I double check my make up in the mirror when I hear my text alarm sound and practically lunge for it.
Hey. Not much, just enjoying having a break from school now.
I don’t know what to reply as I begin to question my decision to go. I mean I missed him, but I don’t want to bug him if he’s relaxing.
I’m sure he will be happy about tonight, I tell myself over and over in my head, it’s just sex.
I stand to look in the full-length mirror when Ashley announces she is done. I smooth my dress down and look at my face. She definitely pulled out all the stops, she even curled my hair with a large wand. She is so talented with make-up; I look much better than I did earlier.
My dark wavy hair cascades down my shoulders. My face looks sun-kissed, with faint freckles peeking out on my nose. The smokey black around my usual boring hazel eyes makes them look deeper and full of life. I blush at the sight of myself, but it’s hidden under the rosy color Ashley put on my cheeks.
“Thank you.” I grip the bottom of my yellow dress and sway back and forth like a giddy schoolgirl.
“Em, you look hot!” She makes me blush for what feels like the hundredth time today.
“Can we go? I’m nervous and I just want to get there.” I throw on a pair of white wedges.
We make our way down the narrow hall, giggling. I almost forget we have a guest but it’s hard to forget Aiden. I’ve learned in a short period of time that he takes all the attention in a room.
He lounges on the couch, a well-worn out book in his hands. He creases a corner and slowly closes it as he looks over at us. His gaze meets my eyes, then down my body. I turn to look towards Ashley, who is messing with her skirt. When I look back towards Aiden, I see his lips are slightly parted.
“Hey, Ash. Can I go to that party?” His tone is nicer, calmer than the discussion they had earlier.
She glares at him for a moment, considering his request. Ignoring him, she says with sarcasm, “I thought you didn’t want to go to a college party since you graduated all of five minutes ago and are too cool now.” Her voice fades off as she disappears into the kitchen.
His eyes hungrily sweep up and down my frame before his gaze locks on mine.
“I changed my mind.”
Two
Itry to decipher his words, why does he want to come with us so suddenly? “It’s at my boyfriend’s house. You’re more than welcome to come!” I announce sheepishly, pulling my eyes away from his smoldering gaze. I don’t know why I’m so shaken by the way he stares so deeply at me, but it isn’t right. Right?
“Sounds like fun.” His smooth velvety voice washes over me.
I can’t help but follow his fluid movements. His large hand lazily reaches over to grab the heavy black boots that are neatly placed at the edge of the couch. Ink swirls out from the bottom of his short sleeves, momentarily mesmerizing me.
Ashley peers around the kitchen and stares at her brother. “So, what happened to you not doing frat parties?”
A simple laugh escapes his lips. “I don’t care for the entitled guys in a frat.” He looks at me with such purpose I feel as if his words are directed at me, then his head swings back to Ash. “Do you want me to come or not?” He asks flatly, his jawline as sharp as a knife.
She perks up. “Yes, of course! Just change or something.” She waves her hands at him.
He laughs before standing and heading for the door. “I’m good.”
Grabbing his keys from the coffee table, I follow him. To be honest, he is. With his crisp white t-shirt and black jeans with matching black boots, he looks heavenly. Oh my God, what is wrong with me? I shake my head, struggling to keep up with his long strides.
“I’m driving.”
We pile into the leather seats of Aiden’s classic black car. My eyes pan around the spacious interior, I’m curious what the make is. Trying to not be obvious, I tilt my head to the side as I attempt to find an emblem somewhere.
“It’s a Challenger.” He says, his eyes trained on me. I don’t miss the way the golden interior light makes his green eyes shimmer, something that looks out of character for his so far serious demeanor, I simply ignore it instead.
I nod with a smile, noticing for the first time that I had jumped in the front without thinking. Ashley may have wanted to sit with her brother. I think about saying something, but when I look over at Aiden, he flashes me a brilliant smile as he rests his hand across the back of the seat. Ashley stays quiet as she fiddles with her phone. I guess she didn’t give it a second thought.
The engine roars to life as Aiden turns the key in the ignition and we make the short three-minute drive. My tiny hope that the party will be small is gone, as I see the front yard riddled with drunk people celebrating summer break. My slightly shaking hand reaches for the door handle as we come to a stop.
Heads turn in our direction as the engine shuts off, making it momentarily quiet. A few girls begin whispering as they take in Aiden. I don’t blame them. He is something wonderful to look at. I take one last glance before shaking the thoughts from my head. I never look at other guys this way.
Stepping into the warm summer air, I note the sweet scent of honeysuckles. Inhaling deeply, I try to place this moment somewhere in my mind to keep it safe. I’ve been waiting for this night since forever. My strides are confident as I walk ahead of Ashley and Aiden, stepping through the threshold and into the frat house. I almost sink into the floor at the sight of the crowd.
“Hey, Em!” A familiar voice calls from the living room.
“Hey, Becca!” I greet in excitement, heading towards the couch where a few people I know are seated.
Becca has always been so sweet when I visit. I’m grateful that Ian’s friends are always so welcoming. She sits with her legs propped against her boyfriend, Alec, as he twirls her long crimson red lock between his fingers. She always reminds me of Ariel from The Little Mermaid.
“Long time no see.” Becca sticks her bottom lip out.
Giving a nervous smile, I try to hold a conversation even though my nerves are at an all-time high. “I know. I didn’t want to intrude.” I shrug. It isn’t really my scene.
She laughs at my formality.
I tap my fingers against my bare knees, feeling out of my element. It’s how I always feel when I come here. “Where’s Ian at anyway?”
She answers by gesturing towards the stairs.
I nod, not wanting to get up just yet. Someone hands me a drink and I gulp it down. I have all the time in the world to go upstairs, I just need a few more minutes to relax.
I set the empty plastic cup down on the coffee table and look around, trying to find where the liquor is. My eyes trail to Ashley who is animated and deep in conversation with one of our classmates.
“Here.” A velvet voice sparks to my right. Aiden gestures for me to take a red cup from his hand.
A smile forms on my lips. He doesn’t know how much I need this. But why is he bringing me one?
“Thank you?”
He nods once, leaning down near my ear so I can hear him over the blaring music. “I know you come here often. But don’t take drinks from anyone you don’t know.”
His warm breath caresses my exposed neck, sending an unfamiliar shiver down my spine. I really need to go see Ian and rid my mind of my hormones.