500 Days

by Jessica Miller

  “I shouldn’t have asked you to do that.”

  “It’s okay.” She sighed, looking back up at me. There was a heaviness in the air and I felt there was more she wanted to say but couldn’t. “I’m sorry what I said to you. I shouldn’t have said that and I didn’t mean it.”

  “No, you shouldn’t have.”

  “I was drunk and angry.”

  “I know, but that’s not an excuse.”

  “I know.” I scrubbed a hand down my face. “But I promise I’ll try to do better. You make me crazy Alex, and sometimes I can’t always control myself when I’m around you, but if me trying to be a better person means getting to spend more time with you, then I will do everything in my power to make that happen.” I looked down into her eyes, but they were closed. “Alex?” Her chest rose and fell steadily. She was asleep. I laughed quietly to myself. I finally confess my feelings and she’s not even awake to hear it. I kissed her lightly on the forehead. Then I slid down on the bed and wrapped my arms around her. I looked down at her sleeping peacefully. She fit so perfectly in my arms and part of me never wanted to let go. I rested my head back on the pillow.

  Alex and I were complete opposites, but yet when we were together like this, something just clicked. It worked. We fit.

  I woke up to Alex threatening to remove appendages. Her back was pressed against my chest and I had her comfortably encased in a cocoon of arms and legs, but that wasn’t the problem. It was the fact that I was a man and on occasion my dick stood tall, bright and early in the morning. And was currently protruding against Alex’s rear. Anal, not her thing, check. I pulled away, releasing her. “Sorry,” I mumbled.

  She got up and slipped on the sweatpants I offered her last night. “If you could just drop me off at home, that would be great.”

  “Yeah, not a problem.” Alex stood there, with her arms crossed. “If you could just give me a minute.” She rolled her eyes and took off to the living room.

  Dressed, I drove Alex back to her place. A part of me didn’t want to let her go. “Alex?” She turned around to look at me. “Are we…good?”

  She sighed. “Yeah, we’re good.” She stepped out of the car and bent down before she closed the door. “And thanks Casper, for last night.”

  Chapter 14

  Alexis

  Between school and work I barely had time to breathe. Jacob and Jaxson had decided to join Casper and Colton’s fraternity. I was not happy about it, but Casper promised they would be in good hands. After the last party I wasn’t so sure, but I had to trust that the boys were smart enough to make good choices.

  After a few insane weeks, I set aside some time to have a girls’ night out with Declan. I hadn’t seen Casper since the day we reconciled. If I was being honest, I kind of missed him. Their band hadn’t played at the club since the night I was attacked and I hadn’t seen him on campus either. I took out my phone to text him.

  Hey

  Whatzup?

  You have any plans tom?

  I had a night off from work and wanted to do something that didn’t require pummeling douche bags or staying up all night to study.

  What did u have in mind?

  Movie night?

  Sounds gr8 pick u up @7

  Casper was practically gleaming when he came to pick me up. We went to the movies and then hung out at a pool hall where I embarrassingly kicked his butt. I forgot how much fun I had when I was around him. “What are you doing this weekend?” Casper asked.

  “Girls’ night with Declan.” He looked a little disappointed. “Sorry things have just been crazy with school and work.”

  “No, I get it. Maybe another time then.”

  Casper dropped me off at my place. “I missed you Cas,” I confessed.

  “I missed you too,” he smiled.

  “I’ll call you, okay?” He nodded and I gave him a kiss on the cheek goodnight.

  On Saturday while I got ready for girls’ night out, Declan raided my closet claiming she had nothing to wear, which I found hard to believe because she owned more clothes than I did. “How was last night?” she asked as she shoved clothes aside in my closet.

  “Great, I like hanging out with Casper.” She looked over her shoulder at me, brow raised. “Not like that. Casper and I are friends. I enjoy spending time with him.”

  She pulled out the only pink shirt I owned. “I think you should wear this.”

  “I thought you were looking for something for you?”

  She pouted and turned back to the closet. After flipping through everything five times she gave up and went back to her room. “I still think you should go with the pink.”

  I did not wear the pink shirt. Instead I went with a black halter and tan suede skirt with black knee high boots. Declan and I took a cab to one of the clubs downtown. We sat at the bar, ordered our drinks, and did a celebratory shot for girls’ night out. After the long week I’d had I was ready to let loose.

  By the time we had finished our third drink we made our way to the dance floor. We shook our behinds to the latest mixes the DJ was playing. Several different guys came up to dance with us. Declan got a text from Colton and excused herself to go respond. I reminded her it was girls’ night and texts from boyfriends weren’t allowed. She rolled her eyes and told me she would be right back. Since my drink was empty, I headed to the bar to get another. While I was waiting for my drink, I felt someone slide into the spot next to me. They were pressed so close I could feel the heat from their body. When the bartender returned with my drink, the guy next to me told him it was on him. I turned to thank him. “Thanks for the drink.” He was cute and oddly familiar. “I’m Alex.”

  “I know,” he said, giving me a slight smile. “We’ve already met.”

  I pulled back to get better look at him and then it hit me. “Creepy lurker guy.” It was the guy who found me crying outside the club on my birthday.

  “I actually just go by Reece now.”

  “Reece, right, sorry.” I bit my lip.

  “You come here often?”

  “Really, that’s the best you can do?”

  “Not really good at this. I wanted to tell you that you looked beautiful, but then I thought that would sound lame too.”

  I blushed. “That would have been the better choice.”

  “I’ll have to keep that in mind for the future.” He smiled sweetly, revealing a look of innocence.

  “Would you like to dance?”

  “Um…I’m not really a good dancer,” he said nervously.

  “I’m sure you can’t be that bad.” He raised a brow. “Come on, let’s give it a try.”

  “Okay, but you were warned.”

  Reece followed me onto the dance floor. At first he just kind of stood there awkwardly. I stood behind him and put my hands on his hips, trying to guide him to the music. I could tell he felt a little uncomfortable, but he was at least trying. I walked around in front of him, placing my hands on his shoulders. “Just follow me.” He smiled bashfully, but gave it a solid effort. He was right, he was a horrible dancer, but I gave him credit for trying. We danced for a few songs before we headed back to the bar to refill our drinks. Declan was there waiting for me.

  “Hi,” she said, checking out Reece.

  “Reece, this is my good friend, Declan.”

  “Nice to meet you,” he said, shaking her hand. She smiled and gave me a look saying he was cute.

  “Do you go to CU?” Declan asked, starting her inquisition.

  “Yeah, I just transferred in from EU.”

  “I thought you looked familiar. I think you’re in my political science class.”

  “Right, with Mrs. Peatree.” He made a face.

  “Isn’t she just god awful?”

  “I think the only thing I learned so far is how to successfully nap through a lecture.” Declan and Reece started to crack up, sharing some secret I wasn’t privy too. They continued to talk about the class they shared, boring me to death. I was happy to introduce these two
so they could hit it off – not. I turned to order a drink and shot. I lost interest in their conversation about political – whatever – and snuck out to steal a smoke.

  When I returned we were no longer alone. Colton was there with Casper. Surprised, I asked, “What are you guys doing here?”

  “You’re not happy to see me?” Casper said, throwing me his cocky smile.

  I narrowed my eyes at him. “I’m supposed to be having girls’ night with Declan,” I said, hands on hips.

  “Hey, it was just a coincidence, honestly. But now that we’re all here we can finely have some fun. Come on, let’s dance.”

  I pulled away. “Casper I can’t.” He looked at me funny. “I was… kind of talking to someone.” He looked over my shoulder at Reece who was currently talking to Colton.

  “That guy?”

  “Yes.” He frowned. “Do you know him?”

  “He’s one of my fraternity brothers.”

  “Is there something wrong with him?”

  “No,” Casper groaned. I found it hard that he and Casper were friends. They were the complete opposite. Wanting to know more about him, I weaseled my way in between Reece and Colton and struck up a conversation. Only after a few minutes of talking to him I could totally see myself with this guy. He told me he played football and was here on a scholarship.

  He was sweet and the total opposite of the type of guy I usually go for, which is why I thought he would be the perfect one to get to know. As much as I enjoyed the occasional one night stand, I was tired of being single. The Boys and Declan had found a table in the back and I asked Reece to join us. Colton vouched for him so I knew I didn’t have to worry about him just trying to get in my pants. I flirted with Reece and he flirted right back, giving me butterflies in my stomach. I felt eyes on me and I shifted slightly to see Casper watching us. He didn’t look happy, which only prompted me to flirt more. I moved in closer to Reece. When he said something funny I would playfully hit his leg. I did everything I could to find an excuse to touch him.

  “I’d really like to take you out sometime. Some place not so noisy,” he smiled charmingly.

  “I’d really like that.” I took his phone and punched in my number. Reece and I really seemed to be hitting it off and I knew he had potential. His hand brushed my knee and he pulled it back apologetically. I placed my hand over his. “It’s okay, no need to apologize.”

  “Sorry, just didn’t want you to think I was like these other guys.”

  “I can tell you’re different from them.”

  He brushed a piece of hair off my face and tucked it behind my ear, his fingers lightly caressing my cheek. I so badly wanted to kiss him right now. I leaned in a little closer. “Alex, wanna play a round?” Casper interrupted, gesturing to the pool table. I glared at him for the interruption.

  “Not right now, maybe later,” I said, returning my attention back to Reece. After another round of drinks I found Casper was no longer flying solo. He was currently occupied with not one but three women by his side. I knew this shouldn’t bother me, but it did, to the point where I could no longer focus on my current company. “I’m gonna head out,” Reece said.

  “What, no. I’m sorry…I just…” I felt horrible. Reece was probably the sweetest guy I had ever met and I couldn’t stop staring at Casper and his whores long enough to give him the attention he deserved.

  “It’s okay. I have training and have to get up early tomorrow. I didn’t plan on staying out this late anyway.”

  “Then why did you?”

  “Because this really beautiful girl captured my attention and I couldn’t seem to tear myself away.”

  “Oh,” I blushed.

  “It was a pleasure meeting you Alex.” He pressed a soft kiss to my cheek, making me melt. “I’ll give you a call soon.”

  “Thank you,” I smiled.

  After Reece left I had no one to distract me from Casper’s guests, not that Reece really distracted me, but at least it was something. I shimmied my way to the pool tables, hoping to find a way to get rid of the prostitutes currently encircling the table. “Ready to get your ass kicked?”

  Casper stood up and smiled. “It’s been a while since I’ve been spanked properly. Are you offering?”

  I leaned in closer, resting my arms behind me on the table. “Save the pillow talk for the VD sisters over there.”

  “Testy, do I sense a bit of jealousy?”

  “No, just a fear of catching something if I get too close.”

  “What happened to your boy-toy?”

  “He has training in the morning so he had to go.”

  “Training, right,” he said skeptically.

  I rolled my eyes and picked up the cue ball. “Care to make a wager?” I tossed the ball in the air.

  “You sure about that? Last time it didn’t work out so well for you.”

  I threw him a sly smile and racked.

  Thankfully the girls had gotten bored and moved on after Casper spent more of his concentration on the game then he did them. Declan and Colton had bailed on us earlier in the evening, leaving me to fend for myself.

  After our third game I had Casper take me home. I looked around the parking lot for his car but couldn’t find it. “Um, where’s your car?”

  He tilted his head to me and raised a brow. “Since someone decided to add some new detail to my car.” I bit my lip, remembering taking Jaxson’s bat in a fit of rage. “It’s currently at the garage getting fixed.”

  I blushed, embarrassed about my outburst. “Did you walk here?” I asked confused. He placed his hand on the small of my back and pushed in the direction of his temporary vehicle. “A motorcycle? You’re kidding, right?”

  “Nope,” he smiled, enjoying my discomfort. “Have you ever been on a bike before?” I shook my head no. “You’re gonna love it.” I looked down at the short skirt I was wearing. He took off his jacket and handed it to me then grabbed a spare helmet and gently placed it on my head adjusting the strap for me.

  Hopping on the bike first, he lifted it up and popped up the kickstand. I carefully swung my leg over the back of the bike and slid into the seat. Not sure where to put my hands, he reached around and grabbed my wrist one at a time, placing my hands on his waist. I squeezed tightly, a little nervous of falling off. The engine roared to life and then we were off. I clenched his waist tighter as we hit the highway. The cold wind against my thighs felt great and the ride alone was liberating. Casper took the long way home, but I didn’t mind.

  I didn’t want the ride to end, but I was home before I knew it. I hopped off and handed Casper back his helmet and jacket. “Thanks for the ride. I’ll see ya?”

  “Lunch, Monday?”

  “Yeah, I’d like that.” I gave him a kiss on the cheek and wished him a goodnight.

  “I take it, it went well?” Declan said, scaring me as I walked into the apartment.

  “Yes, thanks for leaving me stranded.” I fell down on the couch to take off my shoes.

  “Details please.”

  “He asked me out.”

  “And…”

  “And I said yes.”

  She squealed excitedly. “Tell me more.”

  “There’s not much to tell yet. I just met him.”

  “Wait, who are you talking about?”

  “Reece, who else would I be talking about?”

  “Oh,” she said, looking slightly disappointed. “Good, I’m glad to see you moving on from the Colby debacle.” Declan quickly shifted into a different topic. She tended to do this when she was hiding something.

  I stifled an eye roll. “That was months ago and last I heard he was back in L.A.”

  “And he can stay there.”

  “I’m beat. I’m going to head to bed.”

  “Goodnight.”

  I received a text from Reece in the morning, making me smile.

  Couldn’t wait till the wknd how about dinner tonight?

  I text back.

  Sounds perfect.
/>   Gr8 pick u up @6

  I had another text from Casper.

  Dinner & movie?

  Crap.

  I can’t 2nite have a date

  There was a long pause before he responded.

  ????

  How the hell do I answer that?

  Sorry, rain check?

  Another long pause.

  OK

  I put down my phone feeling a little guilty for having to reschedule with Casper, but I really was looking forward to a date with Reece. I got in the shower and got ready to meet my brothers. Jacob was finally getting the tattoo Jasper had promised him and Jack was calling today.

  I arrived at the shop just in time. Jasper had already had the Skype set up and was just waiting for Jack. When his bright, green eyes appeared on the screen, I sunk down into the only remaining chair. The boys talked first. Jacob told him all about school and about him and Jaxson joining the same fraternity. I wanted to voice how I felt about that, but I knew I wouldn’t win an argument against all four of them.

  Jack’s time was running out so we had to hurry up the conversation. He wanted to talk to me alone and asked the boys to leave the room. I was a little nervous as to why he wanted to talk to just me. All three of them went into the back to start Jacob’s tattoo, leaving me alone in the front, with Jack’s face staring back at me through the computer. “Are they gone?” he asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “I wanted to talk to you alone because I wanted to know what’s going on with you.”

  “I already told you Jack. Everything’s fine.”

  “Alex, you can’t bullshit me.”

  “Honestly Jack, for once, everything is pretty good.” I looked over my shoulder to make sure none of them were lurking around the corner and spying. “I have a date tonight.”

  “Oh yeah?” Jack instantly turned into older brother mode. “What’s his name? What does he do? Where did you meet him?” Jack went on and on.

  “Whoa Jack, take a breath. I don’t know much about him. We just met last night, but he goes to school with me. Just transferred and he’s a really nice guy.”

  “Name,” he said stern.