The One Left Behind (The One Series)

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The One Left Behind (The One Series) Page 25

by Lena Nicole


  “Hey, mind if I steal a dance with Addison?” he asks Pierce.

  “Not at all, man. I’m going to order some drinks. Want one?”

  “Yeah, if you don’t mind I’ll take whatever you’re having,” Colin replies.

  “A bay breeze and two whiskeys coming right up.” Pierce kisses me before he leaves to grab us some drinks. I look back at Colin and see his jaw ticking.

  As the new song starts. Colin and I start dancing. We dance so easily together and for the first time I feel comfortable around him. I don’t know if it’s the alcohol or the fact that Pierce is here with me, but I can definitely tell we’re on our way to becoming friends. I see the shift in our friendship and that we’re finally moving past the awkward stage we have been stuck in. I notice something catch Colin’s eye when he begins to laugh. “Wow, you guys must have started drinking early if that’s happening,” he says as he nods toward the corner behind me. I turn my head to see what Colin is talking about and can’t believe my eyes. Jeremy and Morgan are actually being civilized. Actually, they’re being more than civilized as they grind all up on each other.

  “I’m going to have to make a mental note to take a photo and show it to her tomorrow. She will never believe me if I tell her she was dancing on him like that.”

  We both laugh and continue to dance.

  AS WE’RE DANCING, there’s a certain peace that settles over us. She’s less tense and I can feel that she’s more comfortable around me. That’s a nice feeling since I’m a little less on edge with her as well.

  “Are you having fun?” I ask her.

  “Yeah,” she giggles. I can tell she’s obviously had a good head start on the drinking thing. Good thing they got the limo. She wouldn’t be able to drive home. “How about you?”

  I think about my answer for a second. Am I having fun? For the first time I can say, “Yes. I just got here, but so far it’s been cool.” She smiles at me so I grin back.

  “I’m glad you came tonight. It’s nice to have everyone here together celebrating. Don’t you agree?”

  “Yeah, kind of feels like old times.” I’m a little saddened by my statement, but it’s almost a bitter sweet thing. Of course I’m sad that she’s here with another guy who she is obviously crazy about, but I’m glad that she’s still in my life and we can all hang out like we used to. She gets quiet on me and I’m afraid I’ve upset her with my comment. “Hey, I didn’t say that to bring all the other crap up. I just meant that it’s nice that we can all hang out and have fun. We haven’t done this in a long time.” She relaxes again and I’m glad I put her at ease. The song ends and I pull away. Pierce is waiting behind me to step back in.

  “Thanks for the dance. I’ll hand you back over to Pierce now.”

  “Thanks, Colin.” She smiles at me again and it helps heal my heart just a little more.

  I walk by Pierce and pat him on the back. “Your whiskey is over there on the table,” he says to me.

  “Thanks, man.”

  I walk over to the table and grab my drink. I look over at Jeremy and Morgan and have to laugh because they’re arguing…again. I swear they should be on a soap opera show or something. I can sense that something is up between them and I’m going to pester Jeremy until he spills.

  There’s not really a whole lot going on for me up in the VIP lounge. Everyone is clearly coupled up and I’m kind of the odd man out. So I make my way down to the lower level to mingle a little. I see a few girls that catch my eye dancing alone. I’m not looking to get laid or anything, I just want to be social, something I haven’t been for a while. Charlotte is the first person I’ve really talked to outside my circle of friends, and it’s been very nice. On nights we’re both working late we take turns bringing each other take out. Once we’re done eating we work in a comfortable silence.

  I scan the dance floor and see a redhead locking eyes with me. I go over and ask if she wants to dance. We don’t do much talking since the music is insanely loud, but I did catch that her name was Cindy. She had a nice smile but had this ‘I’m so dumb I must be cute’ thing going on. Very unattractive. After the song is over I excuse myself for fear of losing brain cells.

  I walk around and dance with a few other girls. They’re nice and friendly and help me loosen up a little more. It’s been a while since I’ve been a single guy, so I almost don’t know how to act in these situations. I’m definitely not looking for any type of relationship— physical or otherwise. I’m just not ready yet, but this is a nice start and makes me feel like I can breathe. The suffocating depression is slowly slipping away and I’m finally able to enjoy myself.

  I go to the bar to order another round of drinks for everyone. I’m sure they’re getting empty by now. As I’m waiting, a beautiful blonde comes up next to me. “Hey, I saw you dancing out there. You’ve got some moves,” she says with a flirty smile. I swear to you I almost blush.

  “You mean you saw me awkwardly move around a girl?” She starts to laugh so I grin at her looking down at the bar.

  “No, I’m serious. You’re a good dancer. It’s hard to find a guy who can carry himself on the dance floor. I was impressed.” She holds out her hand, “I’m Rebecca by the way.”

  I shake her hand. “I’m Colin, nice to meet you.”

  We start talking about nothing of real importance. We’re just two random people striking up really random conversation. I find myself taking pleasure in her company so when my drinks are set in front of me, I ask a waitress to bring them up to my friends. I’m not taking things any farther than this bar with Rebecca, but for the first time since the accident I’m having fun and able to let loose a little while enjoying the company of another woman. It feels good to be moving on.

  UGH, CLEANING SUCKS! I hated it when I was younger and I hate it now. Only now I have a much bigger place to clean. I can’t complain too much because Piece is a very clean person. He always picks up after himself so there’s not too much to move out of the way. I never have to ask him to put his shoes away or put his dirty clothes in the hamper. He even cooks and cleans. He is like a guy you only read about in a book. He’s perfect.

  I’m finishing up mopping when I look at the clock and notice that it’s ten forty five. Perfect timing. I make myself a bowl of fruit and sit on the couch and pat it for Ali to sit next to me. I flip on the TV and turn it to The Price Is Right which is my favorite show to watch during the day. Pierce always watches it with me when he’s home since it reminds him of being a kid watching it with his grandma. Pierce is surprised by my excellent bidding skills and got me tickets for the show. They aren’t until seven months from now because Pierce wants to make sure he can take time off to go with me.

  As I am watching TV, my phone rings. I look at the caller ID and see Charming flashing across the screen.

  “Hey, babe!” I answer.

  “Hey, sexy! What are you doing? Never mind, let me guess.” He pauses as if he’s thinking about it. “Price is Right?”

  “Sometimes I think you know me better than I know myself.”

  Pierce laughs in that sexy way that I love. “That’s not such a bad thing. And if I recall you don’t mind that knowledge in the bedroom. I know you like it when I—”

  “Pierce Whitmore!” I say cutting him off. “Don’t you dare talk dirty to me unless you plan on coming home to take care of the problem you’re going to leave me with,” I say in my stern voice.

  As soon as I finish saying that Ali’s head pops up and she runs to the door. The door opens and Pierce walks through with the phone to his ear and is smiling big at me.

  “Oh, I plan to follow through.” He hits the end button on his phone and strides towards me.

  He grabs the back of my neck and pulls my face into his giving me a steamy kiss that lights up my body with need. I can feel his tongue against my lips awaiting permission to enter. I part them and his tongue plunges its way into my mouth with hunger. I start to undress him in a frenzy and he leans me down on the couch. He eagerly
lifts my t-shirt over my head. Little does he know I’m not wearing a bra or panties since I was just lounging around the house alone. He pulls my shorts down next and groans when he realizes I am pantiless.

  “You’re killing me,” he says in a low growl.

  “Had I known you were coming home, I would have been naked waiting for you,” I tease.

  That’s all it takes for his self-control to diminish. He pushes his pants down and wastes no time sliding into me. Pierce is leaving a trail of kisses along my neck as he thrusts into me and I am barely able to get out, “You should come home early every day.”

  “Believe me this wasn’t my intention when I left early,” Pierce says on a deep thrust and I am at a loss for words as I’m wrapped up in the sensations of what he’s doing to my body. He strokes my insides with such expertise that I’m falling apart within minutes. When I’m finally coming down from the high of my orgasm, Pierce gently bites into my shoulder as he finds his release as well.

  We’re holding each other on the couch when what he said crosses my mind, “So, what were your intentions when you came home early today? Not that I’m complaining.” I look up into his eyes waiting for his response.

  “Well, I was all caught up on work and had no meetings so I took the rest of the day off and wanted to take my girl miniature golfing.”

  Sitting up I raise an eyebrow. “Miniature golfing?”

  “Yep, it’s good to embrace your inner child every now and then. Besides who doesn’t like miniature golfing?”

  “You do have a point.”

  I get up to shower and get ready. I don’t bother drying my hair and just throw it up into a pony tail. Pierce and I both throw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and are out the door in twenty minutes. I haven’t been miniature golfing in so long I didn’t even know there was one only twenty minutes away. As we pull up, I get more excited. Pierce was not joking about embracing our inner child. Not only do they have putt putt, but they also have go karts, bumper cars, and carnival games.

  After parking the car, Pierce walks around and opens the door for me. I’m checking myself in the mirror making sure I look alright when he says, “Stop looking. Your face is flawless.” He kisses my hand and closes the car door.

  “I have to say, I was happy to play miniature golf before, but I’m even more excited now. I mean all that’s missing are the carnival rides. This place is awesome!” I say, thrilled to be here with him.

  Pierce grins and grabs my hand. “Where do you want to go first?”

  I look around and have my finger on my lips trying to decide. I eye the go karts and see there isn’t a long line. “There,” I say as I point to them.

  Pierce purchases us bracelets that allow us to ride any ride as many times as we want. When we reach the front of the line we are asked if we want to ride together or separate. Before Pierce can speak, I blurt out, “Separate.”

  Pierce gives me an amused smile with a raised eyebrow and I return it. “What? I’m very competitive. I can’t have you in control of whether I win or lose. So I know if I’m driving I will definitely win,” I say in mock confidence.

  “Who says I wouldn’t let you drive? You drive us places all the time.”

  “Okay, well would you have let me drive the go kart?” I smile at Pierce knowing his answer. He is just as competitive as I am.

  “Probably not. I have to say, even though we’re about to race a bunch of kids I still feel the need to beat them in go kart racing,” he says with mock guilt.

  We both laugh and get into our separate karts while being surrounded by kids of all ages and some parents as well. The light in front of us turns from red to yellow, and finally green. I step on the gas pedal and take off. I haven’t done this in a long time, but I don’t remember kids being so ruthless on these things. I have been cut off and even break checked. These kids are crazy! Pierce keeps laughing since I seem to be the target of the boy’s birthday party. I know it is all in good fun, but I can’t control myself. As soon as I get behind Pierce I ram my kart into his. I give him a mischievous smile and Pierce shouts, “Don’t you do it.” I bump his kart into the wall and go around him. I know that was a dirty move, but when we finish the lap, I end up beating Pierce. He pulls up next to me laughing and shaking his head.

  “Oh, you’re going to pay for that last move, cheater,” he shoots me a wicked look and I know he has every intention of retaliating.

  “I told you I was competitive,” I say with a shrug. “And, in all fairness, my kart took a good beating. Who knew kids could be so ruthless?” We both agree as my attackers run past us to race again.

  “Where to next? Bumper cars?” Pierce asks as he throws his arm over my shoulder.

  “Sure, but I think I’ll ride this one with you. I have never been good at those.”

  We stroll over to the bumper cars and stand in line. The whole time we’re waiting, Pierce is singing along to the music playing from the speakers and at one point serenades me until it’s our turn to get in the cars. Pierce leans into me and whispers, “Do you think we should take it easy on them? They are smaller after all.” I look around and notice we’re the only adults about to ride.

  “Yeah, I mean it wouldn’t be fair. I feel like we would be the big bad wolf in the bumper car.” Pierce laughs in agreement. A loud bell rings out signaling that it is time to start and we are immediately hit from behind and my head goes forward a little bit. I turn to see who hit us and it is a little girl with a scowl on her face. “Move out of my way, Grandpa,” she yells at Pierce. My mouth falls open, and before I can say anything, BAM, another hit to the side. Pierce looks at me in disbelief and says, “Okay, we’re not playing nice. I don’t care if we look like the big bad wolf.”

  “Agreed, I am starting to get whiplash from all these kids.” We seem to be the target of the little girl who called Pierce grandpa who is a nasty little girl. She reminds me of that spoiled brat from Willy Wonka, the one who gets whatever she wants. We are behind her and I look over at Pierce to see if he’s thinking what I’m thinking. “Does it make me a bad person since I really want you to hit her car right now?”

  Pierce chuckles, “Nope. She called me a grandpa for crying out loud. Who says that?” With that said Pierce bumps her car from behind and does it again once more for good measure. Needless to say, she stayed away from us for the remainder of the ride.

  Once we are off the bumper cars, we stop for a little food before heading over to the carnival games. He insists on winning me the big teddy bear hanging from the top. He’s playing one of those water games where you have to shoot the water in the hole and be the first one to pop the balloon. Pierce takes the last remaining seat and looks around sizing up his competition. It’s quite amusing seeing how serious he is taking this. When the buzzer goes off, Pierce pulls the trigger on the gun and water starts shooting out hitting the target and filling up the balloon. It is a very close call between Pierce and the guy sitting to his right. A girl standing next to me, who I’m assuming is the guy’s girlfriend, says, “I kinda hope your boyfriend wins because that teddy bear scares me.” I laugh as the balloon pops. I look back at Pierce to see the game operator handing him the huge teddy bear. I give him a big smooch on the lips for a job well done and a swat on the ass before saying, “Good game,” like athletes do.

  “What are you going to name him?” Pierce asks.

  “Who says it’s a him?” Pierce shrugs his shoulders. “Since there is no way to be sure, I will name it Dani.”

  We walk to the miniature golf area and Pierce is holding my bear in one arm and my hand in the other. The bear is huge so I would have had to hold it with two hands. Pierce asks a woman to take our picture and just as she’s about to snap it, he pulls me into his arms and lays a kiss on me. Catching me by surprise, my leg lifts off the ground. This is now my new favorite picture.

  While playing golf, Pierce takes the golf club, placing it in Dani’s arms and takes a picture of the bear golfing. It is hysterical. Pierce
looks at me with a devilish look on his face and I know he’s up to something. “So, how about a little bet?” He says with an eyebrow raised at me.

  “Okay, but this time no cheating!” I demand, squinting my eyes at him.

  “I didn’t cheat last time. Your parents just happened to love me,” he says innocently holding his hands up. Yeah, right.

  “If you say so, Charming.” I roll my eyes at him letting him know I’m not buying the whole innocent act. “What are we playing for?”

  “Well, if I win,” Pierce taps his finger against his lip like he is deep in thought. His finger then stops and he points to me as he says,” you have to do a strip tease for me when we get home.”

  I feel my face flush and I shift my weight. I have never done anything like that before. Ever. “And if I win?”

  “I will do a strip tease for you.”

  I think about it for a minute. We have been joking around so I haven’t noticed if Pierce is any good at this whole golfing thing or not. But I seem to be doing pretty well, so I take him up on it.

  “Deal,” I say with a confident smile on my face.

  When we go back to the game, Pierce goes into serious mode. He stops joking around and begins to play better. Looking at the score sheet I see that I lost epically. Seeing the smug look on Pierce’s face, I realize I got played once again.

  I put my hands on my hips and say, “You never mentioned you were a professional miniature golf player. I can’t believe I let you hustle me again.”

  “I must have forgot to tell you that Lexi and I used to come here every weekend.” He’s looking down at me with a harmless look in his eyes, but I see right through it. He did this intentionally and he knows it.

 

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