“I’m sure I wouldn’t be complaining,” she said, and I felt her tongue in my ear.
It was then that the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I felt a sudden chill. I wasn’t sure how I knew, but I just did. I moved my head to the side, and all of a sudden I saw Mila and Lara standing there, staring at me and Louisa. Lara’s eyes were wide and as they met mine, I felt a flicker of worry as something akin to disappointment flashed through her eyes. I immediately stepped away from Louisa and raised my hand and waved my sister and Lara over to join us. My stomach flipped as I watched them give each other a small look and then walk over to me. I could see Lara muttering something to Mila and I would have given anything to know what she was saying.
“Fancy seeing you guys here,” I said brightly and gave them both a hug.
“Hey, bro,” Mila said, her eyes flashing at me.
“Hi, Parker,” Lara said and looked away.
“Who’s this, then?” Louisa asked me forcefully. I gave her a small smile and then turned back to the girls.
“This is Mila, my sister, and this is Lara,” I said, willing Lara to look at me. “She’s Mila’s childhood best friend,” I said and then paused. I didn’t know what else to say. She’s my friend? She’s one of my closest friends? She’s my almost lover? She’s someone I have feelings for that I don’t quite understand? I frowned and then looked at Louisa. “And this is Louisa.”
“I’m his date,” she said as she offered her hand. “Parker, I didn’t expect to be meeting your family on the first date.” She giggled as she looked up at me. “What’s on the second date? Dinner with your parents?”
“Ha ha,” I said, not laughing, feeling annoyed with myself for having brought Louisa to this bar. “So what have you two beenup to, then?” I asked both Mila and Lara the question, but my eyes were on Lara, drinking in her face.
“Drinking. Hanging out,” Mila spoke, and Lara nodded.
“You guys want a drink?” I asked, offering to buy them a drink even though I knew date protocol should really have me dedicating my time to Louisa.
“Um, are you sure?” Mila looked at me and then at Louisa and made a face. “We don’t want to interrupt your date.”
“You won’t be,” I said with a smile, feeling annoyed at Mila. Why was she making this more difficult?
“Well, you might be ruining our style,” Mila continued. “We’re looking for a nice guy.”
“You have Ryker.” I narrowed my eyes at her. “Aren’t you in love with him or something?”
“I said ‘we’re looking.’” Mila rolled her eyes. “The guy isn’t for me, obviously. He’s for Lara.”
“I see.” I felt my stomach twisting and I looked at Lara. “You didn’t tell me you were looking.”
“You never really asked.” She shrugged nonchalantly and looked up at me with a faint smile. Her eyes gazed into mine with an innocent look and she reminded me of a doe, all wide-eyed and nervous. What was she thinking? Was she thinking about that night? Was she mad at me? Did she hate me?
I wanted to tell her I was sorry for taking her back to my place. That I was sorry for kissing her and touching her. I wanted to tell her I hoped she didn’t think I’d taken advantage of her, but more than that I wanted to tell her I’d spent the last few nights restlessly thinking of her and reliving those moments, wishing things had gone differently. I wanted to tell her I could still taste her on my lips and feel her nails on my back. I could still feel her silky strands of hair on my chest, teasing my nipples. And I could still feel her quivering body underneath mine. My mind was constantly on her, wishing I could hear her screamingout my name as I took her to heights she’d never known before. I’d thought that maybe, just maybe, she’d be thinking the same.
But no. Here she was out looking for a guy, just days after our night. That made me mad and I didn’t even stop to think about what a hypocrite I was being. Here I was, also out, but actually on a date.
“So are you looking to hook up, or for more?” I asked, trying to sound casual. “Or just whatever you can get?”
“I’m just looking for a nice guy, like every other girl,” Lara said softly.
“She wants a guy who can commit and show her that she’s special and treat her like a queen,” Mila said sharply. “She wants a guy who will be there for her and love her and dedicate his life to her.”
“And you guys came here?” I asked questioningly. “Really?”
“Are you saying only the shady guys come here?” Mila gave me a pointed look and I glared at her. Why was she trying to force Lara into something?
“That’s not what I’m saying.” I shook my head. “I just think Lara can meet a higher-quality guy than the guys who are here tonight.”
“You guys don’t have to talk about me like I’m not here,” Lara broke in and put her hands up. “I’m here and just looking to have fun.”
“Same here.” Louisa pouted and grabbed my arm. “I thought we were going to go back to your place and have some real fun, big boy?” Everyone went quiet at her words and I looked over at Lara to see how she’d react. Her face was downcast and she wouldn’t make eye contact with me. I tried not to sigh. This was a mess, and I didn’t know how to fix it.
“We’ll let you guys be, then,” Mila said, giving me a disappointed look. “Lara and I can take care of ourselves and our drinks for the night.”
“Mila,” I said, annoyed. “I want to buy you guys your first drinks.”
