Instead of getting in line, I need to take a leak. I head toward the men’s room and pass by some pool tables, when familiar carefree laughter catches my attention.Wes.I find him in the very back with his arms wrapped around a pretty blonde woman bent over the pool table, ready to take a shot. His face is close to hers, and when he whispers something against her ear, she giggles loudly.
My stomach tightens, and an unfamiliar feeling courses through me. It’s not jealousy exactly, but more like a quiet craving. I can still remember how he felt against me, his hot breath fanning across my face.
I briefly close my eyes and focus on my breathing. It’s better this way. I have no business lusting after Wes. When the tightness in my chest eases, I open my eyes to find two pools oflight blue staring right at me. Surprise washes over his face, then shifts into a small smile.
My breath catches in my throat. He looks so fucking good with his lightly tanned arms and tousled blond hair, spilling over his forehead. I have no doubt he knows how fucking sexy he is.
His face is yanked away when the blonde woman turns to kiss him. He dips his head, closing his eyes, and kisses her back. No longer having his attention, an uneasy anger grows inside me. Shaking myself, I hurry toward the men’s room in long strides. I need to get laid, that’s it. It has nothing to do with Wes. I’m just horny.
I get drunk after that, although I shouldn’t with the meds I take.Kamikazeshots become my new best friend. I throw down the blue drinks like they’re fucking candy, and before I know it, I’m singingHappy Birthdayat the top of my lungs with the rest of the group, slamming my hands against the table.
I should get drunk more often. It’s strangely liberating, like the world can just go fuck itself. I end up on the dance floor with Layla and Hua Jing, singing along to Beyoncé’sSingle Ladies.I feel young and free. The illusion breaks when I spot Wes and the blonde on the dance floor, grinding against each other. I was never young. I certainly was never free.
When Beyonce turns into Kato’sTurn the Lights Off,Wes’ tongue is halfway down the woman’s throat, his hands kneading her ass. My buzz turns into a nauseating churning sensation as theKamikazeslive up to their name. I need to get out of here before I do something stupid like throw up on the dancefloor or pry Wes away from that woman. I quickly mumble my goodbyes to Hua Jing and Layla, then storm through the bar, bumping into people. I don’t go back to the table, rushing toward the front door.
The cool night air hits my flushed skin, and I gulp in mouthfuls of air, pushing back the nausea. I tip my head back asI close my eyes, focusing on my breath. My legs feel like Jell-O. It was a mistake coming out tonight. No matter where I go, he’s there. I can’t seem to escape him.
When I trust my legs, I start walking home, slowly feeling the sobering effect of the cool night air. I drop by the convenience store on the way, grabbing aGatoradefrom the fridge.
“Ahhh, Mr. Gatorade,” the same kid greets me. “How’s it going?”
“Great, just great,” I mumble.
“The offer still stands.” He smiles, and for a second, my brain goes blank. Then he nods at the bottle. “Two for one.”
“Oh yeah? Sure, why the hell not?” I’ll probably need it tomorrow anyway. I pay in cash and quickly leave.
When I reach my building, I tuck both bottles under one arm, then fumble with my keys. For condos this expensive, they sure skimped out on the lights. When I miss the keyhole on the lobby door for the third time and drop one bottle on the ground, I’m about to lose it. “Motherfucker,” I hiss.
“Need help with that?” The familiar deep voice wraps around me.Wes.Just what I need. I spin around, my face way too close to his.
“No! I don’t need anything from you.”
“Whoa!” Wes laughs, holding up his hands. “Relax.”
“Yourelax.” I bend to grab theGatorade, but putting my head down is a bad idea, and I momentarily lose my balance. When I start swaying, Wes grips my arm.
“You okay, man?” There’s an edge of worry in his voice, which makes me even more infuriated.
I bat his hand away, then stand straight. “Don’t touch me.”
He instantly lets go and narrows his eyes. “Oh, so you can fucking touch me without my consent, but I can’t? You’re such an asshole. I was just trying to help.”
“You didn’t seem to mind,” I mumble, regret filling my chest. Ididtouch him without his consent.
“What was that?”
“Nothing.” I turn my back on him. This time, I manage to unlock the door and hurry inside. I head for the elevator, Wes trailing a few steps behind me. I feel him everywhere, my body so in tune with his. Tonight has left me more confused than ever. What the fuck is it about him? Inside the elevator, I press his floor, then mine. I lean against the wall, trying to look anywhere but at him. Why is he even here and not with that chick?
“I thought you got lucky.” The words spill from my mouth before I can stop them.
Some of the anger disappears from his face as he tips his chin at me. “What? You stalking me now?”
I huff. “Don’t flatter yourself. I don’t give a shit about you.”
“Yeah? You could’ve fooled me.” And there’s that smile again, teasing and inviting. As much as I hate it, my dick seems to love it, because before I know it, I’m on him, crowding him against the wall, the bottles ofGatoradecrashing to the floor.
His eyes grow wide, and a small gasp falls from his lips. I fist his shirt, my gaze dipping to his lips, just when he licks them. I’m so fucked. I slam my mouth against his, and he moans against me, planting his hands against my chest. The simple touch does things to me I haven’t felt in a long time. Lust. Pure need. Like I want something just for me. I push myself closer, grinding my hips against his crotch. He’s hard. I thrust my tongue into his mouth, tasting beer and mint. He welcomes me inside, kissing me back, tongue and all. His hands slide from my chest, down my ribs, and to my stomach. With eager fingers, he pulls up my shirt, his touch cool against my flushed skin.
