I rushed home the second English class ended. After I called Eric, I asked if he wanted to hang out later. He agreed, saying he liked a girl who knew what she wanted and went for it. Oh, if only he knew.
When I walked into my house, I found Alyssa sitting on the couch with her laptop. I could tell she didn't plan on going out. She had her hair pulled up in a messy bun, and she'd dressed in sweats. After I declined her offer of pizza, telling her about my date with Eric, she smiled.
"I'm proud of you, Elle." Alyssa pushed herself off the couch.
"Thanks, I'm pretty proud of me too, actually. Hey, I'm gonna jump in the shower before Eric shows up."
"Okay, and be sure you wear something he won't forget." Alyssa winked at me on her way to the kitchen.
I took a fast shower, blow-dried my hair, and then stared into my closet with a towel wrapped around me. I could kill Alyssa. Now I didn't know what to wear. Sexy didn't feel right, cute...maybe? Crap. After fifteen minutes, I went for the casual look. Alyssa came in, looked me over, and then shrugged her shoulders.
"What?" I folded my arms across my chest.
"Nothing, you just look," she paused, "like you."
"That's the point."
"I guess it'll do for tonight."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm not even going to reply. I'll be in the living room." Ugh, friends, but at this point I didn't care. I'd worried long enough over what to wear and I refused to change.
When I walked into the living room, someone knocked on the door. I repressed the smile and sudden bundle of nerves and opened the door. I expected to find a pair of dreamy blue eyes and sandy blond hair. Instead, warm chocolate eyes, dark, sculpted hair, and a sexy as hell grin greeted me.
"Tristan, what are you doing here?" His grin widened into a full smile as he shoved a box of hot pizza into my hands.
"I picked up your favorite. I thought we could watch a movie or something." He moved past me and headed to the kitchen. Stunned, I closed the door and spun around. My eyes, on auto pilot, traveled down his trim body.
I tried really hard not to notice the subtle increased muscle tone in his arms, or the way his dark jeans fit tighter in all the right places. God, I hated how he affected me. I gave myself a mental shake, snapping my eyes up and away from his backside.
"Uh, Tristan, I have plans already." My voice shook. "You should've called."
He turned, and gave me a once over. I'd changed from my comfy T-shirt and jeans to a cute navy sweater and jeans.
"Where's Kellie anyway?" I worked around the tightness in my throat from saying her name.
"She's out with some friends and said I could hang out with you tonight." He shrugged his shoulders. "So, I figured a pizza would be great."
Okay that was shit. My nerves wove with irritation until another knock on the door came.
"I'll get it," Alyssa said, walking into the living room. She stopped when she noticed Tristan, and then me holding a box of pizza. "I thought you were going out with Eric," she said, staring at me.
I knew even without her accusing stare where her thoughts were. Before Alyssa had a chance to hammer me with questions, I set the box of pizza on the kitchen counter.
"Go ahead and open the door. I am going out with Eric. I didn't know Tristan was going to show up." I looked over my shoulder. Tristan's face turned red, and he balled his fists next to his sides, making the muscles in his arms bulge. He absolutely needed some new T-shirts, because the black one he had on looked ready to rip apart from the seams.
With effort, I tore my eyes away from him and back to Alyssa. "Tristan was given permission to hang out with me, but he just found out I've made other plans already."
Alyssa grinned devilishly and practically skipped to open the front door.
Eric walked in and smiled. "Hey, Elle. You look great." He scanned the room, no doubt feeling the tension, and shoved his hands in his pockets. Clearing his throat, he said, "Did I interrupt something? We can reschedule if–"
Alyssa and I blurted no, while Tristan countered with yes. Alyssa whipped her head around to Tristan, but I held up my hand, stopping her.
"Eric, I'm ready to go. I just need to get my jacket. Tristan, can you follow me?" I didn't wait to hear either of their replies.
Tristan closed the door as soon as we were alone in my room. His jaw tensed, while his eyes bore into me. "That was shit. You're just going to leave me?"
"You should have called me first, and I am not changing my plans because you were given permission to hang out with me. And while we're at it, what the hell is all that about?"
My hands found my hips and he laughed, which did not help his cause. I shook my head. "You know what, it doesn't matter, Tristan." I let out a breathy laugh. He irritated the crap out of me, but I let it go, not wanting to fight with him. "Just call me next time to make sure I don't have anything going on."
"Fine, I'm sorry, but are you really going out with Eric Green? I mean, he has a reputation you know." Tristan's brow rose.
“It’s fine. Now, if you don't mind I've got to get out there before Eric thinks we're doing something in here other than talking." My stomach knotted, but I kept my expression smooth.
"So what. Let him think whatever the hell he wants," he said with an impish grin.
I grabbed my jacket. "Alyssa said she wanted pizza earlier. Ask her to eat with you." With that, I opened my door and left him in my room. I practically shoved Eric out the front door, but obviously not fast enough.
Alyssa yelled, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"Nice, Alyssa," I said, closing the door behind us.
We hurried to his car. Once inside, he asked, "Is it always this exciting when you go out on a date?"
"You're the first guy I've been out with, so there isn't anyone to compare with."
"I like that," he said, starting his car.
Eric asked where I wanted to eat. Because Tristan had showed up with a pizza, I couldn't think of anything other than Italian. I even ordered pizza, which kind of irritated the crap out of me.
After dinner, Eric drove us to his frat house. When we walked in, to my surprise, Tristan sat comfortably on the sofa. I pushed up on my tiptoes to whisper in Eric's ear. "What's Tristan doing here?"
"He's in the frat. I figured you knew." Eric turned his face to me.
I lowered my eyes to his lips, and then did something completely out of character. I kissed him. I hadn't meant to, but his lips looked so soft, and I wanted Tristan to see how much I liked Eric.
He pulled away first. "I have wanted to do that all night," he whispered. A guy whistled, causing warmth to heat my face. "Lay off, Matt," Eric warned. "Hey, you want a beer or something?" I wasn't given a chance to answer.
"She doesn't drink, man," Tristan said defensively, standing from the couch.
"I'd love a Coke or whatever you have," I answered, dismissing Tristan's comment.
Eric nodded and headed to the kitchen. Tristan didn't waste time, and took his place beside me.
"I didn't know you joined a frat. When did this happen?" Tristan had never wanted to join, partially because his dad pledged here, but mostly it just didn't fit him.
"It happened after hanging out with some of the guys on the team. My dad pledged," he shrugged his shoulders, "and joining was important to Kellie."
I frowned at him. "This isn't you, Tristan." I wanted to say more but Eric walked out handing me a drink. "Thanks." I took a sip tasting the burn of alcohol in it, but didn't say anything. Tristan immediately walked away from us.
"You play pool?"
"I've never played before, but I bet you're a great teacher."
"The best," he replied, leading me up the stairs and away from Tristan.
Upstairs, Eric showed me how to hold my pool stick. He broke and made one ball in. A solid, so I took stripes. Personally, I preferred solids, but whatever. When he didn't make his next shot, I purposefully fumbled with my stick.
"Let me show you how to shoot." Eric leane
d against my back, and stretched his arms over mine. "Make sure you keep your hands steady," he said next to my ear. I shivered from the warmth of his breath against my neck.
"Okay," I stammered.
"When you hit, you want to make sure to aim for the center of the cue ball."
"Got it," I said weakly. With Eric still guiding me, I reared back and hit the cue ball, but not hard enough. I'd barely touched my ball.
"Not bad," he said stepping away.
I did my best not to roll my eyes.
I continued letting Eric show me how to line up my shots for a while. He had a few balls left on the table while most of mine remained. Time to get this show started. When my turn came around, I lined up my shot and nailed it. Along with three more. Eric played, but didn't attempt to help me again. He only had the eight ball.
By the time I'd finished my drink, I could barely taste the mix of alcohol. I hit my last striped ball in and concentrated on the infamous eight ball.
I'd lied when I said I'd never played before. Tristan taught me back in high school. When we played teams at a party, we killed at every game. Geometry, everything all boiled down to geometry. Problem being, I sucked at geometry, and I'd never done well with bank shots.
"Here goes nothing." I lined up my shot, hit the cue ball hard, and watched as the ball bumped against the opposite side of the table. The cue ball rolled in a straight line hitting the edge of the eight ball, forcing it to roll across the green. Unfortunately, my ball slowed to a halt, a hair shy of dropping in the pocket.
"Dang it." I frowned.
"I've got this," Eric said, chalking the end of his stick. He lined up his shot and gently nudged the cue ball. I watched the eight ball fall in the pocket, followed by the cue ball. He scratched and I won by default.
"Ha, you lose!"
Eric leaned his stick against the table, and then came to stand in front of me. "I think I was just hustled."
I pointed to my chest, feigning innocence. "I would never," I started, but he silenced me. Slightly bending me back, Eric leaned forward and kissed me.
I locked my arms around his neck, and he pulled me closer to his chest. The kiss turned electric when his tongue skimmed my lips, and I willingly complied with his offer. He moaned in my mouth, and feeling dangerous, I slid my hand down his back. Every inch of my skin felt alive, until I heard a loud hit against the wall.
"Sorry, was I interrupting something?" Tristan pronounced each word with animosity.
Eric and I pulled apart, but he kept his arms around my waist. Thank goodness, because the effects of the alcohol had kicked in.
"What the hell's your problem, Daniels?" Eric shot Tristan a hard glare.
"You're my problem," Tristan said, closing the distance between us. I had to intervene before someone did something.
"Uh, Tristan, we're kind of busy. Did you need something?" I hoped my words didn't come out slurred.
"Yeah, I saw how busy you were." Tristan transferred his anger to me.
"What, you jealous?" Eric taunted, releasing me from his arms, but shielding his body in front of me. Not good.
"Elle isn't some chick you can check off your list of bags, dip shit."
"I think she can handle herself." Eric clinched his fists.
"Give me a fucking break," Tristan laughed. "Lay one more hand on her and you'll be sorry." Tristan's tone turned into a growl, his face firm with his intent.
"Why don't you make me," Eric countered, stepping closer to Tristan.
"Hey, I'm right here, you know." I slid between them. "You," I pointed to Tristan, "back off. What I do with Eric is none of your business. I appreciate you looking out for me, but there isn't anything to protect me from." My plea only seemed to make Tristan angrier. His eyes blazed with fury.
"Elle, get a clue. He's not your type." Tristan's hands were balled by his sides, his eyes dark and dangerous.
"Enough, Tristan." I circled back to Eric. "Eric, I'm sorry, but can you take me home." Eric's jaw tensed. I could see he wanted to put Tristan in his place and maybe I should've let him, but I couldn't. I didn't want him or Tristan hurt.
"I'm sorry, Elle. Yeah, I'll take you home." Eric grabbed my hand and led me around Tristan.
I could feel Tristan's cold stare as we went past him. As soon as we were downstairs by the front door, I heard a loud crash from upstairs.
Eric and I didn't speak on the short ride back to my house. But I didn't want the night to end like this. I wanted to move on with Eric, but after the display Tristan pulled–acting like an overprotective brother–he probably wouldn't want anything to do with me.
"Eric, I'm really sorry for what happened. He can be a little...protective at times." I glanced over at him and saw his knuckles had turned white gripping the steering wheel.
"Are you sure that's all it was?" He stared out the windshield when he parked against the curb.
"Well, yeah. I mean, we've been best friends since we were kids. He's always been there for me, but that's it." Eric still didn't move. I unbuckled my seatbelt to move closer, placing my hand on his arm. Finally, he turned and his blue eyes softened.
"I like you, Elle. Maybe more than I should considering we just started dating, but I think Tristan–"
I held up my hand to stop him. "I don't want to talk about Tristan anymore." I cupped his face in my hands, needing him to believe me. Eric leaned in, and our lips met gently, but he pulled back before the kiss could turn into anything more.
"I wouldn't hurt you, Elle. I want you to know that, and I would never push you into doing anything you didn't want to do. I get that you and Tristan are friends, but the way he acted tonight." He slowly moved farther away from me.
A few months ago, I would've given anything to have something more than friendship with Tristan, but I'd made up my mind and I wasn't changing it.
"Listen, Eric, Tristan and I are friends. We'll always be friends, so I hope you can deal with that, but that's all we are. Just friends...nothing more. I don't want to be with him. I want to be with you, but if what happened tonight was too much for you, then tell me now."
Eric closed his eyes, exhaling loudly through his nose. "Elle, I hope you're right because I want to be with you. I can deal with Tristan as long as you're only friends." He opened his eyes, but when he looked at me, he didn't seem convinced.
I answered his reservations, pulling him close. "Does this help?" I pressed my lips against his. Eric's hand moved to the back of my head, pressing me closer. I fisted my fingers in his hair wanting, no needing, to get lost in his embrace. His distraction was what I had needed to finally let go.
I could taste the lingering effects of his beer as our tongues rolled together. Eric moved his hand under my shirt, stroking my back and increasing my pulse. I wanted more and gladly arched my back as his lips trailed soft kisses down my throat then back up again.
His hand inched higher up my shirt. Cupping my breast, he circled his thumb around my nipple through my bra. I had gone further with other guys, though not by much, but I didn't want to stop just yet.
My lips were blissfully numb, and my skin heated as Eric’s tongue skated down my throat. My head slackened, eyes still closed, not wanting to open myself up to the outside world.
Until the most annoying knock on the driver's side window halted our progress.
"Hey, kids. I think it's time to break it up in there." I heard Alyssa's voice and with an agitated grunt, I pulled away from Eric.
"She won't stop until we open the door. I think she may be more of a pain in the ass than Tristan is."
Eric laughed, pulling my shirt down. Damn.
"Alyssa, I can take," he said.
"I wouldn't be so sure." I laughed and then opened my door. Climbing out and into the cold night air, I heard Eric sigh when I closed my door. A few seconds later, he emerged from his car.
"Hey, guys. Just wanted to be sure everything was okay in there. I figured you've been at it for a while and could use a break." Alyssa fini
shed with a wink. I could've killed her.
"Well, next time you decide to think, stop before you get hurt." I turned my attention to Eric standing across his car from me.
"I'm so sorry and completely understand if you don't want to call me after tonight. I would run as fast as you can if I were you." I gave Alyssa a pointed glare before walking to stand beside Eric.
"I'll take my chances. Besides, I don't think I've ever had this much excitement on a date before. It'll take more than an overbearing ass and," he turned to look at Alyssa with a smile, "a nosy friend for me let you go now."
I reached up on my tiptoes, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks, but just so you know, you were fair warned."
"Got it. Hey, I've got to go, but I'll call you tomorrow." Eric pulled me in for a deeper kiss. I giggled against his soft lips when I heard gagging noises behind me.
"Bye," he said, then got in his car.
I waited until Eric drove off, and then spun around to face Alyssa. My hand on my hips, my face stern, I said, "What the hell was that all about?"
"From the looks of things you seemed pretty intent on taking over Ginger's title as slut. I figured I'd save you from that. At least make him wait until the third date."
"Oops, I guess you should've written the rules down before we did it. I mean, we were just finished when you walked up." I kept my face even, giving her a dose of her own nosy medicine.
"No shit, are you kidding me, Elle?"
I laughed, leaving her standing alone in the front yard. I'd let her squirm a little.
Chapter 12
Tristan
When I overheard Green talking to Matt about going on a date with Elle, I had to find out if it were true. Even if Jarred claimed Green to be a decent guy, I knew he wasn't right for Elle. When I got to Elle's place tonight she'd confirmed her date, and I couldn't do a damn thing to stop her from going. My stomach rolled, and Alyssa’s smartass mouth turned the roll into a wave.
"What did you bring me to eat?"
Distraction Page 11
