Echoes and Entanglements (Remington Carter Book 1)

by Emma Cole

  We’d also had one sort of date at a frat party. I got ridiculously drunk and Eli ended up carrying me back to my dorm where I tried to make out with and probably go further with him. He nicely told me that he wasn’t having sex with me drunk, took off our shoes and jeans and cuddled until I fell asleep. I woke up alone the next morning extremely relieved he was a good guy and mortified at what I remembered. Now we were living together, sort of, however temporary it was going to be. I needed to make this better. I wasn’t going to get to sleep until I did.

  I throw the covers back and head for Eli’s room. I don’t see a light under the door, but I’m almost positive he didn’t leave. I knock on the door before I lose my courage. For a minute I don’t think he’s going to answer and I turn around to leave as I hear a, “come in.”

  I open the door and find Eli in some plaid flannel pajama pants. All I can do is stare. That vee is something else uncovered. His abs are washboard, his waist very trim. His chest is just as muscled and huge as his biceps. He turns to sit on his bed and I gulp when I see his back. It’s as defined as the rest. I want to run my hands all over his body and never stop. Then repeat the action with my tongue. I feel myself getting wet. I hope it’s not noticeable with the thin pajama pants I have on. My nipples are already at attention under my cami. I step into his room, all of a sudden very nervous. I lick my lips and draw the attention of his eyes. They heated at that small action. I can’t deny the mutual attraction we have. I screw my courage up.

  “Can we talk?” I stand there with my arms wrapped around my torso waiting on him to answer.

  “Sure, why not?” That’s not the best answer, yet it’s probably better than I should expect. I make my way to his desk chair and pull it closer in front of where he’s sitting on the edge of his bed.

  “Okay, so I’m not sure what to say. I saw this going differently in my head.” I chuckle a little in a self-deprecating way. I blow out a breath and look up to make eye contact. “ I’m not very good at this. The relationship thing. I’ve been avoiding it. I haven’t said no because, well I really don’t want to say no. I like you a lot Eli. Probably more than I should this soon.” I tuck my legs up under me and wait to see if he’ll say anything. I’m really not good at talking about these things.

  “Why didn’t you just say that in the first place? I think I would have understood or at least tried to. I have feelings for you Remi, serious ones. I don’t get serious about girls, I like to have a good time. I’m not going to say I’m innocent. I’m not. Usually if I hit on you and didn’t get anywhere the first few tries, that’s it, I move on. There’s something different about you though, I want to know what you think, what you like. The good and bad. I’ve never wanted something like that before. That might make me sound shallow, but it’s the truth.” He runs his fingers through his hair making the muscles in his stomach flex. I can’t stop staring, I know he’s watching, even with that I can’t seem to make myself stop. He starts laughing. “If I would have known that was going to be your reaction I would have taken my shirt off a long time ago.”

  I look up at him again. Completely ignoring his comment I say, “So you’re not mad at me anymore?” I pull my bottom lip from my teeth again.

  “No, I’m not mad. Come here, Remi girl.” He pulls me up and between his legs. He wraps his arms around my hips and buries his face in my stomach making me gasp. I feel his grip tighten, then slowly his fingertips run under the edge of my shirt, making tingles race all over my body. He leans back and pulls me with him so I’m lying on top of him. I can feel that he’s feeling about the same as I am. I wiggle against him a little drawing a groan out of him. I lean down and my chest brushes his. I bring my face down closer to his, he doesn’t move waiting on me to make up my mind. I lightly brush my lips across his and sigh. That’s all the incentive he needs to flip us over and cage me in. He takes my mouth in a rough kiss, holding himself above me in a pushup position. I tangle my hands in his hair. It’s soft and thicker than mine. I feel the little bit of stubble on his jaw that’s grown since he shaved this morning scrape against my face. Every touch makes my breath come a little shallower. I moan slightly when his hand brushes up against the out edge of my breast. The sound seems to bring Eli back some. He pulls up with a pained look on his face. “Not that I don’t want to keep doing this, but I think we should stop here. I want to do more, so much more.” He rests his forehead on mine then gets up and pulls me with him. Taking my hand he walks me back to my room. He pulls me close, kisses the top of my head and shoos me into my room. I’m a little confused at the abruptness, but also a little thankful. He didn’t have to stop, and he knows it, but he did anyway. I climb back into bed and fall asleep remembering his arms around me.

  -----

  I have to say, I didn’t see that coming. Trying to talk to Remi had gone all sorts of wrong. First, I was surprised by her being here. And trying to get the picture of her wet and in a towel out of my head was going to take a long while. I was already so frustrated about her avoiding me earlier and then she had planned to continue to ignore it until I brought it up. I wanted her. Badly. Apparently, she wants me just as much, but something is holding her back. Stopping where we did has left me with a massive case of blue balls. I contemplate taking care of it, but the need for sleep wins out. My last thought is if chasing her isn’t working out I’m going to make her come to me.

  Four

  The next few days fall into a pattern. I go to class, see Eli in the class we share and at home at the dinners I make. He starts helping with meals and is an excellent student. Soon he’ll be able to cook a full menu by himself. He makes small talk if I initiate it, but nothing further. No invitations to hang out with friends or privately. I’m not sure what to make of it. I think this may be his way of backing off and letting me process. I talk to Alex some and she asks what’s going on as I haven’t really talked about it much. I tell her what happened, and her suggestion is to make a move on him. I promised to take her idea under consideration. The rest of the week is much the same except the shoot I have Wednesday afternoon. I don’t have classes other than my arts history early in the morning.

  I get to my shoot for a clothing magazine thirty minutes early with a bag containing a brush, hair ties, lotion, makeup and adhesive remover. You never know what you’re going to get put into and tape leaves a sticky residue on your skin. I place my bag in one of the cubbies and head over to the shoot manager and photographer. They’re both men and I see a woman come from the wardrobe area that I seem to remember being from the magazine. They introduce themselves and I get sent to the wardrobe changing area for my first outfit. I get set up, and the photographer starts taking photos. I lose my concentration a bit when I feel like I’m being watched. I look around, but don’t see anyone doing anything strange or really paying more attention than they should. The shoot is off campus in the next city over, a suburb of New York City. My mom hated that I was so far away, but it’s where Alex and I wanted to go and the campus is located rurally enough to avoid the big city crush. We continue on and I shrug off my feeling of being watched.

  I get a message when I get home, Alex asking me to go to a sorority party on Friday night. I mention it to Eli, but he says he’s gonna hang with some of the guys at one of their places instead and for me to have fun. Once again blowing me off when usually he would be the one asking me to hang out. Something is up with him and it’s starting to bug me.

  Friday night finds me at Alex’s place in her very messy bedroom. I mean it looks like her closet had a gremlin in it that ate after midnight. Clothes are on every available surface. Alex is a little shorter than me, but as curvy as I am. She has me try on outfit after outfit. She finally settles on a slinky silver wrap dress. On her it would be a decent length. On me it’s entering mini territory. If I’m not careful my lacy boy shorts are going to make an appearance. Alex hands me a pair of silver stilettos to match. Thankfully I have small feet for my height and we’re the same size. I’m sure I’m goin
g to be the tallest girl there at this point, although I do have to admit they make my legs look killer.

  “Remi, take the bra off. You can’t just tuck the straps in, you can see them. It will be fine, I promise. A lot of girls will be dressed in much less. All the important parts are covered, mores the shame. Now, how do I look?” Alex turns a full circle in a bright pink spaghetti strap dress that hits mid-thigh with matching chunky heeled shoes. You’d think I would be okay with showing skin, but working and playing are two very different things. At work I didn’t have to worry that I would flash a room full of people my goods. If people that I have to see and go to class with see me in a magazine they don’t always make the connection. It’s not like my bio is printed with the catalogue.

  “You look beautiful, as usual.” Alex has her hair up with pieces hanging down here and there. She looks like a fifties sex pot and it works for her. Alex is a magnet for guys and girls, a social butterfly if there ever was one. If it wasn’t for Alex I would probably stay in my room with my fuzzy socks and a book. I sigh, I know I’m not getting out of this. I kinda just want to go find Eli, but it’s friend duty time. I’ll corner Eli after I get home and make him fess up.

  “Alright,” Alex starts ticking of points on her fingers, “hair: check, hot and sexy make up: check, drool worthy dresses: double check. Let’s go.” We grab our jackets and head out for the party. I instantly feel the chill on my legs. Fall is definitely here. Our heels click on the pavement as we make our way the couple blocks to the house. I’m glad it’s not far as these are in no way to be considered walking shoes. I’m wondering how long until I can put the flats on that I snuck into my bag without Alex noticing.

  -----

  Eli

  I wanted to go to the party with Remi. I actually had been going to turn my friends video game marathon down and go before I found out she had already made plans to attend with Alex. I don’t want to be the proverbial third wheel. A few other guys from the team were going and had invited me. In keeping with the plan of making her come to me when she’s ready instead of continuously chasing her I text my friend back that I’m coming over and let the guys know that I’m going to stay in tonight.

  -----

  As we near the sorority house, I hear the music from a block away. When we finally get inside we’re instantly bombarded with friendly bodies. One of the house girls that we both know drags us to the kitchen to get drinks. Amanda, I remember her name is.

  “Keep an eye on your drinks. Most everyone here if fine, but you always get those few dicks that feel the need to be assholes.” She points at us waving her finger between the two of us. Okaayy. Nice to know. I don’t think any of us are under illusions of what happens with said dicks.

  Alex and I make our way further into the house and out to the patio. It’s pretty chilly out there so we don’t stay long. Inside, Alex sees a guy she’s been talking to that she likes and asks if I want to come with. I wave her off telling her I’m fine, I’m just gonna watch the dancers. The place is packed and getting hot from all the bodies. Pretty soon an arm slides around my waist. I hear an unfamiliar voice, “Hey baby, I’ve seen you around want to come hang with me?” Lamest pickup line ever. Get lost dude.

  “No thank you,” I say trying to be polite for now. Obviously, the guy is a little trashed. But he isn’t taking no for an answer. He’s pretty hot when I turn and look, but his attitude is all ugly. A hand cuts in between us, “Well, there you are, I’ve been looking for you.” A guy steps between me and the grabber, the grabber doesn’t look very appreciative. “Remi, how about that dance you promised me?” I have no idea who this guy is although he does look a little familiar. Light brown hair, browns eyes, and a strong square jaw. He’s actually pretty good looking as well, trim and fit, in a light blue button up that’s open with a fitted light gray t-shirt underneath.

  “Oh, there you are. I was just looking for you too!” I turn to extract myself from the other guy that has a hold of me with a gleeful expression. Sayonara asshat! He looks confused as he looks from me to the to the interloper and back again. I don’t think he can decide if we’re lying or not. Saying “fine” he lets go and stalks off into the party. Good riddance.

  “Hey, thanks for that, I was trying to think of a non-witchy way to extract myself. No offense, but how do you know my name?” May as well get straight to the point, don’t need grabby hands two point oh.

  “We have Eastern Studies together. I usually sit a couple rows behind you. My name’s Adam.” He smiles at me and it lights his whole face up. His name though isn’t really ringing any bells. I’m mostly sure he’s not lying so I try to figure it out.

  I feel bad I didn’t ever really notice him. Although that would explain why he seemed familiar. I go for honesty. I really can’t place him so faking it won’t work and he did come to my rescue after all. “Sorry, I don’t really know too many people here yet. I only transferred in this semester.” Yep, play the ‘I’m new card’.

  “That’s okay, I’ve seen you around some. I’ve been going to introduce myself, but you usually disappear pretty quickly after class and I either see you with your friend you came in with tonight or Elliot and his gang. I’m glad I finally got the chance to talk to you. Since you said that you promised me one do you want to dance?”

  “If I recall correctly you said I promised, I just agreed with you. I think I can handle that though, but no squashing my toes.” With that we move over into the cleared area being used as a dance floor. A slow song comes on and surprisingly Adam moves pretty well. I try to find something to talk about. “The girl is my best friend Alex. We’ve been mostly inseparable since third grade. Do you come to a lot of these parties?”

  “A few here and there. I’m glad I came tonight though. Elliot’s not with you?” He looks around like Eli is going to pop up. This close I see copper flecks in his brown eyes, it makes them almost too pretty for a man, he seems like a happy person. I think I like him already.

  “He decided to skip it and go to a friends house instead. I promised Alex we would go out, so here I am. How do you know Eli?”

  “I’m part of the training crew for the football team. I’m one of the medical techs. I’m specializing in sports medicine here. I see a lot of the players to make sure they’re wrapped properly, check out strains, help with their exercise routines, ect.” I can tell he’s downplaying it some. I wonder if he’s embarrassed that he’s not a player. He doesn’t seem the type to care too much about that though.

  “So, you take care of the players if they get hurt and do things to prevent them from getting hurt?”

  “Yes, that about sums it up. I’ve heard Elliot talk about you a few times and again today at practice. When I put together that you were the same girl I’ve been trying to get the courage up to talk to I figured I had better use the next opportunity to do so before I lost my chance and here you are.” Huh, well then. Not sure what to say here.

  I repeat the last part of that thought, out loud this time. I see his face fall a little.

  “Should I take that comment as I’m too late or that you’re not interested?”, he asks carefully. I can tell he’s trying to hide his disappointment. I have to give him points for that. He’s not being like some other guys when you tell them no. He’s actually being pretty decent.

  “I wouldn’t say not interested. Romantically, probably not. Friends? I’m most definitely open to. Would that be alright with you?”

  I’m not sure what else to say. He’s nice and attractive, but I feel vaguely guilty like I’m sneaking around on Eli. I know there’s not really any reason for that, but I still feel it just the same. He takes a few seconds to answer and comes out with, “That’s okay with me, for now. I won’t give up yet on a date though. Maybe we can hang out with your friend Alex at a game instead of going alone?” He looks so hopeful.

  I smile brightly. This guy is really too sweet. I quickly accept making Adam smile as well, big enough to show straight white teeth. The song swit
ches to one with a faster pace. We continue to dance and Adam is really a good dancer. I’m surprised I’m having such a great time after not wanting to come tonight. Alex gets my attention and I pull Adam with me to go talk to her. I’m thirsty anyway and I’m sure Adam is too by now.

  When we reach her I introduce Alex and Adam. “Hey Adam? Do you mind making sure Remi gets home safe? If that’s alright with her.” she asks looking at me for my consent. Alex knows I won’t mind getting home by myself. We planned walking or taking cabs home anyway since we’ve been drinking. “If you don’t mind Remi, I’m gonna take off with a friend.”

  “I’d be happy to see Remi home Alex.” Adam replies.

  “Fine by me Alex. I think we’ll hang out a little longer, then we can probably walk back. I have some flats in my bag and it’s not too far back to the apartment.” Alex hugs me goodbye, waves to Adam, and heads off to meet up with a guy with spiky black hair. I can’t see much else about him as his back is turned. He’s dressed a little goth. Sort of punk rockerish. Soo, Alex’s type. I get a text from Alex with the deets. Our failsafe in case something happens we know where the other was heading last .Something my dad always made us do. Leave a message with someone in the event something bad happens. If he’d only followed his own advice. Before I can get sidetracked in thoughts of my dad, I shake it off.

  “I need some water and a drink, in that order.” I say to Adam. We make our way into the kitchen area with all the drinks. We grab a couple cups. Adam gets beer off a tap and a bottle of water for me, I decide on the drink with the red punch and bobbing fruit. We fill our cups and as we’re heading out in comes the guy that grabbed me earlier.

  “Hi. I wanted to say sorry about earlier, I was hoping to find you to start again. My name’s Christian. Should have probably led with that first instead of grabbing you.” I accept his apology and as I go to move around him he reaches out to grip my arm stopping me. “Hey, I was wondering if you would still take me up on that dance.” Fat chance, buddy, keep walking. There’s something I don’t really like about him. He makes my skin crawl.