“Okay, Asher. You can go first. You are going to need it.”
“Why are you taking advantage of this poor boy? Doesn’t he know you’re a shark?” Amanda starts laughing uncontrollably. Good God, this is going to be a long night. The alcohol is already affecting her.
“He knows alright. They’ve played before. Maybe we should even things out. Maggie against all of us!” Heather waves her hands around encircling Amanda and Asher.
“Fine with me. I will still wipe the floor with you rookies.”
“I’m in.” Amanda says with a wink.
“Me too. Anything to increase my chances of beating Maggie.” Asher gives me his full megawatt smile. The smile I can almost never resist. I smile back sweetly, fully intending to obliterate them.
I lost count on how many shots they all took. I am seriously reconsidering being the only sober person dealing with three drunks. We played countless games of pool, to which I won every game. But after about the fourth or fifth shot, it really wasn’t much of a challenge. The bartender helps me wrangle my friends to the car, thanking me for the business. I’m sure we dropped close to two hundred dollars on booze tonight.
The drive back is teetering on being absolutely annoying and absolutely terrifying. Heather and Amanda keep whining about having to throw up. I have to threaten them within an inch of their lives because I do not want vomit in my car. And Asher seems to have wandering hands that keep landing on my thigh. I gently pick up his hand and place it back on his side. I think I’ve done that at least half a dozen times. He just keeps giving me the goofiest grin like he can’t help himself.
The real challenge begins once we get back to Amanda’s house. Asher nodded off in the front seat, so I decide to leave him here while I get the girls safely to bed. Heather seems slightly less drunk than Amanda, so I send her in of her own accord. I have to practically carry my best friend in the house and up to our room. She flops down on the bed with a huff. I think she just passed out. I grab the trash can from the bathroom and put it next to her. Just in case. I check on Heather who is also passed out. I do the same for her and then head back down to get Asher.
“Hey, Asher. Come on. We’re home.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“Come on. It’s freezing out here. Can you walk?”
“Of course I can. Why wouldn’t I be able to walk? You’re funny, Maggie.”
“Great. Glad I can be of service. Can you please get out of the car now?”
“Sure.” He says with a lazy smile that makes me feel a little warm inside. Damn, drunk Asher is sexy. I grab his hand, pulling him to his feet. He stumbles a little but we make it inside the house unscathed. I close the door behind me, turning around to find Asher standing right in front of me. He puts his arms on either side of my head, essentially trapping me. I look up into those light brown eyes glazed over from his intoxication. Only I’m not sure if it’s from the alcohol or me.
“Maggie.” That’s all he says before he leans down slowly, pressing his forehead against mine. I can feel the heated air coming from his mouth. I can smell the alcohol on his breath mixing with that damn ocean scent that he always seems to have even though we are hundreds of miles from the beach. I close my eyes, waiting to see what he does next.
I feel his lips brushing over mine softly, but only for a moment. I open my eyes to see his restraint failing. He brings his mouth down to mine again but this time he doesn’t stop. My body starts to tingle slightly from the arousal of being kissed by this amazing guy. I wrap my arms around his neck, slowly moving one hand into his hair. The kiss deepens as my hands start to roam over his back. Everything about him screams sex. His toned muscles, tan skin and gorgeous blonde hair.
His hands never leave the door behind us. They don’t reach out to caress my body or try to go places they are not welcome. For some reason, that makes the moment even hotter. I can feel myself losing control, wanting to let my guard down, even if it’s just for tonight. But then something happens. All the passion, all the heat between us starts to dissipate as I realize where we are. I can’t do this here. Not in Milford. Not in the place that I fell in love with Vincent.
“Asher, please. Don’t. I can’t. Not now, not here.”
He pulls away slightly, looking into my eyes briefly before resting his head against mine. He inhales deeply before turning around and walking up the stairs without another word. Great. Just great. Is he angry with me now? He has every right to be. I kissed him back. Like, really kissed him back. I could feel the hunger growing inside of me, screaming to be let out. I haven’t kissed anyone since Vincent over a year and a half ago. I haven’t wanted to until tonight. But is lust enough of a reason to be with someone? I like Asher, a lot but I don’t love him. Not like I should. Not like he deserves. Is it really fair to drag him along if I’m not sure I can ever be whole again?
But that kiss. It still lingers on my lips. The taste of him, of us mingled together, remains in my mouth. It’s not the same as kissing Vince but not in a bad way, just a different way. Two completely different men who have a passion for life but for very different reasons. Could Asher be the one who helps me forget my past? Could I finally break free of Vincent Moreno? Do I want to be free from him is the better question.
Chapter Fifteen
The next morning I wake up to Amanda’s foot in my face. Her toes keep inching their way up my nose. I gently move her leg away, hoping not to disturb her. Hung-over Amanda isn’t a pretty sight so I’d rather let her sleep as long as possible. I glance over at the clock seeing that it isn’t as bad as I thought. It’s just after 10 in the morning. I decide I’ve had enough sleep, besides I couldn’t doze off now even if I wanted to. Amanda also snores. It’s very un-lady like. I briefly wonder what Tommy thinks about waking up next to snoring beauty.
I take a long, warm shower not caring for a minute if I’m using all the hot water. All three of them are going to need a nice, cold one to wake them up anyway and help get rid of their inevitable hangovers. I head downstairs to brew some coffee for my friends. I can’t help but wonder what Asher is going to be like when he gets up. I still have no clue if he’s angry with me or not. Maybe frustrated is a better word to describe his feelings. Regardless, I have another mess to clean up.
“Morning. Can I have some of that coffee, please?” I guess I’m about to find out if I’ve ruined everything by turning him away yet again.
“Sure. You want anything to eat?”
“No thanks. I don’t think I could keep it down right now. How much did a drink last night? I can’t remember anything after that last game of pool.”
Relief floods my body, my shoulders instantly relax and I let out the small breath I was holding. I didn’t realize just how tense I was until he said those magic words.
“Umm…I’m not entirely sure. Heather and Amanda kept alternating between getting shots at the bar so I lost count. Let’s just say enough to take out a sailor or two.”
“Those two are crazy! They could drink any man under the table. So what’s on the agenda for today?”
“Oh, you’ll see.” I don’t have the heart to tell him that once Amanda gets up, she’s going to be like a drill sergeant trying to get this place decorated in time for tonight’s big New Year’s bash.
After pulling all the decorations from Amanda’s secret hiding place, we get started. Her parents have no clue what she’s up to. I just hope we can get this place cleaned up in time tomorrow before they get home. After throwing up a couple of times, Amanda is in top form. Ordering all of us around, pointing at where she wants things placed. She makes one hell of a supervisor.
“Why don’t you get your big butt up and help us? Don’t you think it would go a lot faster?” I snap at Amanda, frustrated by her demands.
“Don’t rush the artist. I can’t help you hang stuff because then no one will be left to direct you fools. I swear, I’m the only person in this room that has any sense when it comes to decorating.
“Hey…I’m doing a pretty damn good job, so don’t lump me in with Maggie and Asher.”
“You make a good point, Heather.”
These two. Like two peas in a pod. I think I’ve created a monster, well actually two monsters. Just then, I’m saved by a knock at the door. Amanda steps away from the living room and down the hall to see who’s here. Before I have time to wonder who it is, I hear a booming voice coming from the hall. Tommy.
“Where is she? Where is the girl who broke my best friend’s heart?” Oh no. He’s pissed at me? Really? This is so not going to go well. Think Maggie. What is the quickest way out of this house? Do I have time to make a run for it? Before I get the chance to put one foot in front of the other, Tommy comes stomping through the living room and right up to me. He gives me a serious look before cracking the biggest smile. I’m so confused.
“I can’t stay mad at you. I’ve really missed you Maggie.” He leans down and picks me up in a giant bear hug. Okay. Not the response I was expecting. Like at all. After he sets me back down, I just stare up at him speechless.
“What’s the matter? You know I was just joking, right? I didn’t make you mad or anything did I? The worried look on his face finally breaks my trance.
“Sorry. I’m just a little shocked to see you smiling at me, that’s all. I thought you would hate me.”
“Maggie, what happened wasn’t your fault. I know that better than anyone. Besides, how could I hate a pretty little face like yours anyway?” He proceeds to grab my cheeks and squeeze them like I’m a five year old little girl after talking in baby talk. I smack his hands away playfully, grateful that my ruined relationship with Vince hasn’t affected us.
“What in the hell are you girls hiding out here in the sticks? This is one fine piece of man candy if I do say so myself. Hi. I’m Heather.” She gives Tommy a little flirtatious wink followed by a quick glance to Amanda letting her know she is just pulling his leg. Amanda just laughs at her blushing boyfriend.
“Hey, I’m Asher. Maggie’s friend from school.” He seems a little nervous about meeting Tommy. I notice his hand fidgeting next to his jean pocket.
“It’s nice to meet both of you. I hope you’re keeping an eye on this one. Making sure she doesn’t party too much and stays on top of her studies.”
“Who are you? Her dad? Geesh Tommy.” Amanda smacks his arm but he just shrugs her off.
“Party? Maggie? No way. All this girl does is study.” Heather says in a slightly irritated tone. I know she wishes I would go out with her more often, it’s just not for me.
“So tell me all about Michigan. I’ve been dying to ask you about the football up there since we are rivals. Has anyone made any death threats since you’re from Ohio?”
“No Tommy. I avoid anything and everything football related for that very reason. I don’t want to say the wrong thing and get attacked. I also hate hearing all the jokes about Ohioan’s that are just our jokes reversed. It gets pretty lame so I try not to mention where I’m from.”
“Bummer. I was hoping to hear some embarrassing college stories.”
“Sorry to disappoint you.”
“Alright, enough chit chat. Back to work. All of you.” Amanda nearly shouts out, snapping her fingers repeatedly.
After a few hours of preparation, everything is finally ready. I gotta give my girl credit. She does have a knack for decorating. There are gold and silver streamers dangling from the ceiling in every room on the first floor. She even found disco balls for the living and dining room. Balloons line all the entryways, leading from one room to the next and food is scattered over every available surface in the kitchen. Music is playing at just the right volume so you can dance if you like or carry on a conversation without having to shout. The final touches include a bag full of shiny confetti to be thrown at midnight along with noise makers. She really went all out for this party.
The guys are waiting patiently downstairs while we all get ready in Amanda’s tiny bathroom. The girls were overly ecstatic when I agreed to let them do my hair and make-up, even allowing them to pick my outfit. I was pleasantly surprised when they picked a somewhat conservative black dress. That is until I saw the back.
“You can practically see my ass! Who wears stuff like this? Seriously, I’m really asking.”
“Oh Maggie. Calm down. You will have underwear on and it’s designed to fit your body perfectly so nothing is going to show. Stop being paranoid. Consider it a welcome home gift.” Amanda gives me a sly smile.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, this is kind of a welcome home party in correlation with a New Year’s Party. I got you the dress just for this occasion, so stop complaining.” How can I be upset about the dress now? I can’t. That was her evil plan all along.
“Thanks. You didn’t have to do all this for me.”
“You haven’t been home since you left for college. It IS a big deal, Maggie. We all missed you. Now let’s finish getting ready so we can get our butts downstairs and enjoy this bash!”
“Whatever you say Boss.”
Heather helps me put the finishing touches on my make-up while Amanda heads downstairs to do a final walk through before the party starts.
“Maggie, I don’t want to bring up things that are going to upset you. But, I can’t help but see the love these people have for you. I totally get why. You are pretty adorable.” She chuckles lightly before getting serious again. “I’ve never really asked you any details about Vincent and your break-up, but I can’t help wondering what he could have done to keep you away from your family.”
“It’s complicated and has more to do with my past than it does with Vincent himself. Sort of. When you go through something like I did with the one person that is supposed to love you unconditionally but doesn’t, it changes you. So when Vince said he didn’t want me to stay in Milford to be with him, I took that rejection very hard. Besides, being in this town brings back so many memories of being with him. I just wasn’t ready until now. I know I need to get over it. I’m working on it.”
“I get it. I really do. Sorry, I didn’t want to bring you down. It’s just something I’ve wondered about. You ready to head downstairs?”
“Sure.” I smile warmly at my roommate and second best friend.
We walk down the stairs together, chatting about nothing in particular when I’m startled by a large crowd gathered at the bottom of the staircase. Everyone shouts “welcome home” in unison. I pull my hand up to my heart in surprise. I start to look over the faces below, recognizing Martina, Joey and Keri immediately. But then I see people I never thought I would see again. Suzy Welch, my old lab partner is standing in the corner, then I notice Mark and Claire from German class holding hands off to the side. In the front of the group, Amanda and Tommy are wrapped around each other, smiling brightly up at me. I glance to the side where Asher is standing, a look of pure amazement on his face.
“I can’t believe you are all here. This is just unbelievable.”
I make my way down the staircase to greet everyone. Amanda and Tommy step aside so I can visit with the people I haven’t seen in forever. Mark and Claire are actually engaged now. They invited me to the wedding next summer. Suzy is doing amazing at Yale. She decided to continue onto medical school after she finishes her bachelor’s degree in Biology. I knew she would do amazing things. I also got to spend some time with Martina before she headed home. She told us all to have fun and be safe. I’m guessing hanging out with a bunch of college kids isn’t her idea of fun. Joey and Keri were warned not to do anything they aren’t old enough to do. I think Keri is a little afraid of Martina because she answered with a yes ma’am. After a couple of hours of catching up, I find Asher standing by the kitchen sink drinking a beer.
“Hey stranger. Sorry I haven’t been around. Lots of people to catch up with. Plus Amanda wanted to introduce me to all the new people she has met at school.”
“It’s okay. I had an interesting conversation with Tommy. You don’t
have to worry about me. I like to socialize.”
“What did you and Tommy talk about?” I can’t help the fact that I’m intrigued.
“Just guy stuff. Nothing you need to worry about.” Since he clearly doesn’t seem to want to talk about it, I change the subject.
“So did you get the chance to talk to anyone else?”
“Yeah. Your friend Suzy is quite the character. That girl is going places. She is super smart.”
“She saved me in high school. She was my tutor for a couple of subjects.”
“You needed a tutor? I find that hard to believe.”
“I mean, I know I’m a genius and all but even us prodigies need help sometimes.” That gets a good laugh out of him.
“Alright Wilson, let’s go join the party.”
We dance until our feet can’t take it anymore. I kicked my heels off hours ago. I don’t know why Amanda and Heather insist on me wearing something they know damn well isn’t going to stay on my feet. Just before midnight strikes, people slowly drift back to their significant others. I’m standing in the back of the room, watching the love in their eyes. Joey and Keri, Mark and Claire and of course Amanda and Tommy. Heather seems to have disappeared. No doubt hiding upstairs on the phone with Derek. Just as the clock starts to count down from ten, Asher saunters across the room. He has a look of determination on his face that I’ve never seen before.
He stops right in front of me, gives me his shy smile before saying exactly what I expected to come out of his mouth in this moment.
“Its bad luck not to kiss someone on New Year’s Eve. So what do you say?”
“Asher, I don’t think…” Before I get another word out of my mouth, his lips are brushing against mine ever so gently. Just a small taste of what he gave me last night. I can’t help but feel eyes on me. When I look over Asher’s shoulder, I see Tommy glaring in my direction with a look of pure savagery. But he isn’t directing his stare of death at me. Nope. That’s all for Asher. Before Amanda can stop him, Tommy is pushing past the crowd, headed straight for him.
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