by S. M. Shade
Noble snorts. “Did you just apologize to a cheese curl?”
Trey shakes his head like a dog trying to throw off water, then laughs. “Okay, I might be fucked up.”
Jani laughs into her drink, spilling it down the front of her shirt. “Damn it,” she curses.
“She’s not usually a spitter,” Noble says, earning him a middle finger.
“Come on,” I tell her, getting to my feet. “I’ve got a tee shirt you can wear.”
Jani follows me back to my room, and I gesture toward my closet. “Grab whatever you want.”
“Thanks.”
I leave her to change and I’m just sitting back down on the couch when she returns, wearing one of my shirts and carrying Beulah. “Girl, what the hell is this ugly—”
That’s as far as she gets before Trey lets out a horrified yelp and leaps to his feet, his head whipping around like he’s surrounded by monsters. “Get it away!” he shouts, backing against the wall.
Jani’s perplexed look is accompanied by a burst of laughter from Noble and Denton.
“It’s just a doll,” I explain. “I’ve had it since I was little.”
“It hates me!” Trey exclaims, darting across the room and scrambling to open the window. It’s locked, and he can’t manage to figure that out in his drug induced panic. He yanks at it, then looks back like Beulah might be sneaking up on him. Turning back to the window, he plants his palms against it. “I can’t. How do I…window?”
I take the doll from Jani and head back to my room before he has a damned heart attack. I can hear Denton saying, “Did he just ask how to window?”
I’ve had enough of the junk food, but the bowl of fruit I see as I pass the kitchen draws me in. After depositing the doll back in my room, I grab a peach. Denton walks in and starts rummaging through the fridge. I chuckle when I turn to see him staring at a huge chunk of cheese like it’s the best thing he’s ever laid eyes on. Munchies are kicking all our asses.
“What are you laughing at?” he asks, returning the cheese to the shelf.
I rinse the peach under the faucet and grab a paper towel to pat it dry. Turning to reply to him, I toss the peach in the trash and bring the paper towel to my mouth. Fortunately, I realize my mistake before I take an actual bite of it, but Denton saw exactly what I did, and he bursts out laughing.
“Damn it.” It’s all I can think to say.
Denton turns away, his hands planted on the counter as his body shakes.
When he finally gets a hold of himself, I’m leaning against the sink, my arms crossed. “Are you about finished?” A giggle escapes me as I ask the question.
He picks up another peach and leans past me to rinse it. He’s so close I get a whiff of his scent. Spicy body wash mixed with sweat that somehow smells amazing. I remember waking up to that smell after my sleepwalking incident. My eyes close momentarily, and I breathe it in, my heart speeding up. Must be the edible.
He dries the peach and holds it up with a grin, pulling it away and taking a bite just as I go to take it. Why does he like to tease me? And why do I love it so much?
Without giving it a second thought, I grab his wrist, pull it toward me and slowly take a bite out of the peach. My eyes are locked on his, and I see the heat fill his gaze as warmth races through me. He watches as I chew and swallow, then lick my lips. “Sweet,” I murmur.
I’m still holding his wrist when his gaze drops to my lips. “Fuck, that was hot,” he breathes.
I run my hand down his arm after I release his wrist, and he lifts his hand to my face, cupping my jaw, his eyes burning into mine.
He’s going to kiss me.
And I’m going to let him.
I don’t know whether it’s the edible or just the moment, but it seems like weeks pass as he brings his face closer, and my eyes fall closed at the amazing feel of his mouth on mine. His lips press to mine in a small, soft kiss, first on my bottom lip, then the top, then the corner of my mouth. The tenderness of it is devastating in the best way. Without a hint of tongue, he’s rendered me speechless, and left me wanting so much more.
“What’s going on in here?” Trey asks, grinning at us from the doorway.
Shit. Busted.
Denton grins and steps back. “Just getting a peach.”
“Looked like you were getting more than that.”
“Probably because you ate half a bag of edibles,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant as I walk toward the door.
Trey shakes his head. “That’s not going to work.”
“Let’s ask Beulah what she thinks,” I suggest, heading toward the doorway.
“No! Leave that evil thing alone. I didn’t see anything,” Trey exclaims, rushing out of the room.
Denton smirks at me. “Gaslighting and threats. I don’t know whether to be terrified or impressed.”
Shrugging, I mumble, “I’m high. I think it’s time I get ready for bed.”
Before he can say anything else, I hurry to my bedroom, gather my clothes and shower stuff, and lock myself in the bathroom.
The hot water rushing over my body feels amazing, but it does nothing to quell the pulse between my legs, begging for relief. I have to take care of it, and better here with the shower covering any noise. It takes me less than thirty seconds to come from my fingers, faster than I’ve ever gotten myself off. It must be because I’m stoned.
It’s absolutely not because Denton kissed me.
Nope, no way.
At least it calms me down and I feel halfway normal again. After dressing in a pair of leggings and a tank top, I poke my head in the living room to say good night. It seems rude to just disappear to my room and I don’t want Denton to know he got to me. Kenny lies flat on his back, grinning at the ceiling. Jani sits in Noble’s lap, watching Denton and Trey play a game.
“Good night, guys.”
“Night,” Jani replies.
Denton peeks up at me. “You okay?”
“Yep, just done in.”
“It’s those dibbles!” Kenny says, rather loudly. “Those dibbles fucked everything up.”
Laughter follows me to bed, and I hear Denton tell Kenny. “Yeah, man. Those dibbles are a bitch.”
My phone ringing wakes me the next morning. My hand closes around it just as it stops, and I can barely make out Sasha’s name under the missed call notification through my bleary eyes.
Rolling over, I toss it beside me on my bed and stretch. The memory of whatever I was dreaming teases, just out of reach. All I can recall was that Denton was in it. It’s probably better I can’t remember. Denton. God, that sweet kiss devastated me.
I can’t believe he kissed me. After all the off limits and bro code talk, all it took was an edible and a second left alone together to knock down our inhibitions. I know it was just the effect of the weed, but it’s going to be hard to pretend it didn’t happen.
I’ll be avoiding weed and alcohol for the near future.
When my phone jars to life again, I accept Sasha’s call. “Hey, sorry, just waking up. What’s up?”
“I need a big favor, Becca. Can you handle the walk-ins this week? If there’s too many, you can put a few on my schedule for next week. I’ve already rescheduled all my appointments this week.”
Sasha never misses a day of work, much less a week. “Of course I will. Is everything okay?”
She sighs. “No, my parents are immature drama queens who swear they’re filing for divorce. I don’t know what’s going on down there, but I’m flying down to find out.”
Sasha is no stranger to family drama, but this is a new one. “No problem. Do you need me to do anything else?”
“You could swing by my place and grab the mail in a few days if you don’t mind.”
“When do you leave?”
“As soon as I get packed. I have an afternoon flight.”
Sitting up, I glance at the clock. I need to get moving if I’m going to open the shop on time. “Be careful. I’ve got things handled here.”
/>
“I’ll call and fill you in on the drama,” she chuckles.
“Just remember you don’t look good in orange.”
I’m sorry for her troubles but getting all the walk-ins this week is perfect for me. The tat shop is open nine to nine, plus I generally stay after for some of my scheduled clients. It’s going to be a tiring, but very lucrative week.
By the time I’ve dressed and made myself look halfway decent, I think I might escape without running into Denton, but no such luck. He steps out of his room, a smile lighting his face. What glorious bedhead. I want to run my hands through it.
“Good morning,” he says, and I swear I hear too much hidden in that tone. I’m sure I’m reading into it.
“Morning,” I reply, far too brightly. “I’ve got to run.” He watches me with a small smirk as I grab my keys and the bag lunch I’ve prepared.
Trey stumbles out, and they glance at one another before racing to be the first to claim the bathroom. Trey wins, and I slip out during the scuffle. Whew. Immaturity to the rescue.
My car gets momentarily stuck at two different stops along the way, before kicking into gear each time. It’s not quite long enough for me to get honked at, but definitely enough of a delay to make me look like I’m not paying attention. Something tells me I’m going to hear all the best swear words as it gets worse.
The cold air washes over me when I enter the shop, and it’s a relief. Even a few minutes in that heat is too much. Poor Denton has to work today. Standing outside in the sun washing cars when it’s too humid to breathe must be miserable.
Okay, I need to stop that. No more thinking about Denton. This week will be good for me. Put some space between us. We really have spent a lot of time together the past few days. I’m sure we’ll get our heads on straight with some distance separating us.
I turn on some music and pop a coffee pod into the coffee maker. The bell over the door rings, and a young guy comes in, a drawing in his hand. Just focus on work, I tell myself.
My back aches as I lean over the client, filling in the last little leaf on an olive branch with color. Five days of twelve hour or more shifts is starting to wear on me, probably because I’m existing mostly on coffee and whatever sandwich I bring from home.
The flyers advertising my website that Denton insisted on putting up at his college—and some of the other college hangouts—have sent more than a few new customers my way. I’ll have to see what else he has in mind. I haven’t really talked to him since our kiss. Just a quick hello or good night as we cross paths.
The distance hasn’t stopped me from thinking about him, though. And it hasn’t quelled the urge to fuck his brains out. I’m a little surprised at myself. I mean, I’m no prude, far from it, but I don’t usually want to sleep with someone I’m not already close to. I might like a little kink in the bedroom, but I don’t sleep around.
For some reason, Denton has gotten into my head. I even had an extremely satisfying dream about him that woke me up in the best way. I’ve come to the conclusion I either need to stay far away until this temporary insanity is over, or fuck him so I can see it’s no big deal and stop obsessing over it. The first choice seems like the best idea.
A loud crack of thunder makes me and my client jump. I’m glad I wasn’t still working on her. “It’s beautiful,” she says, admiring her new ink in the mirror. “My boyfriend has been wanting to get a pirate ship on his stomach. He should come to you.”
“Thank you.” I hand her a business card. “Just have him stop in or call to schedule an appointment.” I take a seat at the small desk as she walks out the door.
There’s nothing like the joy of bringing someone’s vision to life, of putting my art on their bodies, knowing it’s permanent. That they’ll not only carry my work with them their whole lives, but they’ll always remember the moment they got it. No matter how many tattoos you get, the experience sticks with you. I suppose the same is true for every tattoo I give, though some are more memorable than others.
“What’s that smile for? I’d like to think you automatically smile in my presence, but since you’re staring at the desk, I have my doubts.”
My head jerks up to see Denton, carrying a bag from Tasty Tacos. I was so lost in my thoughts, I didn’t even hear the door chime.
“What are you doing here?” I blurt, because I’m just that smooth when I’m caught off guard.
He drags a chair over and flops into it. “Now, is that any way to talk to the guy who brought you dinner?”
My heart pounds, and I chastise myself for my reaction. It’s just Denton. I see him every day. No reason to freak out. “Sorry, I just…thought you were at work.”
“Got off early.” He points over his shoulder with his thumb, to the window behind him. “It’s storming.”
“Ah, right.”
Stunning conversational skills, Becca. Really spectacular. Get it together.
“Did Trey hook us up?” I ask, as he starts pulling out the food.
“Yep.” He pauses. “Damn, I forgot the drinks.”
“No problem.” I step into the tiny breakroom and return with two drinks from the mini fridge.
“What else do you have stashed back there?” he teases, handing me a burrito.
Shrugging, I take a seat. “Fridge, microwave, coffee maker. We spend a lot of time here and it saves money not going out for lunch.”
“You definitely spend too much time here.” He sets a package of tortilla chips between us, along with a container of nacho cheese.
“I’ve been swamped and I’m covering for Sasha.”
His dimple appears with his little half smile. “And we kissed so now it’s weird. I get it. My kisses are legendary, mind blowing experiences that take a few days to get over.” He grins at me. “So, are you over it yet?”
No. Heaven help me, I’m just not.
I snatch a tortilla chip. “Pfft. You have a pretty high opinion of your kissing skills.”
“I excel at all things oral.”
Red cheeks are not the response I want to have right now, but apparently, what I want makes no difference. My body wants him. When I don’t answer him, he leans over and whispers.
“Full confession, I’m not over it either, and I thought clearing the air would be the best way to get you to stop avoiding me.”
“I’m not avoiding you.” The lie doesn’t even sound believable to me, and the only response I get is a smile as he bites into his quesadilla. “But clearing the air isn’t a bad idea.” I sigh. “We were high, and it was just a kiss.” Sitting back in my chair, I decide to get the upper hand here. No more blushing schoolgirl. “I’ll be honest, if we didn’t live together, I’d sleep with you. You’re nice and fun.” I gesture to the desk covered in tacos. “You bring me food.” His eyes widen as I continue. “But neither of us wants to end up in that complicated situation.”
“You’re evicted. Today. No, yesterday.” He stretches his neck to look over my shoulder. “You probably have tables or something back there, right?”
God, why does he have to be so funny? There’s nothing harder to resist than a funny guy. “So, can we just pretend it never happened?”
His shoulders slump dramatically, but the corner of his lip tilts up. “Fine, but I reserve the right to picture you when I masturbate.”
“Same here.”
Groaning, he lays his head on the desk. “You can’t deny me, then say things like that.”
“Did you really come here for…that?”
He sits up and grabs his drink. “No, I know it’s not a good idea, but you…get to me for some reason.”
I don’t know what to make of that.
“So, friends?” he asks.
“Friends,” I agree.
Chapter Six
Denton
I don’t know what I expected when I went to confront Becca at work. I just didn’t want her avoiding me anymore and a small part of me was worried maybe she was already looking to move out. When I’m away f
rom her, it’s easy to think about the situation logically. We don’t know each other well. We’re roommates who need a stable place to live. Fucking your roommate isn’t conducive to stability. Therefore, no fucking your roommate.
But once I’m in her presence, and she smiles at me—or hell, even insults me—none of that matters. I want her.
If there’s one thing I’m confident of in life, it’s that you can’t always get what you want. There’s even a song about it. This time, I have to accept I can’t have what I want, simple as that. Besides, I have important things to focus on, like my first interview with Paducah Advertising.
I’m not that stressed out over the actual question and answer part of the interview. I do well in those situations, and I can think quickly on my feet. It’s the project that worries me a little. Along with my final classes, I’ll be writing my thesis, which is already a big workload, and working part-time. Whatever the project entails, I hope it’s not too time consuming.
Right now, I have to babysit, which won’t be nearly as much fun as it was last time with Becca there, but money is money. Plus, I like helping Neal out because he really works with me when it comes to my hours at the car wash, making sure I have the days off I need for school stuff.
Aiden frowns up at me from his place on the couch when I walk in, and I have to swallow back a chuckle at the look he gives Veronica when she enters. “Hey buddy, what are you doing?”
He glances at his mother and mumbles, “Behaving.”
Veronica shakes her head. “Come on in.” Her gaze lands on her son. “Go get your bath.”
Grumbling the entire way out of the room, he obeys.
Veronica grins at me. “He’s grounded and has to go to bed right after the bath. So, you should have an easy night. Bailey is in her room, practicing her guitar.”
“Grounded huh? What did he do?”
Neal enters the room with a snort of laughter, and Veronica gives him an exasperated look. “It’s not funny,” she insists. “I don’t even know where he heard that.”
Neal bites back a smile. “There’s a girl at daycare who pesters him. She came to school with both her knees skinned today, and when another kid asked how she did it, Aiden said she skinned them crawling out of hell.”
