Chasing Each Other

by J. D. Rivera

  She giggled. “I guess since I’ve never had someone offer before, I don’t even think about it.”

  “Well, now you do.” I circled my arms around her waist, picking her up, before throwing her over my shoulder. I slammed the truck door closed then swatted her butt, causing her to giggle again. I love that sound.

  “Put me down!” she tried to holler in between her giggles.

  “Nope. Give me your key so I can open this damn door.”

  “Put me down!”

  I swatted her butt again. “In a minute. Now, give me the key.”

  “Fine. It’s in my purse.”

  I reached into her purse and grabbed a key ring. She only had a few so I picked the one that looked like it belonged to a front door. The latch clicked and I nudged the door open. Once inside, I locked the door and darted toward her bedroom, causing her to belt out a full laugh.

  Entering the room, I tossed her on the bed before crawling over her. Her eyes immediately darkened and I knew I affected her as much as she affected me. I lowered my head, pausing to run my finger over her bottom lip. “Your lips are perfect. Complete perfection.” She smiled as I lowered my lips to hers. I kissed her, running my tongue along the lip my finger had just touched. She opened for me, as I knew she would, but I was in a playful mood. I gently nipped at her plump bottom lip, surprising her and she smacked my arm. I laughed then kissed her again, this time I wasn’t playful.

  She reciprocated the kiss as she placed her hands on my chest, pushing me back. The look on her face told me exactly what she wanted. I grabbed her hips and rolled onto my back. Her mouth covered mine within seconds as my phone buzzed in my pocket.

  “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” I groaned. Miranda rolled onto her back, panting hard. “I’m sorry. It’s…” I glanced at the screen, “work.”

  “Nicholson,” I answered.

  “Uh, am I interrupting something?” David asked. If I weren’t pissed that he had just interrupted Miranda and me, I would’ve laughed. He almost sounded embarrassed.

  “What do you need?”

  “I was…hoping…you could…help me with something.”

  I watched Miranda get off the bed and walk to her desk, my eyes glued to her butt the entire time. “This better be important.”

  “It is,” he assured me as I watched her walk into the bathroom and disappear into her closet.

  “What is it?”

  “I need to respond to this girl on this dating site…”

  “David. What the fuck do you need?” I barked.

  “What would…” he started, but my mind completely focused on the perfect girl walking toward the bed. She wasn’t wearing anything special, just a skimpy camisole and the shortest shorts I had ever seen, but…damn. “…so, what do you think?” I heard David ask.

  I shook my head and turned to stare at the wall. “Can you repeat that?”

  He sighed. “How should I respond to her? Would what I said sound…sexy?”

  I wanted to be pissed but I couldn’t after I realized why he needed my advice. The poor guy had no clue. “Did you just call me to ask for help with sexting?” I heard a giggle behind me and I turned to see Miranda’s head thrown back in almost silent laughter as she sat on the bed. She bent her legs and wrapped her hands around them before burying her face there.

  “Yes,” David answered.

  “I…really? Man…” I trailed off as Miranda’s laughter grew. The sight of her laughing that hard caused my heart to pause before it began beating frantically. I don’t think I’d ever seen anything as gorgeous. Her face was bright red and tears were filling her eyes. At that moment, I was grateful for David’s stupidity.

  “I’d just start with saying something about kissing your way down her body. It should just flow from there.” I watched Miranda finally stop laughing and try to catch her breath. “Good luck, man. I gotta go.” I hit end and tossed my phone onto the nightstand. “You think that was funny?”

  She began laughing again. “Yes.” She took a deep breath, slowly exhaling. “Oh my gosh. Do you give sexting advice a lot? Are you some sort of sexting pro?”

  I flopped onto the bed next to her and pulled her to my side. “No, I don’t usually give sexting advice at all. But come on, you know I’d be good at it.”

  She started pulling my chest hair. “Umhm.”

  I knew she was just being ornery. “Umhm?” I asked, faking offense. “I’ll show you umhm.”

  She playfully arched a brow. “Oh, really?”

  “Yes,” I replied, “and you do know when you pull my chest hair it hurts, don’t you? Or are you just being completely mean to me?”

  “I’m sorry.” She snickered. “How can I make you feel better?”

  “I know one way.”

  “Me, too,” she said as she yawned. “But I’m really tired.”

  “Fine,” I grumbled, even though I agreed with her. I was exhausted.

  ***

  The alarm on my phone blared from the nightstand the next morning, waking me from a peaceful sleep. I pressed snooze and burrowed closer to the beautiful girl sleeping beside me. Letting my hand travel down the side of her body from her chest to thigh, I relaxed. I inhaled the scent of her hair and knew there was absolutely no other person I’d rather be with. No other place I’d rather be.

  She stirred beside me, pressing her butt into me as she stretched. “Morning,” I murmured into her ear.

  “Morning. Did I hear your alarm going off? It’s Sunday. You’re supposed to sleep in.”

  I kissed across her shoulder. “I wish I could, but some of us have to work.”

  “Uh.” She rolled over to face me. She pouted, but I knew it was fake. “I was really hoping we could just lay in bed all day.”

  I wished that, too. “I’m sorry. Maybe next weekend?”

  “Sounds perfect.” She peered into my eyes, almost pondering something.

  “What?”

  “Do you think we could go back to your grandparents’ house and have another shooting lesson?”

  I had no idea what she was going to ask, but that was definitely not what I expected. “Are you sure?” I cupped her face, letting my thumb trail over her cheek. “After what happened there?” After I slept with you then discarded you without a word?

  “Yeah, I mean…I know that place is important to you. We could uh…make better memories. Erase the bad ones.”

  I stared into her eyes, not knowing whether going back out there so soon was the best idea. But she was asking and I wanted to erase those bad memories as well. Plus, spending an entire weekend with her alone sounded pretty damn good. “Okay. We can do that. Maybe we can go fishing, too.”

  “Perfect,” she replied. “It’s a date.”

  I kissed her and then got out of bed to get dressed. The following weekend couldn’t get here fast enough.

  Chapter 25

  Miranda

  I spent the rest of Sunday doing laundry and studying. I received a call from Preston, which I ignored, but no texts. I was still scared, but his text the other day had clued me in on one little thing: he still didn’t know where I lived, otherwise he wouldn’t have to find me.

  That didn’t stop me from wanting a gun on my nightstand though. Originally, I had wanted to learn how to shoot a gun for the fun of it and to spend time with Brad. Now, I was beginning to wonder if I might actually need to know how to defend myself with one. Preston wasn’t normally a scary guy, but Preston angry while high was another story.

  Monday rolled around and I felt great when I woke up for my first class. My good mood might have had something to do with a text I got right before falling asleep the night before.

  Brad: Have a great night, beautiful. I’ll be thinking about you.

  It wasn’t much, but it said a lot. I had instantly texted back.

  Me: You have a great night, too. And I always think about you.

  He hadn’t responded but I didn’t really expect him to. In truth, I kind of hated hi
s job. I hated his crazy schedule. I knew he brought a lot of it on himself, but I still hated it. He had been shot just a few months ago for crying out loud, which also worried me.

  I sat down in my chair and sighed. I wouldn’t be able to voice those opinions though. He loved his job. He loved tracking down killers and putting them behind bars. I think it made him feel like he was making up for his neighbors death somehow.

  Lost in thought while throwing my textbook into my bag, I didn’t even hear Kristin open the door. “Hey,” I offered, glancing in her direction.

  “Hey.” She sat down on my bed, looking around as if she had never been in my room before.

  “Need something?” I asked, not trying to sound rude, but I didn’t want to be late for class.

  “Yeah…uh…wanna hang out tonight? Maybe watch a movie?”

  “Sure, after I get off work. It’ll be kinda late, though.”

  She sniffed. “That’s fine.” Her eyes looked glassy, as if she were holding back tears.

  That’s when it clicked. “Are you and Adam…” I trailed off, not knowing exactly what to say.

  “Over? Yeah.” Tears began to fall down her cheeks. She tried desperately to wipe the tears away, but more kept falling.

  “I’m so sorry,” I said, rushing to her side and wrapping my arms around her. “So sorry.”

  “I’m just tired,” she sobbed, “of being his doormat. I’m a person with feelings, you know?”

  “I do know. And you are so much better than him.”

  “Thanks,” she whispered before clearing her throat. “I better let you get to class. I think I’m just going to stay home today.”

  “Okay. Text me if you need anything.” I hated seeing her like this, knowing exactly how she felt.

  “I will. Thanks.” She left the room and I remained on my bed. Does everyone have to date a complete ass before they find someone kind? I dated Preston, Carson dated Sam, Mackenzie dated Jace, and, well, Hayes was the ass so he doesn’t really count. I slightly wondered if Brad had ever dated someone who had broken his heart.

  Sighing, I stood up and grabbed my bag before dashing out of the apartment.

  I strode into class and sat down without noticing my surroundings, my mind focused on how I could make Kristin feel better. I robotically placed everything I would need for the class on the desk, not paying attention. A few minutes later, Carson’s voice broke into my thoughts. “Did you not eat breakfast? I can run to the coffee shop and get you something more satisfying than a pencil.”

  “Huh?” I asked, glancing at him.

  He pointed toward my mouth. “You’re gnawing on that pencil pretty hard.”

  I stopped and checked the pencil. Damn. I guess some nervous habits never go away. “No. I mean, I didn’t eat breakfast, but that’s not why I was biting my pencil.”

  “You seem upset. Do I need to call your boyfriend and fill him in on things?” My mouth popped open to respond, but he held up his finger to shush me. “And before you say anything, I do care about you. A lot. That’s why I would make the call. If you’d hate me for it,” he shrugged, “so be it.”

  I snapped my mouth closed. I didn’t know how to respond or even feel after his declaration. On one hand, it pissed me off that he would go behind my back and call my boyfriend, but on the other, it warmed my heart that he cared about me that much.

  “Preston’s not…” I cleared my throat, acid clawing its way up with the mention of his name. “I’m not upset because of him. I’m upset because my roommate is hurting because of a guy she was dating.”

  “Oh. Well, I still stand by what I said. I will completely ruin our friendship if it means Preston will leave you alone.”

  “Thank you?”

  He nodded as the Professor flew into the room to start his lecture. I tried to listen to every single word he said and forget all about asshole guys. Besides, I had Brad now and he was sweet, caring…amazing. Until he finds out I’m a junkie. I hated the thought, but it was the truth.

  My thoughts began to wander from there. Would he just dump me and forget about me? Would he take my friendship with Mackenzie with him? Has Hayes filled Mackenzie in on my drug use?

  “Hey!”

  I glanced around to see the professor was gone and Carson was standing in front of me. “Huh? What?”

  “Class is over and you’re sitting there with a glazed look.” He squatted down to eye level. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m fine. I promise. I just have a wandering mind.” I started placing my notebook and textbook into my bag.

  “Let’s do something fun tonight after you get off work. I mean, if you’re not busy with Mr. Detective.”

  “He’s working.”

  “So, it’s a date. I’ll pick you up at your place.” I nodded and he continued. “Maybe we can catch a midnight showing or something.”

  The mention of a movie made me remember my plans with Kristin. “I can’t. I promised Kristin I’d hang out at home with her.”

  He nodded. “That’s cool.”

  “Hey, why don’t you come watch it with us? We probably won’t watch a girlie movie anyway. I doubt she wants to see people falling in love.”

  He nodded again as he rubbed his jaw, pretending to be in thought. “Sounds cool. I’ll see ya tonight.” He took a few steps before turning back to me. “I like a lot of butter on my popcorn.”

  I shook my head and laughed as I watched him walk out of the classroom. I absolutely loved that guy.

  Picking up my bag, I left the empty classroom and made my way to the union. I was in desperate need of coffee and a blueberry muffin. Standing in line, my phone vibrated in my bag. A cold sweat broke out on the back of my neck and forehead. I wasn’t in the mood to see another Preston text, but relief washed over me at the sight of Brad’s name.

  Brad: I just got home and I’m crashing. Just wanted to tell you to have a great day before I passed out.

  I smiled to myself as I read the text. How in the hell had I gotten such a great boyfriend?

  “Hey,” I heard behind me.

  I turned to see Hayes Morgan’s smiling face. “Hey,” I replied, another round of relief washing over me. Why am I so jumpy today?

  “I need like a gallon of coffee today.” He yawned.

  “Why?”

  “Because being a dad is fucking hard. I think I fell asleep at four in the morning. FOUR AM!”

  I bit my lip to keep from laughing. “I don’t see the problem. You were the party king back in the day. Stay up all night, sleep for an hour, and then go to school.”

  “Things change. And for the better.” He smiled. “Speaking of…can we sit so I can talk to you for a sec?”

  “Sure,” I replied before placing my coffee order, a shiver of unease sliding down my spine. After the barista handed me my drink, I found a booth and sat down.

  A couple of minutes later, Hayes slid in front of me, placing his cup on the table. I took a drink, waiting for him to say something. Was he going to bring up my past?

  He rotated his cup around a few times before he looked at me. “I want to ask Mac to marry me,” he finally blurted.

  My eyes rounded, but I don’t know why. It wasn’t a shocking statement. “Ooo-kay,” I said slowly.

  “I just don’t know if she’ll say yes.”

  That seemed ridiculous to me. “Why would you think that? You guys are meant for each other. If y’all don’t work out, the rest of us have no hope.”

  He cocked his head to the side. “Do you not remember the year I spent in a deep depression?”

  “Because y’all weren’t together. Tell me why you think she might say no.”

  He sighed as he rotated his cup around again. “Because…it just seems like she doesn’t want to think about the future. For instance, I wanted to buy us a house with my trust fund, but she wouldn’t have that at all. She kept yelling about how that was my money and we shouldn’t make any rash decisions and just rent. She had a lot of excuses, but
her main reason was renting a home was a lot easier to leave than a home where you are strapped to a mortgage.”

  “Hayes,” I said, “she has a point, but I don’t think that’s because she doesn’t see a future with you. I think it’s more with her dad always moving them around. She’s never really been…stable. Besides, you don’t really know where you’ll end up until after you graduate and accept a job offer. Why not rent?”

  He nodded, but still seemed sad. This conversation almost felt surreal. I was sitting with the biggest asshole in my high school having a conversation about his relationship. Sure, his girlfriend was my best friend, but Hayes and I had never been “friends”. We had never not gotten along either, even when I used to call him out on his asshole ways. He’d just laugh whereas other girls would piss him off. “I brought it up at Harley’s party.”

  “What did she say?”

  He closed his eyes, rubbing his fingers over them. “She didn’t say anything. And she hasn’t said anything since.”

  “Have you?” I questioned.

  “Well, no…”

  “There you go. No girl, especially Mackenzie, is going to bring it up. She’s probably just patiently waiting on the proposal.”

  “You think?” he asked, looking hopeful.

  “I do.”

  “Look, the reason I asked you…could you feel her out for me? Chicks talk about this stuff, right?”

  “Sure, no problem”

  He tipped his cup back and took a drink. “I knew I always liked you for some reason.”

  “Thanks?”

  ***

  I unlocked the door to my apartment after work to find Kristin and Carson in the kitchen talking. I quietly stepped on the other side of the counter, resting my elbows on the top. They seemed to be getting along great, making each other laugh. I had questioned my invitation to Carson, not knowing if a guy being present would make Kristin feel worse, but looking at her face, I guess inviting him had been wise.