She continued to cry. I could only look at her.
“Get out of here!” she shouted.
I then hopped into my car and sped off. I had really wanted to enjoy the party, but I knew Jennifer would have told everyone and I couldn’t bother to explain to everyone what had happened. I was free of her drama and I wanted to keep it that way. I then began to think about April and how much I wanted to see her and talk to her again. And now that I was single, maybe we could do more than just talking…
Maybe this thing with April could go somewhere, after all.
April
Today, there was another game going on and I was stuck at work. There were no customers and I really didn't see any point in my being here. I had an exam coming up and really needed to do well on it. I flipped through my law book trying unsuccessfully to study. I just wanted to leave.
Once again I was missing another game. Turning another page, I prayed for some excitement or at the very least, some customers. My boss reluctantly paid me yesterday and was not so mean to me. I wasn’t sure why but I didn’t want to question it. Maybe she was finally seeing someone…or getting some. I didn’t know and didn’t care. I was just glad that she was more pleasant.
Finally, I found my focus and I began to absorb the information. Completely immersed in learning litigation, I didn’t even see when he walked up to the stands and stood right in front of me.
“Hi, what are you reading?” Nick greeted me.
I looked up and was surprised to see Nick smiling at me. I felt a rush of excitement as I stared at him. I couldn’t believe that I was looking directly into those deep hazel eyes and at those muscles and perfect hair. My heartbeat began to speed up. I mentally took a few deep breaths and kept my composure. I hadn’t expected to see him today. If I had known I would have put a lot more effort into my appearance. so that I would feel a bit more attractive right now. As it was too late to worry about it, I just flashed a smile at him.
“Oh, I’m just studying for my law class. I have an exam coming up soon.”
I showed him the book. He nodded. I don’t think he thought learning about the criminal justice systems was interesting.
“Ah okay. Well I decided to visit you at work and I brought you a little something.”
He then handed me a signed jersey and some merchandise from the team. I smiled as I looked at all of the items in the bag. There was a pen and a water bottle and also a stuffed version of the school mascot, which I found to be quite adorable. I was so happy that he kept his promise and delivered the items to me. It was always a pleasure to see him.
I looked up at him and said, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” he replied
“Hmm…maybe I can help you with your studies? I know exams are coming up and I’m a really good study partner,” I offered.
“Yeah. I could use all the help that I can get. It’s hard sometimes balancing academic work with the games,” he accepted.
I smiled playfully. “Sounds like someone also needs help with time management.”
He laughed, “Maybe I do.”
“I can help you with that as well.”
“Hmmm....Maybe you can.”
I couldn’t understand why those words began to ripple through me. His deep, masculine voice sent shivers up my spine. He couldn’t take his eyes off of me. It almost felt like he was seeing into my soul.
“Okay, sure. So what are you studying?” she asked.
“Oh, me. I’m studying business. It just seemed to make sense to me. You know? Just in case, I get injured. It’s a fallback plan.”
Wow, normally I would expect jocks to only be focused on sports, but Nick seemed to have a plan.
“Oh I see. Well that’s good, but I am pretty sure you are going to play in the big leagues. But, when it’s time to retire, you can use that degree to do something else.”
Although honestly, I didn’t know if he even needed the degree. He already came from a wealthy family and had almost everything a man would want. I had to admit I was a bit impressed that he still wanted to work hard, although his father could provide him with all the money that he needed.
“I know most people see me as some spoiled little rich kid, but there’s so much more to me than that. I actually have plans for my future. I want to live my own life and do something great.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean.”
“So, what are your plans after school?” he asked.
“Oh, I want to move to New York. There are some good law firms out there and I want to make something of myself.”
“Well, it has been said that if you make it there, you can make it anywhere. Thinking of moving there myself.”
I laughed at him.
“You love making corny jokes, don’t you?”
“I wouldn’t make them if you weren’t laughing.”
Touché.
“Maybe I am just laughing so that you can feel good about yourself,” I chuckled.
“Ouch! That hurt!”
I winked at him, “You’re a big boy. Go walk it off.”
He smirked at me.
“I’ll forgive you this time, only because I think you are cute.”
“I didn’t say sorry though,”
He smiled. I could tell he was enjoying this.
“So let’s stop talking about school and the future. What do you like to do?”
I froze for a moment. I lived a very boring life no thanks to my job. But I wasn’t going to pretend or try to impress anybody with a lie.
“Well, I used to play sports and have a social life, but I don’t do that anymore since I have a job and school,” I said dryly.
“Wow. You don’t even go out?”
“Yeah. I try to find time to have fun. I don’t want to be completely boring.”
Then he asked, “So what do you do to have fun?”
“Eat. Sleep. You know the usual?”
He laughed at her.
“Sounds like someone needs a change in their routine.”
“Maybe.”
“So there’s this party that I’m hosting. It’s going to be pretty good. It’s at my house. There’s going to be good music and food. I think you should come and actually have some fun.”
“I think you think too harshly of my ‘fun’ routine.”
He laughed again.
Wow. I haven’t been to a college party since my first year. I was excited, but slightly nervous as there was a good chance I wouldn’t know anyone there.
“Yeah, I will be there. Is it okay if I bring someone? I don’t think I would know anyone there.”
And I knew exactly who I would bring. Mark was my good friend and we were really close. He would be the perfect friend to accompany me.
“Sure, unless it’s your boyfriend. He can stay home,” he said tongue-in-cheek.
He smirked at me. Oh! He was so handsome and attractive when he was flirting.
“I don’t have a boyfriend.”
“Really? A pretty girl like you? You sure you don’t have a boyfriend?”
“No, I just have this friend. We grew up with each other. I only see him as a brother.”
“Good, I would really hate it if you did have a boyfriend and he got jealous seeing the both of us together. Plus,” he said as he pulled back a few strands of my hair, “I want to have you all to myself.”
His soft whisper was extremely seductive. I could feel the goosebumps on my skin and my heart began to race. I almost thought it would jump out of my chest.
“I’m not sure you can handle me, though.”
“Oh, I would surely try.”
He then handed me a flyer and I thanked him.
“See you later, April.”
“See you.”
As he left the stadium, I began to squeal! I couldn't believe I was invited to an actual party. The first and last party I had been to was an orientation party. I shuddered just thinking about it. It was the first time I really had some actual fun and the
first time I realized that other people couldn’t handle their liquor. One boy threw up on me and I left feeling completely embarrassed. I hoped that there wouldn’t be another embarrassing moment at the party.
As soon as my shift was over, I left the stadium. I still couldn’t believe that I got invited to a party! By the most handsome and popular guy on campus. I was grinning from ear to ear. These type of things never happen to me!
I hummed as I walked from the bus stop to my house. I was already trying to figure out what I should wear. Then I saw Mark sitting on the porch waiting patiently. I smiled. Mark was the best friend a girl could have. I was fortunate that I could always depend on him and that he was always around. Ever since we were younger, we looked out for each other and we could talk about anything with each other.
“Hi Mark.”
“Hey April,” he said with a big smile.
I could see that he was eager to hang out. It had been a while since we did. We were both busy with school and jobs.
As I made my way to the porch, he got up and hugged me.
“How are you? What’s been going on?”
“A lot.”
I sat down on the porch, smiling.
Mark noticed how happy I was.
‘Why are you so happy?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” I replied.
“Try me,” he persisted.
“Okay, but I know you won’t believe me. Remember the big game that took place the other day?”
“April, as much as we are friends and have almost everything in common, remember I don’t keep up with sports.”
I rolled my eyes at him.
“Anyways, after the big game. It began to rain and I missed the bus.”
“Wow. That sounds terrible. So how did you get home?” he wanted to know.
“Nick drove me home.”
“Nick? Who’s Nick?” he insisted.
“Oh, Nick Barrett.”
‘Wait, he drove you home?” he asked incredulously.
“Yeah. He was such a gentleman. He saw me and stopped by the bus stop and offered me a ride home. Then we talked and talked.”
“Are you okay? He didn’t try anything with you, did he?”
I laughed. He could be so protective!
“No! He didn’t. In fact, he was extremely polite and it turns out that we have a lot in common.”
“Oh…okay.”
“Yeah, then he came to my stand and brought me some stuff.”
I showed him the merchandise that he brought me. He didn’t seem to be impressed by the free gifts.
“And he invited me to a party. I told him I would bring you with me. So, please come with me. I don’t know anyone there and I don’t want to be all alone.”
“I don’t think I should go. I don’t really fit in with that crowd. Also I am not so sure about Nick. I have heard things about him. He’s a bad guy, April.”
“Well, I don’t think he is. He seems like such a sweet guy and I did come home in one piece. Also, I can take care of myself. Aww, come on Mark. Go with me. Let’s go out and have some fun.”
“I…don’t know, April. What if they start to make fun of me? I mean I am not some pretty boy jock or extremely rich. I don’t exactly fit in with that crowd,” he worried.
“Look, what they think about you doesn’t matter. All that matters is that I get to spend time with my best friend and I actually get to have some fun. Come on, Mark. Please go!’
“Oh, alright. I will go with you, but it better be worth it,” he says.
Nick
Everything seemed to come together tonight. The party was off to a great start. Everyone was having a great time, dancing and drinking with one another. I, on the other hand, couldn’t stop pacing up and down the room. I was becoming impatient and anxious, as almost all of the other guests had already shown up.
“What was taking her so long?” I thought to myself. She was supposed to be here an hour go. I kept checking my watch and checking the front door. There was no sign of her. I was beginning to wonder if she was still coming.
I decided to try to have some fun and not to worry too much. I pretended to be calm. I knew she would eventually show up. As I drank with some of my friends and tried to distract myself, I couldn’t help but glance at the door every once in a while. We haven’t even gotten to first base and already she was driving me crazy.
After an antagonizing wait of ninety minutes, she finally arrived. When I saw her, my heart stopped for a moment. She looked really beautiful. She wore a tight, black dress which showed off her curves with some black sandals. I stared at her long, black hair which was draped over her shoulders. It also looked like she had put on a bit of makeup. She didn’t even need any of that, especially the dress.
I then noticed her ‘date’ for the night. I watched the guy she had brought with her. He was lanky and looked like a nerd. He wasn’t that bad looking but didn’t seem to fit in with the crowd. I could also tell that he really liked her and couldn’t stop glancing over his shoulder to admire her. His behavior was a bit funny and creepy and a part of me felt sorry for him. I was sure that April didn’t ever realize that her so-called ‘best friend’ was secretly in love with her.
I watched as the two of them engaged in deep conversation. I wanted to laugh at April’s naivety and how unobservant she was. I couldn’t believe that the smartest girl that I knew couldn’t figure out Mark was deeply in love with her. There were girls here who were pretty hot and were pretty easy that he actually had a chance with, but instead his attention was fixed on her; the one woman who I was interested in.
It seemed that we weren’t the only ones. The other guys in the room began to stare at her. They looked at her like they had never seen her before, although I’m sure that some of them had seen her before but didn’t pay attention. I decided to swoop in before any other guy at the party could do so.
I made my way towards her and I almost startled her.
“Well, you look lovely tonight,” I complimented her.
I flashed a smile at her. I was playing it cool, but honestly I wanted to take her, rip off that dress and smudge the make-up on her face.
“Thanks. Great party.”
“Thanks.”
We stared at each other for a while. We could both feel the chemistry between us and we became nervous around one another. Oddly enough, we weren’t uncomfortable, but just didn’t know how to put our feelings into words. It seemed like this would have gone on for a while, until her friend interrupted us. I wished that he hadn’t.
He stuck out his hand and I shook it. Honestly, I wanted to break his hand. I was pissed off that he interrupted our moment.
He introduced himself. “Hi, I’m Mark.”
“Hi, I’m Nick. Nice to meet you.”
He had a firm handshake. I saw the jealous look in his eyes. I could tell he was very protective of April and I couldn’t blame him. She was an amazing girl and I know he wished that they were more than friends, but clearly she didn’t see him like that. He needed to back off.
He gave me a threatening look as I let go of his hand. I wasn’t the slightest bit afraid of him. I had taken guys half of his size down already. He was clearly threatening the wrong guy. I decided to ease the tension a bit. I had to be a gracious host and I wanted to get into April’s good graces and then into something else. I decided to be the perfect gentleman.
“So Mark, are you enjoying yourself?”
He looked at the crowd nervously and looked at April before he responded, “Yeah. Great party.”
I could tell that he was lying. He was in a room of people who had teased him in his first year, but I had to hand it to him for playing it cool. I guess on some level it still bothered him. Anyways, he wasn’t the important person here tonight. I was more interested in April’s company.
“So you guys want something to drink?” I asked them.
“Sure,” said April.
We then headed to the bar that I
had set up for the party. Mark decided on a beer, whereas April wanted a white wine spritzer. I got them their drinks from the bartender and handed it to them. I then remembered that this was my party and I needed to attend to all my guests’ needs. I stared at April for a minute and then went off into the crowd of people. I’ll leave her needs for later.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, but at most parties, some people just didn’t know their limits. I had to break up a few fights and help a few of the patrons who became intoxicated. I also had to stop people from breaking things and using several valuable items such as my family’s trophy for a beer mug. Once order was restored, I knew I needed a plan. I needed to get April alone and get rid of her best friend. I then saw Mandy. She was extremely beautiful, but wasn’t the smartest tool in the shed. She also was quite easy.
I walked up to her and began to strike up a conversation.
“Hey Mandy.”
“Hey Champion.”
I didn’t know how she could do it, but even two simple words sounded like she was flirting with me. Then she continued speaking and then I knew that she wanted me.
“So, me and some of the other girls on the squad heard that you and Jennifer broke up. I just wanted you to know if ever you need some company, I am here for you.” She then gently rested her hand on my shoulder and looked at me with those blue seductive eyes. If I wasn’t so interested in April, maybe I would have taken her up on her offer. We did hook up a few times before, but it just felt too easy. It just felt like we were doing it just to do it. I longed for something more and that something I might have found in April.
“Mandy, thanks for the offer, but I am going to have to pass.”
“Aww…”
I was surprised that my rejection even had an effect on her. Knowing her, she would probably have sex with another random guy. And I knew just who she should sleep with.
“Yeah, maybe another time. I have someone I’d like you to meet. Come with me.”
We walked towards April and Mark. Mandy was already sizing up Mark.
“So, April and Mark, this is Mandy. Mandy, April and Mark.”
“Nice to meet you. Hey Mark can I see you for a second?”
Dirty Indiscretions: A Dark Mafia Romance Page 30