by Terra Deason
“Really?” He asked, surprised. “Why not?”
“I figured that would be obvious?” I shrugged.
He looked even more confused, not getting it.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I mean I’m pretty shy sometimes and few people had taken the time to really get to know me, I guess.” It was true, but in their defense I also didn’t initiate anything outside of school.
He narrowed his eyes and leaned against the door frame, crossing his arms.
“So, what you’re telling me, luv, is that you’ve never had a sleepover with any girlfriends? Not even in grade school?” He looked skeptical.
I shook my head.
“Well, pet, we will have to change that,” he said, pushing off the door frame and coming towards me. He grabbed my hand and pulled me down the hall towards the main room. “We will need lots of junk food and girliest movie you’ve got.”
“W-what are you talking about?” I asked as he pulled me along.
“We’re having a sleepover, luv,” he smiled, looking back at me.
“But, we were going to bed!” I protested once he let my hand go.
“Now we are not.” He spun around to face me, hands going to my shoulders. “We’re going to have a proper sleepover. We’ll watch sappy movies, eat junk and I’ll paint your nails and if you want we can gossip.”
I gaped at him.
“Are you being serious?” I couldn’t tell.
“Absolutely, luv,” he said, going into the kitchen and putting a bag of popcorn into the microwave, then hurrying down the hall and into my bedroom. A few seconds later he returned, hands full. He stopped in front of me. “Listen, luv. A girl should experience things like sleepovers at least once in their life. Probably a little earlier, but it’s never too late. Now get your cute butt in there and find us a movie.”
He moved passed me and headed back into the kitchen to retrieve the popcorn out of the microwave. I stared at him a moment longer, then made my way into the living room. I put in the girliest movie I owned, which turned out to be Pride and Prejudice . It was my favorite and Jensen seemed happy with it. Every so often I could have sworn I heard him murmur a few or Mr. Darcy’s lines.
It was without a doubt one of the best nights I had ever had. We stayed up we into the morning. Jensen had me laughing until my sides hurt and I was gasping for breath. He painted my nails and toenails, which turned out amazing. When he tried to lure me into gossip about boys, I laughed until I cried.
We talked about books and he actually listened. A few times I would get carried away talking about book plots and certain books I had fallen in love with and when I would return to Earth, the look on his face would make my heart skip a beat.
I’m not sure what time I had finally fallen asleep, but I woke up the sun was shining through the windows in my room. When I rolled over to bury my face in the pillows, there was a light knock on the door.
“Come in,” I yelled, the sound muffled by the pillows.
“Morning, luv.”
I peeked out from my pillows to find Jensen leaning against the door frame, smiling at me. At the sight of him, I stopped breathing. Shirtless Jensen was a site to be seen. His jeans hung low on his hips and he that V that all girls dreamed about and most guys only wished they had, but what really took the cake was the artwork.
At the bottom of his torso was a woman that was walking up a flight of stairs into what I can only assume to be heaven. At the top of his chest sat a clock surrounded by the clouds of the heavens and beside the clock, cover the right side of his upper chest was some sort of script.
I dragged my eyes away from his body, meeting his eyes.
“Would you like breakfast?” he asked, a smile playing on his lips. He had undoubtedly noticed me checking him out.
“I would love some,” I smiled, throwing the covers back and hoping off the bed.
I followed him down the hall, the smell of bacon cooking, greeted us as we entered the kitchen. My stomach growled at the smell and I took a seat the bar waiting patiently for my plate.
“I took the liberty to cook, I hope you don’t mind,” he smiled, sitting a plate of bacon, eggs, and toast in front of me.
“Not at all,” I told him. “Thank you.”
Once we finished eating, he tried to do the dishes, but I insisted that I would get them. He cooked after all. He didn’t seem too pleased, but relented returning to his seat at the breakfast bar. I loaded the dishwasher, my mind replaying what had happened at Saw’s the night before. I tried not to think about what would have happened had we not been interrupted. We would have probably had a whole other type of sleepover.
When I looked up from the dishwasher, I found him staring at me. I smiled at him, leaning against the counter.
“Thank you for the amazing sleepover. I was without a doubt the best night I’ve ever had.” I told him.
His face split into a grin and I think my heart stopped.
“It was my pleasure, luv.”
Tucking a hair behind my ear, I looked away before I could die of heart failure.
“I, um, also wanted to thank you for breakfast,” I said, trying to gather my wits. “You shouldn’t have had to cook, though. You’re a guest and I should’ve been up to cook for you.”
“Don’t fret. I was up early and wanted to repay you for allowing me to stay in your spare room. I wasn’t too keen on sleeping on Saw’s floor.” That smile was back, and I had to do something before I embarrassed myself.
I headed for the living room, but falter when he spoke again.
“So, what’s on the agenda for today?”
I turned to find him staring at me, smile still in place.
“Oh, um,” I hadn’t realised that he would be sticking around. “I planned to catch up on some reading, but if you wanted to do something else, we can.”
“No, no reading sounds perfect.” He pushed off the barstool and disappeared down the hallway. I stood frozen, unsure of what to do.
A second later he reappeared with a book in his hand. He walked passed me, into the living room, taking a seat on the couch. He propped his feet on my coffee table, getting comfortable while I stood there and watched him. It was like everything about him was as sexy as that smile.
I was in so much trouble.
He glanced up, catching me staring and grinned. Shaking my head, I picked my book up off the table and sat down at the opposite end of the couch. He was doing weird things to my head, and I needed what little space I could get. When I peeked up at him, he winked and I couldn’t help but smile. I opened my book, giving it my full attention.
Eight
“Awe! You guys are so cute!”
My eyes snapped open, and I blinked up at Saw, who was beaming down at me. I sat up, stretching and looked to Jensen. He hadn't moved an inch since I had sat down and I had apparently fell asleep and was using his thigh as a pillow.
I gave him an awkward smile.
“Sorry about that. I hadn’t realized I was still tired.”
“Not to worry, luv. We had a late night, and you were all curled up looking uncomfortable. You hardly stirred when I moved you.”
What was he so adorable?!
“How long was I out?” I asked, standing.
“Round and hour,” he shrugged.
“You’ve been sitting like that for an hour?” I asked, my eyes widening. “That couldn’t have been very comfortable.”
“I assure you I’ve never been more comfortable.” His response caused my stomach to tighten, and the feeling confused me. I looked away, unable to meet his gaze.
“Wait! What do you mean you guys were up late?” Saw asked, a grin spreading across her face.
“Not like that,” I said, rolling my eyes. “We had a sleepover. Like a normal movie and popcorn kind of sleepover.
She looked disappointed as she glanced from me and Jensen.
“Fine,” she said, then grabbed my hands and hauled me to my feet. “Well now
that you’re awake, get your ass in gear. We have work in an hour.”
“I need to start locking my door,” I said, narrowing my eyes at Saw. “I have a rude neighbor who barges in when she pleases.”
She grinned at me as I stepped past her and swatted me on the behind.
I giggled, skipping down the hallway and into my room.
Showering in record time, I was out in ten minutes. I toweled dried quickly, tossing the towel into the hamper as I walked into my room, freezing mid step when the door swung open and Jensen walked in.
A gasp escaped me as I tried to cover myself, but it was too late. Jensen had gotten an eye full of my birthday suit. We stared at each other, neither of us moving. Jensen’s eyes roamed my naked body, taking in every inch of my glistening skin. When his eyes reached mine, they were pure, burning heat, causing my stomach to do that weird tightening again. Something deep inside me burned for him.
Coming to my senses, I backed towards the hamper, snatching my towel out. I had to cover up, so he would quit staring at me like that. I was close to doing something really stupid like screaming “damn the consequences” and jumping him.
Once I had covered up, I spoke.
“Jensen?”
He was still staring at me, but it was like he was lost in thought and was no longer seeing me anymore.
“Hm,” He said, shaking his head as if to clear it.
“Did you need something?”
I couldn’t see my face, but I imagined it was as red as a tomato. I had always been self-conscious, and I wasn’t sure if I looked good naked, but the way Jensen had looked at me, well it was enough to boost anyone’s self-esteem. That look would be burned inside my head forever.
“Saw wanted me to, ah, ask you to hurry along,” he told me.
“Okay,” I responded. “Tell her to give me ten minutes.”
He nodded, but didn’t move to leave. The way he was looking at me, made me feel like I was naked all over again. No one had ever looked at me this way, not even Josh. Jensen wanted me. It was written plainly on his face and I wanted nothing more than to walk over to him and drop my towel because I wanted him too.
I was playing with fire and I knew if I went to him there would be no turning back. No matter how much I tried to deny it, I was feeling something for him and I couldn’t afford to feel this way. He had the potential to be my complete undoing and I couldn’t let that happen. Not again. Not when I had just gotten here and was finding my place.
His name was a whisper on my lips and I swore it made his eyes darken.
“Yes, luv?” His voice was low and husky, making his accent thicker.
A shiver ran down my spine and my lips parted. He took a step towards me and his eyes seemed to lose focus.
“I need to get dressed,” I breathed.
He met my eyes, and it was like he seemed to realize where he was at. He glanced around, then spun on his heel and left without another word. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding and went to set on the bed. I didn’t know what had just happened, but it had me weak at the knees.
I threw on whatever clothes I could find and pulled my hair into a messy bun before calling it done and running out of my room and into the living room where Saw was waiting for me. She looked up when I entered.
“I’m ready,” I said, breathlessly.
She peered up at me, her brow furrowing. I couldn’t meet her eyes and I knew my face was reddening.
“What did you say to Jensen?” She asked, getting to her feet. “He ran out of here like hell was chasing him.”
“Oh,” I shrugged trying to be casual. “Nothing.”
She arched an eyebrow at me, unconvinced.
I rubbed the back of my neck, not meeting her eyes.
“He may or may not have walked in on me naked,” I confused.
Her laughed pierced the air as she doubled over, putting her hands on her knees for support. I narrowed my eyes at her, reaching out to shove her over. She landed in a heap on the couch.
“It’s not funny!” I insisted.
“Hey!” She giggled, wiping at her eyes. “God, I bet that was hella awkward.”
“You have no idea,” I grumbled. “Come on, we’re going to be late.”
I headed for the door not waiting for her. By the time I had my bag and keys, she was standing beside me. She kept looking at me and smirking. I rolled my eyes at her and walked out the door with her following behind me.
“You guys looked adorable all cuddled up on the couch together.” she noted when we were almost to the shop.
“Whatever,” I said, trying not to let that comment get to me.
“He was playing with your hair while you slept,” she continued. “It was the sweetest thing and I have to say I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look so content.”
That pulled me up short.
“What do mean?” I asked, as I pulled into the parking lot of Colorado Ink.
“Well,” she started as I turned to face her. “It’s just he looked... I don’t know.”
She shook her head as if she changed her mind.
“No, tell me,” I demanded.
She opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted when someone banged on my window. I spun to find Tyler’s face smashed up against the glass leaving a nasty smear.
“We’ll finish this later,” I warned her and opened the car door.
Tyler took a step back, allowing me to get out. I leveled him with a look and point to my window.
“You’re washing my window,” I informed him.
As I went to pass him he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and squeezed me to him.
“Anything you want, babe,” he purred in my ear.
I shoved him off me and rubbed at my ear.
“Gross!” I giggled, walking into the shop.
Nine
“God! I thought class would never end I can’t believe he’s making us stand up and present our essays in front of the entire class! I am complete shit at public speaking and will make a complete ass out of myself.”
June was in my public speaking class where we had become friends after we were grouped together for a project after we ended up being the last two people without partners. She ended up being a really cool chick.
“I’m surprised you were awake to hear him make that announcement,” I laughed.
“Well, that class is just so boring!” She cried, tossing her raven colored hair over her shoulder. It was long, almost reaching her waist. I had major hair envy over it. “I don’t know how you stay awake.”
“One of us has to pay attention or we’ll both fail,” I said, elbowing her playfully.
“True,” she shrugged. “We meeting Saw for lunch?”
I had introduced Saw and June a few weeks ago, and they were fast friends. They both share a deep love for tattooing and it turns out June had been looking into doing an apprenticeship at a tattoo shop over the summer. Saw offered to talk to Mack for her, to see if maybe she could do it at Colorado Ink. June loved the idea and couldn’t wait to see if he would accept and in the meantime her and Saw were working on a memorial that June wanted to have done.
“Yea. She said to meet her at the cafe,” I said.
June made a face in disgust.
We normally left campus for lunch, but there were a few days when one of us had class right after lunch, so we would meet up at the Campus Cafe. It was at the center of campus and usually only the people who lived on campus ate there. The food was disgusting and sometimes not editable.
Saw was waiting for us at our usual table when June and I arrived. We hurried through the line and made our way to the table. Saw was texting at top speed, not bothering to look up and greet us.
I chuckled as I watched her fingers fly across the screen.
“What?” June asked as she sat down.
I gestured towards Saw.
“She is without a doubt the fastest texter on the planet.”
Saw looked up, smil
ing.
“It’s a gift,” she said, winking.
“I’d say so,” I chuckled, picking up the slice of pizza I chose for lunch.
When I took a bite, I almost gagged, but forced the bite down. I pushed the plate away, frowning.
“Is it me or is the food getting worse here? I mean, how do you mess up pizza?” I looked up to find Saw and June staring at me.
They had no problems eating the nasty pizza. I assumed it was because they’ve been living off it longer.
“We go over this every time we eat here,” June said, shaking her head. “It’s just you. The food isn’t that bad.” She lifted her slice in salute, then took a big bite.
I looked to Saw, who’s pizza was almost gone. She didn’t have a problem with it either.
“Looks like I will wait to eat until I get home tonight,” I sulked, pulling my phone out to check the time. “Crap, I have to go. I have to be at work soon.”
I had fallen into a routine since class had started back up. After class I would stop by my apartment and change, then head to work. My usual jeans and t-shirt seemed a little too casual for work, though I knew Mack wouldn’t mind.
“More like you need to go home and make yourself look hot for Jensen,” Saw teased.
June’s head whipped around to look at me. I hadn’t told her about Jensen yet.
“Jensen? Who’s that?” She demanded.
“Just a guy Saw and I work with,” I told her, shrugging.
“More like he’s the guy that Freya is crushing on. The guy that stayed the night with Freya, then I caught them snuggling together on the couch the next day. Oh, and he’s also the guy that walked in on Freya while she was naked!” Saw said, grinning ear to ear.
“Saw!” I exclaimed. June’s eyes went wide with shock and I rolled my eyes. “It’s not like that. We weren’t cuddling. I fell asleep and he let me use his thigh as a pillow. It’s not as big of a deal as Saw is making it.”
“Oh it’s a big deal,” Saw said, smirking. She turned to June and grinned. “When I walked in, he was stroking her hair and had been sitting in the same position for like an hour. It was adorable.”