering on Tori’s face.

  “I’m tired,” she said with a sad smile. She waved and disappeared before Collin could argue further.

  “Well,” I said as I drained my glass, contemplating whether or not I should leave, too. “We know how to clear a room.”

  He snorted a laugh and finished his beer. He scrutinized me briefly from across the table. “Are you abandoning me, too, or shall we partake of the good liquor?”

  “Bring on the liquor,” I said, smiling at him. He winked and my pulse kicked into higher gear.

  “I have some stuff my uncle gave me for Christmas,” he explained as he slammed a bottle of mescal on the table. “Straight from Mexico.” He picked it up and shook it. “See the worm?”

  “Yes, he’s lovely,” I said dryly as I watched the limp worm sink slowly back to the bottom of the bottle. “You sure you want to open this?”

  He grabbed two shot glasses from a cabinet above the stove. “Absolutely.”

  He cracked the seal and poured the amber liquid into both glasses. He nudged one across the table to me and lifted his. “To friends.”

  “Here, here,” I said and tossed the shot back. The mescal was harsh – scalding my throat. My eyes watered and I really wanted to cough but I sucked it in, not wanting Collin to think I was a wuss. “Smooth,” I choked. A tiny cough escaped my lips and I felt heat in my cheeks. I wasn’t sure if I was blushing or if the liquor was making me warm.

  “I can tell you thoroughly enjoyed that,” he said with a laugh, his glassy eyes shining. “Ready for another or are you a chicken?”

  I leaned over the table and slammed my glass down in front of him. I leered in his face. “I could out drink you any day.”

  “Ha!” he said as he filled the glasses again. “I think not. Cheers,” he said as he lifted his glass. He downed it before I could pick mine up. He set his glass down with a flourish and lifted an expectant brow at me. “Scared?”

  I slammed the shot, relieved it went down easier, and slid my glass across the table at him. I smacked my lips and grinned. “Tasty. Please sir, may I have another?”

  He tipped the bottle over my glass but paused halfway. “Um, you’re not driving home, are you? You’ll crash here?”

  My heart leapt but I was able to keep my excitement masked. “Sure. You’re making breakfast right? Because I’m rather particular about how my eggs are prepared.”

  He filled my glass and scooted it to me. “Sorry, but it’s cereal and milk in the morning.”

  “Geez,” I groaned, making him smile. I drained my glass and my head went into motion, spinning slightly. “Wow. It does have some kick. Think we’ll finish the bottle? I’m a little eager to see you eat the worm.”

  “Not happening, sweetheart,” he slurred. “I think you should eat it.”

  A sexual remark was on the very tip of my tongue just dying to jump out but I was just sober enough to keep it tucked inside. Mostly. “I could make a really crude remark about the eating of worms but I think I’ll just shut up this time.”

  “Think you can handle that?” he challenged as he dropped his arm and knocked the bottle over, splashing mescal on the table. The liquor ran off the edge and into his lap before his mescal-fogged brain could function properly enough to pick up the bottle and jump out of his chair. “Damn.”

  I laughed, tilting my chair dangerously back. “Now that’s alcohol abuse!”

  “Funny,” he said as he pulled at his shorts. “What was it you said about sucking the alcohol out of the clothes?”

  My heart stopped dead in my chest and desire ripped through my body. I knew it was wrong – terribly wrong – to even suggest anything with him sober let alone drunk, but I couldn’t help myself. I got up and yanked a wad of paper towel off the holder and proceeded to wipe up the mess on the front of his shorts very slowly and deliberately. He stilled – his body tense.

  “Will this do?” I asked as I peeked at his face.

  His eyelids were heavy and his breath coming in quick gasps as he took the paper towel from my hand and dropped it on the floor. He gripped my hips and eased me closer. I toyed with the collar of his t-shirt, my heart hammering. I fought to stay coy and nonchalant but my insides were cheering and egging me on.

  “I was going to suggest that you stay in Lucas’s old room tonight but I have a feeling you’d rather not,” he said, his voice husky – his lips inches from mine.

  I realized in that moment that he was really tall and it sparked my desire. My groin was on fire and I trailed my fingers up his shoulders to wind in the back of his hair. “You’re right. I know what your brother and my best friend got up to in there. I don’t think I want to sleep on that mattress. Any other suggestions?”

  He drew me flush with his body and inched his lips closer. “Well, I could be a gentleman and offer you my bed while I take the sofa, but, I’d prefer not to sleep on that lumpy thing.”

  I raised a brow in an attempt to maintain my cool while my insides melted into a big puddle of mush. “So, I take it you’d rather share your bed with me?”

  He brushed his lips softly over mine and I could taste the mescal. “Very much so.”

  I crushed my mouth to his and his grip tightened. I ran my tongue over his bottom lip and he parted his with a soft groan. I pressed my body into him and my desire shot out of control as I could feel the effect I was having on him against my leg.

  His hands worked under my shirt and up my sides, producing embarrassing goose bumps. He dragged me toward his bedroom, his tongue probing my mouth. Once we crashed through the door, I broke the kiss to yank his shirt over his head while he did the same to me. His eyes feasted hungrily on the black lace bra barely concealing my breasts.

  “Take the damn thing off,” I whispered hoarsely as I tussled with his shorts.

  He did, moaning ecstatically as he dropped my bra so he could massage my breasts. He lowered his head to them, his breath warm on my skin. “I always said you had the best ones out of all the girls we hang out with,” he mumbled.

  I grinned in satisfaction as I finally worked the button on his shorts and let them fall to the ground.

  “Just, finish getting undressed, Bailey,” he said, his breath raspy. “I can’t wait much longer – I’m liable to shoot off in my pants.”

  I chuckled and shed my shorts and panties while he kicked off his boxers. I crawled on the bed and he was over me in a second. I watched him fumble with a condom and offered to help but he wouldn’t let me. Once it was on, I pulled him back to me and planted a wet kiss on his lips. When he pushed inside me, we groaned in unison, the release very much welcome.

  I arched into him with every thrust as he continued to kiss my face, my neck, my lips. I rode wave after wave of pleasure until the waves grew more intense and larger and I finally succumbed, shuddering massively on the mattress.

  “Damn,” he huffed as he rested his forehead on mine. His breath was uneven and smelled of liquor and beer but I barely noticed. I was still clutching his shoulders, not ready to let him loose.

  When his lungs finally settled, he collapsed next to me. I closed my eyes as my entire body tingled – satiated for the moment. But it didn’t take long until I was aching for more.

  Rolling to my side, I wiped the beads of sweat off his brow. He cracked open an eye and grinned at me. “Wow, Bailey.”

  I kissed him hesitantly but he was more than willing to return my kiss. S
miling against his lips, I shifted until I was almost totally on top of him. His arm rose off the bed as he planted a hand on the small of my back.

  “What are you up to?” he mumbled, both eyes closed again.

  I kissed the soft spot under his jaw and he shivered. With a smile, I placed my lips near his ear. “Just relax,” I said in what I hoped was an alluring voice.

  I kissed all along his jaw and jumped to his throat, blazing a trail down to his stomach. He sucked in a breath as I removed the condom and tossed it to the floor, hoping no one stepped on it in the morning. I stroked him as his hands fisted and he made little sounds of pleasure. Kissing his stomach, I ventured lower, teasing him with my tongue until he reached for me, pulling me on top of him. His lips were all over me and I prepared for another session but he flipped me over instead.

  “My turn,” he whispered against my throat as he mimicked my movements. But he couldn’t stand it for long, his desire too intense, and before I knew it, he was reaching for another condom.

  “My turn,” I stressed as I sat up and pushed him to the mattress. He smiled eagerly and grabbed my hips, hoisting me in position. His eyes fluttered shut as I lowered myself on him. I started out slowly but my body would have none of that. My blood was scorching and only he could quench the flame.

  “You’re going to kill me, Bailey,” he said in a strained voice, but his hands held my hips tighter and increased my pace.

  All too soon, I was consumed by pleasure and it was my turn to fall on him. His arms wrapped around me and he kissed my hair. We stayed in that position, our heartbeats slowing and our breath catching up to us. I toyed with his hair, very much satisfied to stay in my current position for a long, long time.

  Then I heard his light snore and I drew back to shake my head in amusement. His eyes were closed and his lips parted slightly to allow quiet snores to escape. I kissed his forehead and cheeks before dropping beside him and falling into a liquor-induced sleep.

  ***

  “Damn.”

  I winced, the soft oath penetrating the protective sleep that was keeping me from experiencing a full-blown headache. I rolled to my back, my eyes pressed tightly together.