Текст книги "One and Done"
Автор книги: S. Briones Lim
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Текущая страница: 9 (всего у книги 16 страниц)
Chapter 17
The smoke circled the ceiling of Harpoon’s, looking like an ominous monster from a cheesy ’80s horror movie. My lungs felt heavy and my mouth dry. I grabbed onto my throat and coughed, still in disbelief that not only had I grown up in a similar environment, but that I’d also shelled out a lot of money buying my own cancer sticks.
“Crap, I better text Rocky and tell her to meet me somewhere else.” I reached for my phone only to remember I didn’t have her number—I take that back—I did have one, but it was from five years ago. Deciding not to embarrass myself by texting a wrong number, I positioned myself by the door in hopes of intercepting her as soon as she walked in.
I felt her presence the moment she entered the bar. It was as if the room grew brighter, more ethereal, making the scuffed floors, stained walls, and ripped seats look like a palace. She wore red—ironically the last color I’d seen her in before I moved away. I couldn’t help but wonder whether it was an omen of some sort. Truthfully, I was too nervous to question whether it was a good one or a bad one.
Taking a moment to quiet my mind, I inhaled slowly, exhaling in one loud puff. Wiping my moist hands against my jeans, I called out, “Rocky! Over here!”
Rocky’s eyes lit up the moment she found me. Her shoulders visibly relaxed as she sauntered over to me. “Hey! Interesting place you chose here.”
I frowned, eyeing a drunk biker type stumble over his feet. “Yeah, didn’t think this through so much. Didn’t know this place still allowed smoking.”
“We can go somewhere else if you want.” A nearby jukebox drowned out her words. This really wasn’t going to work in more ways than one.
I nodded eagerly. “Yeah, let’s go. I’ll drive.”
I escorted Rocky out of the crowded bar only to be met by a brutal blast of cold air. North Carolina winters were killer, and definitely nothing I missed. I glanced down at Rocky and noticed that her nose had turned bright red and her eyes were on the verge of tears. Given that I hadn’t said or done anything that could have insulted her—yet—I figured it was the weather bringing her down. My arm instinctively reached out to bring her closer to me, but catching myself, I stopped midway.
Now’s not the time.
Diverting my arm, I gestured toward the end of street. “I scored a spot by the curb around the corner. The walk shouldn’t be too bad.”
“O-o-ok-ay,” she stammered. “L-l-let’s go.”
Cold breeze after cold breeze blew through, making me feel as if we were under attack by some frost magician. Desperately wishing I was in South Carolina’s warmth, I bared my teeth and spat out in disgust. “Forgot how cold it gets here.”
“It doesn’t get cold in Charleston?” Rocky asked as we climbed into my even colder car. She kept her head down and chin tucked into her wool jacket.
“We have our winters, but we’re further south. Nothing like it is here.” My mind began to wander toward images of Rocky in tank tops or bikinis. Her olive-toned limbs bare and slick with sweat. My body instantly heated up, but I knew it wasn’t from my car’s heater.
Almost as if she could read my mind, Rocky looked away and blushed. “Oh.”
Awkward silence is one of the most excruciating things that exists in this world. It was right ahead of slow claps and right behind people who pick their noses at stoplights. Rocky and I leaned into our heated seats and stared straight ahead, watching the windows fog. It was so silent that we could easily hear the blast of warm air escaping the vents.
After a few moments, Rocky huffed in irritation and blurted out, “So why cut me out of your life? Why cease all convo with me?”
My eyes widened and I didn’t know whether to laugh or squirm. “Wow! You’re going straight for the punch.”
She scowled. “Jesse, I’m serious. I thought we were better than that.”
Well, this is why I invited her out anyway, right? To clear the air. It was finally time. “Fine. I guess I owe you an explanation.”
“Yeah, you do.” Rocky paused, waiting for me to speak. When I didn’t, she just about growled. “Jesse, seriously?”
Just because my brain knew it was time didn’t mean every other part of my body did. Heart pounding, muscles tensed, I admitted, “I’m not ready to tell you everything, okay? Just take what I give you and roll with it.”
“It’s not like you’re giving me anything at all,” she pointed out.
“I was just getting to that part,” I replied with a chuckle.
And so started my litany about my fucked up life. Sure, none of my revelations came as a surprise, but I guess speaking the words out loud was an entirely different experience than witnessing it firsthand.
Soon I felt myself surrender to my memories. It’s funny, but it was oddly therapeutic revisiting certain instances with a clear mind. In fact, I was finally able to fully understand my father’s motives in abandoning my family without feeling the pangs of anger that I had usually associated with him leaving me alone with Mom.
Unfortunately, Rocky wasn’t as apt to forgive. “If your dad felt that way, why did he leave you with her? Surely, he wouldn’t want his son to grow up in such an environment.”
“I guess he thought leaving me would sort of give my mom the kick she needed to get her life together.” I paused, feeling a veil lift from my eyes. “I honestly think my dad always planned on coming back.”
Her eyes darkened. “What changed?”
“Life,” I replied simply. “When he moved to Charleston everything just fell into place for him. New job, new home, new wife.”
“New wife?” She gaped.
I frowned slightly. How could she have forgotten the main catalyst to my nervous breakdown? After all, she was there when the shit hit the fan.
Guess she didn’t care about you as much as you thought.
If she reacted to Teresa like this, there was no way I’d tell her about Jason. My temper spiked thinking of my lovely older ‘brother.’
I cleared my throat and shook off my unease. “Like I said, life happens.”
“Wow.” She exhaled slowly, allowing her lips to pucker. “Is that why you never came back? Because you liked your dad’s new life better?”
My eye twitched. I was still feeling a bit perturbed at her sudden ‘forgetfulness,’ though I knew I didn’t deserve any real estate in her mind. Still, seeing the slight hint of pain on her face twisted my gut like a knife.
“To a degree,” I agreed, finding it hard to mask my own pain. “I didn’t come back because I realized how much this place dragged me down. How much my mom dragged me down. There wasn’t anything in this town left for me, and moving in with my dad showed me that. He also showed me what a lack of opportunity this place had, and how moving away can help you reinvent yourself for the better. Sometimes old habits die hard and it was up to me to change that.”
“Is that why you stopped talking to me? Because you wanted to forget everything about a town that had nothing for you?” Her face remained stone cold, but I knew her strength was a facade. One more prick and she’d be a water balloon waiting to explode.
Still feeling a bit put off by her lack of memory, I shrugged nonchalantly. “Like I said, I’ll only tell you everything I’m comfortable with. That’s about as comfortable as I can get right now.”
She rolled her eyes, but surprisingly relented. “Fine. So why come back? You obviously didn’t care enough about your mom to visit her before. Why come back now when she’s sick?”
I knew she was right, and though I felt slightly offended, I couldn’t be mad at an observation that was true. “She’s my mom, Rocky. Regardless of everything she did. Regardless of what a shithole this place is—”
“Hey! I still live here, dipshit.” She snapped her fingers in annoyance. “My family and I grew a very successful business here—one you work in, might I add. Careful what you say!”
I stifled a strained laugh. “Fine, let me rephrase that. This town only provides opportunity for certain people.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” she growled.
“You, Stephanie, that Ethan guy.” Ugh, even saying his name made me feel as if I were chewing live locusts in my mouth. “You all obviously had the potential and backing to make something of yourselves here. Not me. Not the kid who was struggling to find money to buy something to eat only to find out his mom blew it all on cigarettes.”
She blinked in surprise. “If you needed help, why didn’t you just ask? You know my family and I would have helped you.”
“I know, and that’s precisely why I didn’t want to ask you.”
“I don’t understand.”
I knew she wouldn’t. How could I explain something that seemed so obvious to me?
“Can you imagine what my mom would have done if she found out? She would have found a way to move into your house and drain you for every penny you had! My leaving was necessary for me and my mom. Did you know she finally held a job for longer than three months after I left?”
“Three years,” she replied matter-of-factly.
I looked up in surprise. I didn’t know she lasted that long.
Probably noticing the doubt on my face, she added, “I used to go to Gold Diner whenever I visited my family on the weekends during college. I’d see her in the back cooking.”
“Yeah, guess it runs in the family,” I mumbled.
“What does?”
I opened my mouth, but abruptly shut it. I wanted to tell her about Tyler’s Tavern, I really did. I wanted to shout it out loud: Rocky, I’m a changed man! But somehow I knew telling her about my other life in Charleston would just cause the rift between us to widen. She didn’t know how long I was staying in town, and for the time being that was the best case scenario. She’d probably think I was running away again.
“Never mind.” I sighed and hesitantly reached out to place my fingers on top of her wool jacket, finding myself wishing that we were skin to skin.
What the fuck are you doing, Jesse? You’re being ridiculous.
Pulling back quickly, I smirked. “I don’t expect you to understand my choices, Rocky. I really don’t. But I’m here now to take care of my sick mother because she has no one left to do so. If you knew anything about me, you’d know that underneath that dumb teenage facade I used to hold I was always a good guy. I’m even better now.”
“I know.”
I gazed into her eyes and frowned. How could she? Neither of us knew one thing about each other anymore. Apparently, nothing from senior year either. Still, it felt good to think she saw the best in me. Remembering Maurice’s words, I knew there was nothing I could do but to prove it to her.
Swallowing, I nodded my head. “Good.”
Chapter 18
Sometimes it just takes one pick to completely crack a block of ice. For Rocky and I, that pick was our night out. Sure, it didn’t go completely as planned, but at least it turned out for the better. In fact, it put me in a really great mood.
The next morning, I entered the kitchen humming an oddly familiar tune. It wasn’t until I began murmuring the words, “Kiss, kiss so we’ll never be apart,” that I recalled that it was the dumb song from homecoming night. I was about to laugh out loud when my mother rudely interrupted me.
“Jesse.” Her raspy voice was hard on the ears, and I couldn’t even begin to imagine if it was equally as hard on her throat to speak.
“Yeah?” I asked, guarded.
“Why are you so happy?” she asked suspiciously. She dragged herself into the kitchen, the oxygen tank’s wheels squeaking noisily behind her. “Finally get that Rocky girl in bed?”
For as crude as my mother could be, I had no idea she could be so uncomfortably blunt. I scowled. “Well, that’s an inappropriate thing to say to your son.”
Her oxygen tank ticked away, her breaths growing louder. “Why? Last time I checked you’re an adult, right? Pretty sure you know the difference between a penis and a vagina. Or rather, the fittings of a—”
“Mom, stop it!” I growled. “Why can’t you just act like a normal mother for once? I’m not looking to build a relationship but…” I couldn’t even bring myself to finish my sentence. Shaking my head, I yanked up my baggy sweats in exasperation and walked toward the fridge. Yanking the door open, I peered inside a lot longer than was warranted, hoping that by the time I was through she’d be gone.
I wasn’t that lucky.
“I was going through that list of nurses you left on the table. I don’t think you meant for me to find it, but I did.”
Crap. I really didn’t want her to butt into my process. She’d end up choosing the most expensive agency just to get a rise out of me.
I lifted my head and frowned. “Okay and your point is?”
She took a few more painful breaths before that eerie voice piped up once again. “I was thinking…”
What many people don’t understand is that favors can be a form of manipulation. Think about it; you’re asking somebody to do something for you. Usually these favors go unpaid, further adding to their appeal. As I watched the way my mother’s eyes darted from one side to the other, a strange déjà vu hit me. She wanted something. It was that easy to tell.
Coughing a bit, she continued in a hesitant tone. “Maybe we can pick one together.”
I nearly dropped my jaw. “Wait, what?”
Her slim shoulders shrugged, causing her plastic tubing to tap against the gigantic tank. It was a painful reminder that maybe she had changed. “Well, I figured that I’d be more inclined to know what I want in a nurse, but you’d know your budget parameters better. Seeing as that I’m the one staying here and you’ll be off back to Charleston, it’s quite fitting that we both have a say in this, right?”
Okay, who is this pod person and what did she do to my mother?
I took a few moments to respond, clearly in shock at the turn of events. After many years of wishing we had some team dynamic, finally being given the gift was a bit too much for me to comprehend.
“Um, yeah I guess that works,” I replied, albeit reluctantly.
Fine. I was still suspicious. Sue me.
She nodded in contentment, wheezing all the while. “Perfect.”
***
I got ready for work with my mom’s request still weighing heavily on my mind. Was she finally becoming the mom I always wanted her to be? Or was this just another one of her stupid mind games?
Why do you always think so badly about people? I pulled a shirt over my head and scowled. Maybe that’s why your life became so fucked up—you didn’t allow anyone in!
The realization caused my spirits to deflate, and by the time I reached Rossi’s Novelties, I was worried my mood would jeopardize whatever progress I’d made with Rocky. Luckily, my bad mood was only temporary. Not only did Rocky seem in high spirits that day, but Stephanie came to visit once again. It wasn’t long until we fell back into our old routine with some very interesting things coming to light…
“Are you a virgin?” I blurted out incredulously. I tried to hide the look of relief on my face. Though it was unjustified, imagining her with another guy brought me to an embarrassing level of jealousy.
Rocky cowered, doing her best to hide the pink tint of her cheeks. “Really, guys? We’re going to talk about this here?”
“Technically a virgin.” Stephanie clarified, looking as if she would keel over with delight. She always loved teasing Rocky and heck, I couldn’t really blame her. If we could guarantee one thing in this life, it would be how easy it was to get under our best friend’s skin.
“How can someone technically be a virgin unless…” I eyed her apple shaped ass, cringing at the thought that somebody could have done some unspeakable things to it.
“Ew! No, you disgusting pervert,” Rocky growled, hitting me hard.
Oh, thank God!
Now that that was out of the question, I found it ample opportunity to throw my own jabs at her. “Okay, so tell me how one can technically be a virgin. I am really dying to know.”
“It was just the tip.” Her voice was barely a whisper.
Okay, maybe I didn’t want to know that.
“What was that?” I asked, pretending to cup my ear.
“It was just the tip!” she snapped in annoyance.
Before I could reply, Mrs. Rossi made a surprise appearance, further adding to our group discomfort. To my relief Stephanie saved the day by changing the subject and just in the nick of time too! As the girls went on to discuss their New Year’s Eve plans, I couldn’t help but feel a bit hurt that neither of them had thought to ask me to join in, let alone ask me what I was doing.
It’s not like you’re a part of their lives anymore. Get used to it.
I kept my mouth shut for the most part, listening closely as they plotted the details of their Girl’s Only Night Out. Once again pictures of strange men grasping Rocky’s arms…grazing her stomach…touching her lips…
No!
I was not going to let that happen. Stewing quietly, I made a decision I never thought I would.
I was going dancing at a night club.
Chapter 19
I’ve always thought montage scenes in movies were extremely stupid. You know the kind—the ones where the main character stands in front of the mirror showcasing different outfits while a weird pop song plays in the background. I would never have imagined myself partaking in such stupidity. Yet, there I was, glaring at my reflection. Granted it was minus the pop song, but still.
After changing about eight hundred times, I finally decided on a black long sleeved tee, black jeans, and black biker boots. What can I say? I liked black. Feeling content, I quickly headed toward the south end of town where Bethel Falls’ only collection of bars and nightclubs were located. It was bound to be crowded on any regular night, and I couldn’t bear to imagine what I’d be facing on the number one holiday for debauchery.
As expected, it took about twenty extra minutes for me to find parking, and that was after I opted to park about half a mile away. By the time I finally made it inside the club, the floor was already packed full of tipsy and well-dressed individuals. For a moment I began to regret my choice in attire, but based on the approving looks from a few scantily clad ladies, I quickly changed my mind.
I squeezed through the sweaty bodies, ignoring the scent of body odor mixed with liquor.
What am I doing here? This is so not my scene.
I was just about ready to turn around and walk out the door when I saw her. Curly hair, rosy cheeks, and legs that went on for miles. Rocky stood in the middle of the dance floor looking like a goddess. Though her outfit wasn’t as flashy or revealing as the women around her, she blew everyone else out of the water.
She was perfect.
I took a step forward only to freeze mid-way. What would I say to her?
Yes, I eavesdropped and decided to follow you here.
No, I’m not a stalker.
Really, I’m not!
Realizing that I needed to plan my move before I pounced, I diverted my course and headed toward the bar, taking a seat at the edge to give me a clear view of her. I was far enough away so the girls wouldn’t notice me, but close enough to jump in if they needed me.
You’re not stalking? You sure about that?
“She doesn’t need protection anymore. You’ve been gone for so long, I think she can handle herself,” I murmured to myself.
About an hour passed with me perched on the bar, and I was feeling more and more like a creeper. To make matters worse I wasn’t drinking anything, further adding to my Peeping Tom appeal.
You really like being the weird one, don’t you, Jesse? I shook my head and sighed. Maybe you haven’t grown up as much as you’d like to think.
“Hey, wanna dance?” a voice slurred, interrupting my thoughts.
I turned to find a flushed-faced woman with a sprinkling of freckles on her nose. She wore a bright fuchsia number with a neckline that plunged all the way to her belly button. I was surprised she could even walk around without flashing the whole club her areolas; then again she probably used that magic fashion know-how that women seemed to be born with. This stranger was beautiful, no doubt about that, but I was at that club for one specific person and unfortunately it wasn’t her.
My lips curled into a forced smile. “Ah, no. It’s okay.”
The brightness of her eyes darkened as her lips jutted forward into an angry pout. “Why not?”
I shrugged, shifting away from her touch. “I just don’t feel like it.”
“You don’t feel like dancing with a hot woman?” She wagged her eyebrows up and down, exhaling slightly. Her breath was tinged in alcohol, which only turned me off a bit more.
“Um, I’m actually here with a friend,” I shot back, my voice losing its initial kindness.
“A friend?” she repeated, sounding unconvinced. “I’ve seen you sitting here for a bit. You look pretty alone to me.”
“I…uh…” I glanced toward the floor and noticed that Stephanie was now air humping Enrique Iglesias. Where the heck was Rocky?
Just as quickly as the question flew through my mind, I felt her warmth nearing me. It was as if my body could detect her before my eyes even tracked her. I glanced up and spotted her petite figure pushing its way toward the bar. Grinning smugly, I looked back at Miss Hot Woman and said, “There she is right now.”
With a humph, Mistress in Fuchsia whipped around and approached another poor chap at the opposite end of the bar. She must have been really “thirsty,” if you know what I mean.
“Good luck to you, sir,” I mumbled, never taking my eyes off Rocky.
Here goes nothing.
Taking a deep breath, I silently pushed my way toward her like a puma stalking its prey. My eyes blazed as I took in the way the lights reflected off her slick body, an iridescent glow extending between her breasts. I licked my lips, imagining what it would be like to lick her cleavage, trailing my path up and down her body.
I bet she tastes like cherries and feels like heaven.
Once I reached her, I placed my hand on her bare shoulder, which felt warm and slippery under my palm.
I wonder what else is warm and slippery.
“Get a hold of yourself, scumbag,” I whispered in disgust. “This is about connecting with a friend.”
Even though you want to connect in some other way.
I grunted and shook my head guiltily. I was as much a douche as I imagined Ethan and Dwight to be, and at least those guys were open about their intentions.
Head in the game, Tyler. Head in the game.
Shaking off my nerves, I squeezed my fingers against her slim frame.
“If you want to walk out of here with that hand intact, you better get it off me right now,” she snapped angrily.
“Wow! You have changed since high school,” I exclaimed in both surprise and amusement.
She spun around and widened her eyes. “Jesse! What are you doing here?”
Following you. Stalking you.
Begrudgingly, I lifted my hand and scratched at my throat. “Figured our BFF would ditch you sooner or later.” I motioned toward the dance floor at what now looked like the beginnings of a softcore porn. “By the looks of it, I was right.”
Rocky smirked. “In her defense, she waited an hour.”
“Oh, wow! A whole hour! Call the presses.” I laughed at her answering scowl.
“Whatever. I don’t care. At least she’s having a good time.” Rocky caught the bartender’s eye and ordered a drink. My body involuntarily tensed up, remembering how not long ago it was me chugging down drinks instead of her.
“Here you go, Honey.” The bartender slid a glass in front of her. Though I wanted nothing more than to slap it from her hand, I knew she was an adult. She was also not my mother.
She wasn’t me.
“So, what were you going to do tonight if you didn’t come to save me from the pangs of loneliness?” Her cherry colored lips wrapped around the thin black straw, puckering as she sipped on some fruity looking drink.
Good. Shouldn’t be too much alcohol in that frou-frou drink.
“Eh, I was just going to stay home. Probably sleep,” I answered truthfully.
“Wow, so exciting!”
“Oh yeah. Riveting.” I watched as she plucked a cherry off the top of her drink and placed it between her lips.
And there goes my dick!
As inconspicuously as I could, I shifted my body to hide my waking arousal and coughed out, “What would you have been doing if Stephanie didn’t drag you here? Talking to Ethan?” I narrowed my eyes, feeling slight irritation when a certain man came to mind.
She threw her head back and sighed. “Okay, what is your obsession with Ethan? Every time we speak to one another, you mention his name.”
Crap. Have I really been talking about Ethan that much? I never noticed it.
“Guess I’m still protective of you,” I murmured quickly.
“Oh, but there’s really nothing to be protective about.” She flicked her hand around as she spoke, pausing momentarily to place the straw back into her mouth to take a quick sip. “To answer your question, I probably would have just been at home watching the ball drop while eating pizza.”
My eyes brightened. “That…actually sounds much better than this. This just seems like a weak scene to me.”
“What’s your idea of a good scene?” She tilted her head to the side as if she were closely examining me. Oddly, I felt as if I were the subject of some psychology experiment or at the very least a criminal in police interrogation.
“Hmm…Watching the ball drop while eating pizza,” I joked.
Rocky broke into laughter, and I took a moment to appreciate her smile. It was sincere, not fake like all the other women in the club. In fact, it lit up her whole face. Still giggling, her shoulders shook up and down, causing her drink to slosh over to top of her glass.
“Shit!” She exclaimed as the red tinted liquid trailed down her bare chest and onto her sparkly top.
My gaze wandered down her cleavage, which was now wet and glistening. So much for hiding my boner.
“Guess some things never change. You’re still a klutz.”
“Ugh, this isn’t even my shirt! Steph’s going to kill me.” She seriously looked like she was about to cry. She couldn’t really care about a piece of fabric that much, could she? If it were me, I would have just thrown my shirt away and not given it a second thought.
Her nose grew pink and her eyes glistened, threatening to release a wall of tears. Whether her impending breakdown was due to destroying what looked like a twenty-dollar shirt or from drinking more alcohol than I had thought, I felt a strong need to distract her. Grabbing her arm, I motioned toward the dance floor. “Nah, I don’t think she’ll notice. You’re fine. Just forget about it. Let’s go have some fun while we’re here.”
“And do what?” she demanded.
“Let’s dance.”
Was dancing really a good idea? It seemed that every time Rocky moved my dick grew harder.
Well, there’s no backing out now.
“You? Dance?” she asked in disbelief.
“Why is that so surprising?” I laughed at the bewilderment on her face.
Her eyes blinked as if seeing me for the first time. “You’re Jesse.”
“Yeah, and you’re Rocky.”
She was unamused and gestured toward my all black ensemble. “You know what I mean. You were the rocker guy—the bad boy. Not someone who would even know how to dance to Top 40 music.”
Revved up by her reaction, I tugged at her again. “Well, you’d be surprised. Come on!”
We navigated our way to the middle of the floor, dodging what felt like a hundred slimy bodies. I had no idea how people did stuff like this on a weekly basis and for enjoyment! It took all my might not to dry heave from the smell of sweat, which permeated the dance floor. Trying my best to ignore the swarming crowd, I turned to my one oasis in the desert of horny drunkards. Unfortunately, she seemed as stiff as a board and unsure how to even move her feet.
I shook my head and gently grabbed onto her hips, fighting back the rush of blood in my core. “Relax, Rocky! Dance. Don’t you know how to dance?”
“I know how to dance!” she growled back at me.
I flashed a teasing smile. “Then dance.”
It took her a few minutes before she visibly relaxed. One at a time her shoulders loosened, lowering from her neck. She took a deep breath and began swaying her hips—slowly at first, then faster. Though I felt self-conscious myself, it was far easier for me to lose myself to the music watching Rocky’s sensual movements. I kept my eyes on her hips, which circled in time to the bass, and imagined that it was my whole body coaxing her to sway like that. It’d be my groin nudging her hips to and fro, causing her to throw her head back in ecstasy and excitement. It didn’t take long at all before I felt my own body mimicking the movements in my mind. I began dancing the way I’d imagine would pleasure her. I knew I was digging myself into a rabbit hole, but after years’ worth of pent up sexual frustration and tension, I was about to explode. I needed her.
As I was teetering on the edge of becoming lost in my fantasy world, a loud screeching reminiscent of metal nails against a chalkboard snapped me back to reality.
What am I doing? This is homecoming all over again. I’m just going to get her hopes up only to leave again.
Still, I owed it to myself for one night of fun…right?
I glanced up at the DJ booth and grimaced when I saw him bouncing his head up and down to whatever electronic squeaking he was playing. I scowled and lifted my hand, throwing him thumbs down. “Ugh, what is this crap?”
Rocky pushed sweat-soaked bangs from her face. “Guess, it’s techno. Wanna sit down?”
As much as I hated the crap, there was no way I’d cut my time with Rocky on the dance floor short. Especially since it was the one night I’d allow myself to be with her. I shook my head and grinned at the slight pout of her lips. “Nah, when in Rome, right?”
Before long the two of us were jumping up and down, waving our arms in the air like crazy people. My stomach hurt from laughing so much and for a moment I began to wonder if I really did like techno music.
“Now this is more like it.” I nodded my head in approval.
Drunk with the remnants of fantasy, arousal, and the satisfaction of reconnecting with my old friend, I reached out and spun her toward me. Her eyes widened as she fell against my body.
Slow down, Jesse.
Pulling the reins a bit, I yelled out, “It’s going to be midnight soon. Any resolutions?”
Her face twitched slightly, her eyes darkening. “Oh, you know, same old, same old. Eat better, exercise more. How about you?”
“Well, for starters, I want to pay back all debts.”
“What do you mean? Oh!”
I couldn’t help myself and tightened my grip around her even more, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair.
So much for slowing down.
