“I cannot believe the audacity of that woman. Have you and your mom not cooperated enough yet? You postponed college for fucks sake over the crap they pulled with your savings. Even though part of that money you contributed yourself. They’re only doing this in the hopes that your father is monitoring you and sees what they’re doing and tries to help so they can catch him. What they don’t realize is your father loves you and your mom. He wouldn’t just take off on you both unless he had no choice or was taken by force.” Alex’s cheeks are flushed from her ire and subsequent rant. I know she’s right, it still upsets me though that my mom and I are being treated like criminals. I think of Bricker, I’ll figure out a way to make that woman’s life hell one way or another.
We make it to our seats in the stands. We’re fairly close to where the team benches are, I’m hoping Eli will hear us cheering for him or at least see us easily. He’s really grown on me the last few weeks. I was surprised he didn’t try to take advantage of my proximity or kick me out if I refused his advances. I fingered my necklace thinking of one person who would have taken what he wanted, not that I would have minded. Alex notices what I’m doing. “Still missing them, huh?”, Alex mimes zipping her lips when I shoot her a look. We’ve had this discussion many times, it doesn’t change anything and never will. One day we’ll both accept that. Turning back to the field I see the pep squad is riling up the crowd. The team is getting ready to come out. The stomping and the chants start. You can feel the energy in the air from the excitement. Football is a major draw for the university, people from all over come to the games. A cheer goes up as the players start to run out. They jog out and do their warm up and return to their area right below us. The other team is coming out next. They don’t get quite the reception, but as they’re a close school and major rival they have a decent amount of support here tonight. I look for Eli’s number. I locate him and see him huddled with a group of players around a coach.
“What position does Eli play?”, I ask Alex. She turns to me with an incredulous look on her face. It mirrors a couple others sitting around us as they overheard my question. Yeah should probably know that.
“Oh my god, Remi how do you not know that? You live with guy!” Yep thanks for that Alex. Now a lot of the girls looks that can overhear have turned slightly murderous. I feel the need for some body armor. Alex notices a few of the looks as well and gets a devious smile on her face. “He’s a wide receiver. A very good one at that, he’ll probably get drafted. But I can see how you might have been too busy receiving yourself to remember that.” Alex is now openly laughing. I’m gonna kill her. Dead. Very, very dead.
“Alex, shut up. I cannot believe you just said that.” I hiss to her, “you know I’m not sleeping with him, what are you doing?”
“Staking your claim for you, since you won’t,” she whispers back.
“Just watch the game, it’s starting.” Right then Eli’s group breaks up and he looks up at the stands quickly finding me, and blows me a kiss. I’m mortified, I think between him and Alex having teamed up on me tonight I might be in trouble. I still smile and wave back, I can’t quite bring myself to blow one back. Awkward!
The game starts and immediately Eli’s team gets the ball. The first half passes quickly. He catches multiple times and scores two touchdowns. At halftime Alex and I go to the bathroom. As we finally get into stalls I hear other girls start a conversation at the sink. “Did you hear Elliot McAdams has a girlfriend? And she’s not on the pep squad. I can’t imagine Brittany is going to take kindly to that. She’s had a thing for him for the last two years. Even I thought she was getting somewhere when I saw them talking in the parking lot after practice the other night.” The sound of the hand dryers cut out whatever was said next and by the time it’s off and I come out the girls are gone. My chest hurts and my throat feels heavy. I didn’t realize I cared so much. If what those girls said is true I need to put a stop to what is going on with between us.
“They’re just jealous you know. I’m sure they knew you were in here, they probably saw you in line.” Alex consoles me as soon as I come out, verifying she overheard. She rubs my shoulder and we head out back to our seats. “Don’t let them see they bothered you. I don’t think Eli would do that. He was probably trying to scrape the nasty off if she touched him. She’s been with half the team and that’s not an exaggeration. One of her teammates is best friends with my roommate and I overheard them talking about her looking to land anyone with enough talent to go pro. She’s barely keeping her grades good enough to stay on the squad.”
I feel a little better, but I still wonder. We watch the rest of the game. Eli gets hit right as he catches a pass, he quickly gets up and shows that he still has the ball. The crowd is going wild. With a few minutes left in the game he’s almost close enough to score again. The final result is in favor of Easton 52-38. We head out to the parking lot to our cars. Alex is parked somewhat close to me so we make our way to our vehicles and go to her place to get ready for the party.
After we’re both ready and half a bottle of wine later we walk to the party. It’s only a few blocks away as Alex’s apartment is close to that side of the campus. We carry to go coffee cups with lids with the remainder of the wine divided between them. I’m not drinking anything without opening it myself tonight, definitely learned my lesson last time.
When we get to the house the music is loud, there are decorations everywhere, and the costumes are classic and outlandish. Everything from a werewolf to a guy dressed as jailbird Paris Hilton in a blond wig, big square sunglasses, an orange jumpsuit with sparkly pink high heels. I think that one may be my favorite of the night. The guy stuffed a neon pink bra and his chest hair was poking out of the partially unbuttoned top. I laugh so hard I snort a little causing Alex to roll her eyes at me. Alex and I head for a group of people she knows that are beckoning to her. I really need to be more social. I had no idea who the majority of the partiers were. As I was standing there an arm curled around my waist and a mouth with points in it latches onto my neck. “Well hello there pretty girl.”, was whispered in my ear after I elbowed the body behind me to get released. As I turn around I see it was a sparkling, fanged Edward, complete with red contacts. “Sorry Remi, couldn’t resist.” I realized it was Adam. I smile at him so he knows I’m not upset. I see he’s noticed my outfit now. “Hot damn, Remi that is one insanely sexy costume. Did you pick it for me? Please say it was for me. Please, please!” Now Adam is fangirling it up.
“Keep it up Adam and I’m going to question what your actual gender is”, I say with a straight face. That is until he immediately stops jumping and his face blanks, then I bust up laughing catching the attention of the group Alex had stopped to talk to.
“She’s got your number Trent!”, another guy from the group yells.
“Trent?”, I question Adam.
“My last name. Geez girl, just how oblivious are you to me? I’m wounded.” He puts a hand to his chest and one to his forehead acting like he’s going into a swoon. I turn pink in embarrassment.
“I’m sorry Adam. I was just thinking I need to be more social I don’t really know anyone here besides you and Alex.” As I was talking to Adam a girl with black pixie cut hair dressed as cat in leather bustier, fishnets, boy shorts, above the knee stilettos, ears, tail, and whiskers on her face all in black comes up and pushes her way in between me and Adam.
“Remi, right?”, she says. She points her finger at me with the other hand on her hip. It’s Brittany. What luck. I see her entourage of girls behind her all dressed similarly, but as different animals. I see a bunny, a cat in a different color, a fox, and I’m not sure what the last girl is supposed to be. Maybe a skunk or a raccoon. Poor choice of costume.
“Yes, can I help you?” I ask as I arch an eyebrow. Too bad I didn’t complete my Harley Quinn costume with the bat and wad of bubble gum, I could use something to prop on my shoulder and pop in mouth while standing there looking badass right about now. So glad I didn’t
wear the fishnets for the costume though and went with some two-toned pink and blue tights that were slightly sheer.
“I just wanted to let you know I’m going out with Eli. I heard you thought you were dating and told some girls in the bathroom at the game. Just wanted to set you straight before you made a fool of yourself, I’ve been with him every night this week.” Uh, did she seriously just out herself as a giant slut?
I stand there for a minute trying not to laugh in her face. I don’t see that that would help the situation and I also don’t really feel like getting into a fight over a guy. I hear Alex snort behind me and say, “Now that’s catty.” Annndd…I totally lose it. Bent over laughing til tears come down I rub at them forgetting my makeup. Well shouldn’t matter too much Harley isn’t really known for being put together. As I’m getting control of myself I see a guy coming with his arms open.
“Toots, cupcake, darlin’…”
“No. Freaking. Way.” This from Alex and Adam simultaneously. I feel the urge to reciprocate, cuz I’m pretty sure I know who this white faced, tattooed, killer is. I throw my arms wide and launch myself.
“Puddin!!” The Joker catches me mid air and swings my legs around his waist dipping me and laying the hottest kiss ever on me. Tongue and teeth with a full ass grab. His hands so completely engulfed my cheeks that his fingertips were touching the sensitive place in the bend of my thighs. Millimeters from being pornographic in this crowd. With a giggle I tap his shoulders and he lifts me upright.
“Now our costumes are complete. Had to smear the lipstick on the both of us you know?” His face is so close to mine I can see his familiar green eyes and the greasepaint in his hair turning it dark and green. He continues to hold me as he turns the group of girls behind me. Totally ignoring the rabid animals, because really that just sums up the vibe coming off those girls, he greets Alex and Adam.
“So, Eli. Brittany here tells me you’re dating and she’s been shagging you every night this week at your place. Should I be worried about where my lips just were?” I ask Eli this with a devilish grin on my face, but Brittany and crew can’t see my face from this angle. I know she wasn’t at the apartment, but she must not know that I’m staying there, not that I’ve exactly broadcast the news. I get my facial expression under control and give Eli a proper scowl.
“Well, how to put this nicely. Nope, no can do. Brittany I think you may have me confused with another team member, I know you jump from bed to bed, but mine hasn’t been one of them. The only other bedroom I’ve been in besides my own, alone mind you, is Remi’s here. I heard costumes being discussed last night and waited until she was asleep last night to peek in her closet so I could match. If that doesn’t spell it out enough for you ask one of your friends. I can tell they understand.”
I hear Adam making sizzling noises next to me. I start laughing again. He says, “Just to be clear that means Eli isn’t interested in your nasty ass, he wants Remi’s. Most of us do by the way, just in case you were wondering.” He says this with a quick wink to me. I just smile, what else can I do?
I unhook my legs from around Eli’s waist and start to slide them down. I can feel his arms tense as he doesn’t want to let go, but we’re causing a scene I would rather avoid. “Let’s go get a drink.” I say as my feet hit the ground. As we turn to go I ask Alex and Adam if they would like anything. We get to the kitchen area and I head for the tubs of ice with closed drinks. I pull out several and make sure the seals are intact.
“Looking for drugs Remi? I don’t think the bottles are spiked or the kegs. The punches now are another matter.” I turn and see Christian leaning against the wall.
“So, you knew they were spiked at the last party? You’re a dick.” I walk past him without looking at him and return to Alex. As I hand her her drink and Adam his I realize I’ve lost Eli. I see a small crowd gathering around the kitchen. Crap that’s not good. I make a beeline for the kitchen and have to push my way through. An arm tries to snake around me to pull me back, but I twist out to the side and slip through. Eli has Christian by the throat against the wall. I can’t hear what he’s saying, it must be bad Christian is red faced and holding his hands up. I reach out and put my hand on Eli’s bicep. “Hey, leave him be, he’s not worth getting into trouble. We’ll tell the guys that live here about the drinks and they can take care of It from there.” Eli looks at me for a moment then finally releases Christian who slides down the wall a ways coughing. With a nasty look he takes off.
“Anyone know where Brandon is?” Eli asks. “The open drinks are spiked with who knows what. They need to be removed.” A guy comes into the kitchen from another entrance a few minutes later and comes up to Eli. I realize this is Brandon. He’s older than most of the people here. He talks to Eli for a few minutes, looks and me and then gestures to a few other guys that head for the drinks. They start inspecting everything making sure it’s safe. I hear Brandon tell Eli thanks and we head back to my friends.
“Remi, I can’t take you anywhere woman, you seem to be a trouble magnet.” I turn to Alex outraged, only to see that she’s teasing me. “Let’s go dance, I have a feeling you’re going to get kidnapped eventually.”
“I want a dance too sugar plum, don’t forget me.” This from Adam. I give a grimace at the ‘sugar plum’. “Hey,” he jerks a thumb to indicate Eli, “he doesn’t get to be the only one giving you endearments. I think sugar actually suits you. I love sweet things.” His voice drops as he leans in, “I’d love to find out exactly how sweet that is. Don’t forget about me Remi.” With that he steps a few feet away to talk to others. I see him glancing back and forth. He’s not taking his eyes off me for long. I feel flushed. Whether or not I see him as just a friend or not that was hot. Undeniably hot. I can see Alex giving me her devilish look. I shake my head. I don’t need a fight. I just want to have fun. Eli looks perturbed, but loses the look as I hook my arm through his.
“Remi, I don’t believe we’ve ever danced together.” I grin and nod my head. He leads me into the next room where the music is louder and the floor has been cleared to make a large dance floor. There’s already quite a few people out dancing on it. The song is a little faster than a slow song, but not by much. Eli holds one hand and puts the other on my hip. I put my free hand on his shoulder. He starts moving hips in a smooth rocking motion as he steps forward guiding me around a small area. Holy hip wiggles batgirl. The surprise must show on my face. “Bet you thought I couldn’t dance. I plan to have that begging happening tonight.” I swallow hard. Eli is doing something with the rhythm that brings first our hips then chests into contact. All I can do is follow. I feel the butterflies starting up in my stomach. He’s so hard all over. Football training is rigorous and it shows. Even through his clothes you can see the muscle definition. From everywhere we touch I feel the ridges on me. He’s so much larger than me and it’s really turning me on. I lick my lips and I see his gaze dart down to them and stay there. Suddenly the song turns quicker and so do his moves. I’m dipped and twirled until I’m breathless. I realize we’ve gathered an audience. I’ve been so in my own world with Eli I didn’t even notice. As I come up pulled close from a dip I dart my tongue out and swipe at the hollow of his neck. I feel his inhalation of breath and he grinds our hip together briefly making me gasp in turn. This is going to turn inappropriate shortly if it keeps up. Right then I feel a hand tap my shoulder. It’s Adam.
“May I cut in? I think someone needs some cool down time unless you want video of one of our star players getting it on in the middle of a party. The coaches don’t care about what goes on behind closed doors, but I think they might frown upon something like that.” Eli reluctantly lets go of my hand. After he moves into the area without dancers Adam speaks. “I never really had a chance did I?” He sounds sad. I look up at him.
“Adam, I’m sorry. I didn’t try to pursue anything with anyone. It’s just sort of happened. I do like you. You’ve been so nice to me. Not that you’re just nice, I know guys hate that term
. You’re extremely attractive. I have feelings, serious ones, for Eli. Maybe if I hadn’t met him. I’ve been trying not to get into a relationship, but it sort of just happened anyway.” I hold his stare, he’s wounded I can tell. He really has been great though. “Please don’t take your friendship away from me. I don’t have many friends and I don’t want to lose this one.” I lean in and hug him. The song has switched to an actual slow one and we sway to it. He holds on tightly for a moment then pulls back.
“I might have to take some time, but I won’t leave you. I like you too much. If he messes with you though I’m going to kick his ass star football player or not, and I’m still calling you sugar plum!” With that Adam smiles and spins me out. We dance to a few more songs before Alex joins us. Eventually we’re all hot and sweaty. I think my makeup is beginning to run and excuse myself from the dancing.
“Alex, I need a drink, as in water, and I think I’m ready to head home.” I pull my phone out of my pocket and see that it’s after one in the morning. “That would explain why I’m tired. You care if I head out? I’m sure Adam would make sure you make it home.” Adam nods his head in the affirmative. Eli appears like he was summoned, he must have still been watching me.
“Ready to go toots?”
“Is that name going to stick? If so I’m calling you puddin’.” I laugh and poke him in the chest. Doing more damage to my poor finger than his hard pecs.
“Yes, I’m pretty sure it is. I want to remember the first time you publicly claimed me.” He smiles devilishly at me. It really suits him, that naughty look.
I realize with a start that yes, I did claim him. In front of everyone. He continues, “It’s about time if you ask me. I’ve been chasing you for over two months. Good thing I don’t give up easily.” He leans down to nuzzle my neck. Let’s go home. I want you.” He presses his front to my hip and I can feel how much he wants me.
Convergence: Remington Carter Series Book One Page 8