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NINE
OAKLEY
Once again, parties aren't my scene. The whole idea of them brings back memories that I try to keep buried as much as possible, but seeing Ava let go like this and be herself is beyond worth it.
Ava dragged me onto the dance floor what seemed like hours ago. Since then, I've watched her down a crap ton of tequila shots and completely let loose. The happy glow in her eyes as she looks up at me is exactly why I pushed myself to come to this party in the first place.
We're dancing to some random EDM song that I've never heard before, and regardless of the several drunks slamming into us, I wouldn't rather be anywhere else.
Ava has her arms looped around the back of my neck, and her ass pressed flat against my crotch as she moves her hips to the beat of the music.
With my arms resting lightly on her hips, I gently spin her around so that we're face to face. Our eyes meet as I pull her closer to me, letting my gaze drop to her mouth when she takes her bottom lip between her teeth, slowly gnawing on the pink skin.
Somehow, she has no idea how stunning she is.
My hand moves and before I register what's happening, my palm rests against her cheek as my thumb runs along her bottom lip.
"Don't bite your lip, Ava." The statement ends up coming out as more of a growl than anything, but when her pupils dilate, I know that she doesn't mind.
I didn't realize how close we were until I yank myself back a few steps, reality hitting me like a truck. She's drunk.
I see the rejection flash through her eyes immediately.
"Ava I-"
She holds up her hand and presses it against my chest, silencing me. She takes a deep breath and looks at me with a newfound fire in her eyes.
"Why won't you kiss me? I know you are attracted to me in some way. So why won't you just do it?" Her arms flail around while she tries to tell me off, the action only making her look more adorable than angry. God, she's a breath of fresh air.
The shit-eating grin on my face only seems to add fuel to the fire. Ava lets out a loud huff, her eyes narrowing into slits before she turns around, marching towards the kitchen.
Unfortunately for her, my legs are much longer than hers. I catch up and throw her over my shoulder swiftly before she gets very far. Once I get to the front yard, I set her down on her feet gently.
"I'm not leaving until you kiss me, dammit!" she yells, jabbing her finger into my chest.
"Looks like you don't have a choice now, do you?" I smirk, crossing my arms. The frown on her face is enough to make me wrap my arms around her waist and pull her close.
"I'm not going to kiss you when you're drunk. It isn't because I don't want to. I'm just trying to be the good guy here and not take advantage of you," I murmur. Ava rolls her eyes.
"Okay, that's sweet and all, but I can make my own decisions. I want you to kiss me." She pulls back and places her hands angrily on her small hips.
"I know you can, but your judgment is clouded right now. Will you let me take you home?"
"What about Morgan? I have to let her know I'm leaving." She turns to head back inside, but I take her wrist lightly. "I'll text Matt and let him know where you are. Now let me take you home. My trucks down the street. Can you walk there or do you need another ride?"
"I could sure use a ride, just not on your back," she slurs.
"Good to know," I smirk, leaning down to pick her up and carry her bridal style to my truck.
???
I pull up outside of my apartment and gently shake Ava awake.
When I texted Matt, letting him know that I was taking Ava home, he was adamant about me not taking her back to her place, but to mine so he and Morgan could be alone.
Considering he lives in a beyond crowded dorm, I can’t blame him. Besides, I don't mind having Ava at my place. It was an easy decision.
"Leave me alone. I'm sleeping," she whispers, making me shake my head comically. With a sigh, I unbuckle her seatbelt and carry her up to my apartment. Setting her down on the brown carpet outside my door, I unlock it and help her inside.
