"Baby, I'm on the pill." She rasped, urging me to come back to her. Though her offer more than tempted me, I sure as hell didn't want the risk of ending up with a kid. I watched her as I rolled the condom down. She gave me a sultry smile as I walked back over to the bed.
"Come here," I said, climbing under the covers. Instantly, she did as I asked.
* * *
Breathless, I shifted my weight, lying beside Kellie on the bed. My heart rate slowed, and I hoped she wouldn't want to talk or cuddle. The only thing I wanted was to pass out. Coach had pushed our practice an hour longer today and the extra time caught up to me.
A few minutes later, Kellie raised her head. Her forehead wrinkled with worry. "Promise me we'll still be together after this weekend."
I didn't know what to think at first. She was never insecure about us, or anything.
"Of course." I still couldn't gauge what she was thinking. "Kellie, what's going on?"
"It's just, you and this Elle person have known each other forever. Sometimes I feel like–" She shifted her eyes from me, situating herself on her back and focused on the ceiling. "When you talk about her, I get a feeling there's more than friendship between you two." She still refused to look at me.
"Listen, Elle's like one of the guys. Don't worry about it."
"You promise?" When she turned her face back to me, I noticed the beginning of tears in her eyes.
"I promise." Wanting to ease her insecurities, I moved closer and pressed my lips against her forehead. Kellie repositioned her body, and rested her head on my chest, draping her arm over my stomach. So much for not cuddling. We stayed together in silence and soon her breathing evened.
The steady hum from the fan pulled my eyes closed and behind them, a vision of the most beautiful woman stood. Problem being, she wasn't the woman I held asleep in my arms. Her natural sun-kissed skin, silky brown hair, intense green eyes, and a smile that could light up a darkened room haunted me. I wanted to hold her, kiss her until her legs were too weak to stand.
I squeezed my eyes tight and forced Elle's image out of my head. With resented guilt, I moved Kellie off my chest. Kellie knew how to make me forget, and the sex more than satisfied me. So what the hell? I needed to fix my problems. I'd ignored Elle all summer and made sure I'd left town before she came back home to visit.
Fuck, this would be harder than I thought.
Elle
All week I rolled over what Tristan's big news could be, which made every day seem to drag by at a snail's pace. Thankfully, the Ginger drama faded and she kept her distance. Tisha gave her a nice what-for when she came back to the house later that night. Their heated words made for an entertaining evening.
"Hey, are you ready to go?" Alyssa bounced on her toes.
"Yeah, just give me a second to put my shoes on. Where are we shopping anyway?"
"Just hurry up so we can get back and ready before loser boy gets here. You did tell him we're going to the disco party tonight, right?" She fixed me with a pointed stare.
"Yes, I told you this already. Geez." I slipped my feet into my flats. "Okay, I'm ready. Let’s jet."
Alyssa and I took her car instead of mine, considering mine always seemed to find the worst possible times to break down. Ten minutes later, we were parked in front of a second-hand boutique. We walked into the consignment store. The air was stale, though judging by the old-fashioned décor, she had picked the right place. Stringed beads replaced doors, and a hat rack used for different sized and shaped wigs, most of them resembling afros, stood next to the fitting room.
Alyssa disagreed with every item I picked out, and took it upon herself to shove a tiny gold dress in my hands, while using her other hand to push me in a dressing room. Reluctantly, I tried it on.
"There is no way I'm wearing this in public." I was hardly covered, and while the white platform boots weren't comfortable, they at least hid more than the damn dress.
"Let's see you, then," she ordered from outside the door.
I poked my head out first. When I didn't see anyone around, I stepped out.
"Hot mamma! All you need are these gold hoops and your outfit is complete."
I would have taken a deep, exaggerated breath, but the dress didn't allow movement. Instead, I examined Alyssa. I thought my get up left little to the imagination, but she outdid me, of course. She oozed sex appeal–with ease.
She'd tied her shirt in a knot under her boobs. The pattern and colors coincided with the era, and the off-white shorts could front as boy-cut corduroy panties. The platform gold high heels transformed her long legs into a sexier, leaner version than they already were. But the blond afro wig really topped it off.
"I admittedly look like a saint compared to you in that," I waved my hand toward her, "whatever assortment you have on. And by the way, I'm not wearing this thing out."
I didn't know if what I had on counted as an outfit, considering the small amount of material. Either way, she'd lost her mind if she thought I'd wear this in public.
"I knew you were going to say that." She opened her door and grabbed another dress for me to try on, and I gratefully took it. As soon as I closed the door to my dressing room, I peeled myself out of the contraption I had on and slid into the new choice. The dress hung longer, reaching mid-thigh, and the deep purple better suited my olive skin and chestnut hair. The dress had a slight flare at the bottom, and the white platform boots better complimented this dress anyway. I stepped out.
Alyssa smiled. "Groovy."
The sun had already set when we finally left the store. I hoped Tristan wouldn't have trouble finding our house. When Alyssa turned onto our street, my eyes scanned the sidewalk. In front of our house sat a cherry red, vintage Chevy Camaro z28.
"Hey. Tristan made it. Let's get in before the girls tear him apart." Alyssa rolled her eyes as she shifted her car into park.
I told Tisha I had a friend staying with me and asked if she would keep him company if he showed up before I got back. The second Tristan's name came out, she went all fan girl on me. Even jumped up and down. I reminded her about her boyfriend, to which she said, "A girl can look without touching." Go figure. She went on to say she couldn't believe I'd kept a secret like being friends with Tristan Daniels from her this whole time. I laughed it off, being used to the effect Tristan had over the female population. He was such a man-whore.
My heart thumped in my chest with each step I took to the front door. I reached for the doorknob, sucked in a deep breath, turned the knob, and walked in. As expected, two giggling girls surrounded Tristan in the kitchen.
"Hey, stranger."
Tristan's warm brown eyes met mine. His beaming superstar smile created a rush of heat spreading across my cheeks. My stomach summersaulted, and my lips spread wide across my face.
"Hey, Spud." As usual, he used the nickname I acquired as a kid, knowing I hated it. Such a butthead.
Walking over, I landed a solid punch to his upper arm before wrapping my arms around his waist. Tristan squeezed me and through his thin fabric shirt, I could feel his taught stomach muscles pressing against me. Damn. Holy shit, he smelled good. His skin had a rugged mountain fresh aroma mixed with his rich, cool aftershave. With difficulty, I moved back.
He'd dressed in costume, which surprised me a bit. His collar was wide, and the hunter green, short-sleeved shirt brought out the dark chocolate specks in his light amber-brown eyes. The bell-bottoms did wonders for his, well, I refused to go there. He didn't protest to the disco, but I didn't think he'd dress up for the party.
"So, where's Amazon?" On cue, Alyssa marched in. I winced knowing she'd heard what he'd called her.
"Right here, Shrimp," she retorted, though her tone remained playful. "We've gotta change, so stay put."
I smirked, in spite of the banter between the two of them.
"Okay, Elle, where have you kept this guy hidden for so long?" Tisha supplied me with her quirky grin.
Tisha's friend, Megan, sat beside him on a sto
ol. Her attraction to him, unmistakable. He'd always had the same affect on people.
"He goes to school at UT, so we don't see each other too often."
Tisha directed her attention back to Tristan and smiled. "You are welcome to stay here anytime you want. Even if your girl here isn't in town."
I laughed, and Alyssa sighed dramatically behind me.
"Make yourself at home and we'll be out in a bit," I said, then followed Alyssa to our room. I overheard Tisha asking about the nicknames. I heard Tristan's chuckle as I walked farther down the hall. He wasn't short, but after Alyssa's supermodel growth spurt in junior high, she solicitously aired the extra inches over him.
Ten minutes later, Tisha stuck her head in our room just as I'd finished slipping my boots on. "Hey, gals. Megan and I are headed to the party." She leaned closer into the room. "And just so you know, Ginger has her eyes set on your man. Girl, you know how she is. I'd keep a close eye on her."
"Thanks, but I think Tristan can handle himself." Alyssa rolled her eyes in the mirror at my comment.
"Well, I guess we'll see y'all there," Tisha said, and then left.
I didn't usually wear makeup so I was ready in no time. I waited for Alyssa to finish up, but knowing Tristan and Ginger were alone, I wanted to get out there. "Hey, I'm gonna go talk with Tristan while you're finishing up in here. Okay?"
"Whatever, I'll be out in a minute." Alyssa pressed her lips together while looking in the mirror.
I walked out of our room. My palms instantly became clammy with sweat, and my breathing came out in quick pants. Before I turned the corner, I stopped, taking a few deep, measured breaths to calm me down.
In the living room, I found Tristan sitting next to Ginger. The sight caused my insides to tighten. Ginger was a mean, spiteful person, but had the looks to back her up. She had a perfect cream complexion and long auburn, curled locks that dangled around her shoulders. Admittedly, it fared well with the skin-tight navy dress she chose. Her lips were glossed with a hint of pink, but no signs of any other makeup showed. Tristan glanced over his shoulder and smiled at my frozen state.
"Hey, Spud." I cringed again. "Lookin' good. Is Amazon almost finished?" He looked at his watch then back at me.
"She's almost ready." I couldn't help the angry glare I aimed at Ginger. "So, Ginger, are you waiting for Bret to pick you up or is it Robbie now?" I couldn't deny myself the insult, because the way her body leaned close to Tristan irritated the crap out of me.
With a wicked smile that would make the devil proud, she said, "I asked Tristan if he wanted to couple with me since you and Alyssa are going together. Besides, I wouldn't want him to wander around getting lost." She lifted her hand and eyed her manicured nails.
"We could only hope," Alyssa countered, coming up from behind.
"Good to see you, too." Tristan winked, pushing himself off the couch, and then walked to stand beside me.
"Okay you promised you'd be nice this weekend. I haven't seen you in forever, and I don't want to play referee between you two." I wrapped my arm around Tristan's elbow.
"I can't believe you're friends with these two," Ginger said, jutting her bottom lip out in a flirty pout.
"Amazon is a package deal when it comes to Elle, and Elle is the closest thing to a sister I've got. I consider them more like family."
To the unknowing such as Ginger, you'd think his tone sounded playful, but I could hear the warning undertone behind his words. However, I also couldn't help notice he classified me as a sister, and worse yet, so did Ginger. Not something you wanted to hear from the guy you're in love with.
"Aw, you got all mushy on me, Shrimp. This little reunion is great and all, but we have a disco to get to. So if you don't mind?" Alyssa clicked her heels over the door and walked out.
Chapter 3
Tristan
The vision I'd had of Elle the other night dulled in comparison to the way she looked tonight. The bottom of her dress raised just enough, exposing the natural tanned skin of her thighs, and the hypnotizing swing of her hips when she walked in front of me made it difficult not to stare. I knew if I didn't get a handle on my thoughts, I'd end up taking a cold shower by the end of the night.
"Do you want to ride with me?" I turned to the redhead. She had a tall, slender, hot body, and I got the distinct impression she knew as much. She offered to share her oversized bed tonight so I wouldn't have to sleep on the couch. I never liked girls who were easy, and she had easy written all over her pretty little face. She also mentioned her dad's credentials–a big shot plastic surgeon–like I gave a damn.
"Tristan, you can ride with Ginger if you want," Elle said, shrugging her delicate shoulders, indifferently.
"You sure?" Elle waved off my question and slid into the car with Alyssa.
"I guess it's settled then." The redhead smiled. I hesitated until Alyssa backed out of the driveway.
I had to fold myself into the small sports car; no doubt her dad had bought it for her. "So, how do you know Elle?" I didn't appreciate the sneer accompanying her fake smile.
"Elle and I've known each other since we were kids."
"So, she's more like a little sister to you?" She batted her eyelashes, and then focused on the road again.
"Listen, I don't know what game you're playing, and I don't give a shit." I reveled in the shocked expression messing up her pretty face. "Elle is important to me, so lay off." I could tell she wasn't used to being shot down–most girls like her weren't.
"You mind?" I ignored her huff when I changed the radio station. I rested my head against the seat cushion and closed my eyes to clear my head.
My steel hard plan to keep Elle at a distance didn't seem to be working out as I'd planned, especially after seeing her in the too damned short, sexy purple dress. I needed a fucking strong drink in order to get through the night.
Without warning, the car came to a screeching halt. My head bounced hard against the leather headrest.
"Oops," the bitch said. I moved in, close enough to smell the over-priced vanilla perfume she doused herself in. Her lips parted with anticipation.
"Not everyone can handle a stick." Her eyes widened and I backed away. Yep, way too easy. I opened the door and didn't bother to hide my laugh. Elle and Alyssa waited by the door. I walked over as soon as I got out.
"About time," Elle said. I smiled and she arched her brows in return.
"After you," I said, following close behind. When we walked in, I sent a silent prayer that I wouldn't have to watch Elle meet up with some dickhead tonight.
Elle
The frat house was in full swing, and everyone dressed in true sixties form. Music pulsed against the wood floors, and a rotating silver disco ball replaced the usual light fixture in the main room.
Alyssa quickly mingled her way into the crowd, smiling and laughing while I stayed back. I wanted to spend as much time with Tristan as I could.
Not long after we got there, Ginger took her manicured claws out of Tristan. He'd made it perfectly clear he wasn't interested, and when he brought back a drink for me and not her, she finally took the hint.
“God, she's a vulture, you know. How do you live with," he nodded to Ginger, "that piece of work? I mean she's hot, but damn."
"That kind of surprises me. She's usually the type of girl you go after. What gives?" I then remembered the important news he had for me. I kept bugging him all week, but he refused to budge. He said he wanted us to be alone when he told me. I hadn't realized my big goofy grin until Tristan nudged my shoulder.
"What's with the smile, Spud? Is it some guy?" He eyed the room. His lean shoulders straightened and his chest bowed out. "Because you know, I'm obligated to kick his ass if I don't like him."
"Oh shut up, and no, there isn't a guy...not really anyway. I'm just happy you finally came to see me. Not talking to you all summer sucked. So," I lingered on the word, "are you going to tell me what the big news is or do I have to guess?" I bit my bottom lip. A nervous habit
I picked up after my parents divorced, when mine and my sister's world went to shit.
"I figured we could go to dinner first. Maybe tomorrow? Your weekend's free, right?"
"Yep, no plans."
A loud bell from in the kitchen stole our attention away. Tristan and I followed the excess of people crowded in the doorway. In the kitchen were two kegs. A row of guys in front of one and in front of the other were girls.
"If you're a light weight, then get the hell out of line," Bret, Ginger's ex, announced holding up a spout. "You know the rules, an equal amount of guys to girls, and the line that finishes without spewing wins. Everyone, place your bets now," he finished.
I looked over the crowd and found Alyssa at the front of the girls’ line. I should have known. Opposite her stood Jarred, the football team’s captain. She had her work cut out for her. I'd heard he'd won every keg stand he'd been to.
“All right, all bets are closed. Let the game begin." A fellow Kappa dinged the bell again, and the race took off. The deafening tune of chug, chug, chug, bellowed throughout the crowd while Jarred and Alyssa gulped beer. They'd been up for almost a full minute. The best score had been recorded at a minute and ten seconds. Ten, nine, eight, the seconds were counted down. Then Jarred dropped to his feet and Alyssa beat him by one second.
Alyssa strolled over to where Tristan and I stood and burped.
"Wow, Amazon, I'm impressed. Guess you really have learned something at college. Your parents would be proud." Tristan playfully hit Alyssa in the shoulder causing another burp to escape her beer-filled stomach. I only drank water, but anyone in the near vicinity of that burp acquired an instant buzz.
"Yeah, I figured if Mom and Dad are hell bent on me learning, then what better way than study the art of a kick ass keg stand?" She burped again.
Someone yakked and we turned our attention to the line of guys vs. girls keg stand. A freshman from the Pi Phi house lost more than her money just then. "Damn freshman, she just made us lose," Alyssa said.
Distraction Page 3
