“What makes you think someone did?”
“The other option is that it’s all about this med school rejection thing. I don’t believe that.”
“Why not? Is losing your dream not worth getting down over?”
“This is not about being down. It’s about being down on yourself. It’s different. And was it really your dream? You make it sound like it was your parents’.”
“For a guy trying to impress me, you’re treading on thin ice.” I turned to look back outside.
“Yeah, well, I’m not always the best at holding my tongue.”
“Me neither. Can we drop this conversation? I can think of much better things to do right now.”
“Yeah. I can think of better things too.” He took my champagne out of my hand and set it down next to his own. “Much better.” His arms came around my waist, pulling me close again, as his lips brushed against mine.
I moved my lips against his, wanting my dose of cinnamon and so much more. I bit his lower lip, and he groaned, opening up to me as I wrapped my arms around his neck.
The kiss deepened, and I slipped a hand under the front of his t-shirt, exploring the muscular planes of his chest as his hand glided across my stomach. I mentally willed his hand to move higher, and when my wishful thinking failed me, I used my own hand to show him that I wanted him to explore.
He didn’t need much prodding. His hand found my breast, cupping it over my bra before moving over to the next. This time he slipped his hand under my bra, intensifying the sensation and making me need his touch more. His other hand moved up my skirt, a finger slipping under the elastic of my panties, but moving no farther. “We should stop.”
“Yeah, too many windows,” I joked. That late at night the windows weren’t a problem.
He laughed, but then got serious. “I think our first time should be some place a little more private. We don’t have to rush anything.”
I wanted to argue that we didn’t have to have sex, that I was more than happy to find other outlets of satisfaction, but I didn’t like the way that would make me sound. We could handle waiting until we got back to one of our places if that’s what he wanted. But was it what I wanted? Did I really want a guy who could hold off having sex with me because he didn’t like our location?
His lips teased my neck one more time. “It won’t be long.”
Yes. I did want this guy despite his iron-clad resistance.
“This is a weird time to ask this, but I probably won’t unless I do it now.”
“What?” My mind, foggy from lust, tried to predict what he’d ask.
“I have a bit of a favor to ask of you.”
“A favor?” Those words made me nervous. Favors usually weren’t good things.
“I’ve been talking about you to my friends…” He didn’t sound as happy about that statement as I would have hoped.
“Oh, is that a bad thing?”
“No. Of course not. But I may have made us sound more serious than we are.”
“Oh.”
“Maybe it was wishful thinking, but I can’t shut up about you.”
I bit back a smile. Colin was so cute sometimes. “So what’s the favor?”
“I’m a groomsman in a wedding next weekend, and I’m supposed to bring you.”
“Supposed to bring me?”
“Yeah, I understand if you don’t want to go, but I’d like it if you did.” He laced his fingers with mine. His breathing was normal, but the heated look in his eyes hadn’t disappeared. I fought the urge to start kissing him again. For whatever reason, he wanted to take things slow, and as hard as it was, I was going to find a way to respect that.
“Where’s the wedding?”
“Raleigh.”
“Are you staying overnight?”
“I have a hotel for two nights.”
“Oh.” A hotel with Colin sounded appealing—especially at that moment. Meeting his friends and going to the wedding of people I didn’t know didn’t sound so great.
“But it’s a suite with a bed and a pull-out couch. No expectations that we sleep together.”
I guess that meant he wasn’t taking me home with him. I tried to let the disappointment mitigate before answering. “You think that’s why I’d say no?”
“No. I bet you have a hundred reasons to say no. But I’d love it if you said yes.”
“This is next weekend?”
“Yes. I know it’s late notice.”
“I’ll see if I can get off.”
“Wait. Seriously? You’ll go?”
“And you say I have bad self-image.”
He laughed. “I was trying to keep my expectations reasonable.”
“I can’t promise anything until I talk to Max.” Was I really agreeing that easily? Was I doing it for the hope of sex—or was I going because he wanted me to?
“Awesome. I’ll make it a fun weekend.”
“You’re all about making things special, huh?”
He took my face in his hands. “Yes, when it comes to you.”
Chapter Ten
Max had no problem giving me the weekend off. I took the afternoon shift on Friday, even though I knew the place would be dead, and I’d be lucky to make anything in tips.
Macon came by around three to keep me company. His job was as slow as mine now.
“You need to call your parents.” Macon took his eyes off the tower of straws he was building.
“Why would I do that?”
“Because they’re worried about you. I don’t want them coming here to check on you.”
“They’re not coming here.”
“You want to bet? I may have told them that you’re living with a guy twice your age and making meth in the basement.”
I could only stare at him. It had to be a joke.
“The funny part is your dad was more concerned about the guy than the drugs.”
I checked to make sure Max wasn’t around before spraying Macon in the face with the water. “You are something else.”
“What the hell is up with you and getting me wet?” He wiped off his face with his t-shirt. “There are much more fun ways to do that.”
“Please no sex jokes when we’re talking about my dad.”
“Yeah, yeah. You’d think after all these years your dad would get my sense of humor.”
I groaned, taking a seat on a stool. “He’s never going to get it.”
“Just call them. They’re your parents. They’re harmless people, a little neurotic at times, but nice. You can’t be that scared.”
“That’s what you think. They would never show you their scary side.” I stared at the screen of my phone. The background photo was of my Labradoodle, Tiny. The name was a joke. Tiny was huge. He was also in Charlottesville with my parents.
“I’m calling, but I expect you to make an excuse to get me off the phone in five minutes.”
He grinned. “Oh, I’ll come up with an excuse.”
“No meth or older men.”
“How about younger men? You’re kind of young to be a cougar, but maybe you’re dating a college freshman or something.”
“No younger boys either.” I walked out from behind the bar. “But for the record, you couldn’t pay me enough money to date a guy that young.”
“We’ll see if you’re singing that tune when you’re forty and bored out of your mind.”
“Nope. Not going to happen. And if someone needs a drink, get me.”
“Why? I can serve them.”
“No, you can’t.”
“Fine. Ruin my fun.” He fake pouted.
“I wouldn’t worry. No one’s going to order anything.” I headed outside to the empty patio.
I played with my broken pink phone case before finally hitting the button for home.
“Maddy? Hi!” Mom answered with way too much relief and enthusiasm in her voice. Her greeting meant she thought I was calling to tell her I was coming home.
“Hi, Mom.”
“
How are you doing? We’ve been worried about you.”
“I’m doing fine.”
“Oh? Have you started packing? Dad’s got a few research opportunities lined up for you. I know you’re interested in medicine, but Dr. Anderson’s neurology lab could use someone.”
“I’m not coming home.” The words flew out of my mouth far faster than I imagined they would.
“Excuse me?”
“I’m not coming home. I like it here. I’m staying.”
“You’re going to continue bartending at a dive bar rather than taking a job with Dr. Anderson?”
“Yes.” I didn’t bother to correct her on the whole dive bar thing. It sounded even more badass that way.
She sighed loudly. “You should talk to your father.”
“Why? Is he going to say anything different than you?”
“No. You know we’re always on the same side.” She’d been saying the same thing since I was a kid. To their credit, my parents had one of those equal relationships.
“I’m staying here.”
“Is it that man?”
“Macon was joking, Mom.”
“Oh, thank God. I refused to believe my beautiful daughter would bother with someone like that.”
“Of course not. I’d pick a sugar daddy who didn’t mix drugs in his basement.”
“Maddison!”
“Sorry.” I chuckled. “Couldn’t resist.”
“I think you’re spending too much time with Macon. But his zany behavior aside, he’s a nice boy, and I still think the two of you would make a good couple.”
“Not a chance, Mom. And if you thought that, why are you letting me live with him? What happened to ‘no living with a man before marriage?’” I rested my elbows on the railing and watched the sound. I couldn’t resist baiting her.
“Because I know you two aren’t sleeping together. Moving on from Macon, is there someone else? Someone keeping you there?”
“No.” I briefly thought of Colin, but he had nothing to do with me staying—or at least I wasn’t going to admit to it yet.
“That was too fast of an answer. You’re hiding something.”
“Hey, Maddy, Cinnamon Boy is here.”
I held my phone against my chest as I glared at Macon. “I said no boy excuses.”
“This isn’t an excuse. Colin’s here.”
“What? He’s an hour early.”
Colin walked out onto the patio still dressed for work in his shirt and tie. “Sorry. I got out of work early and thought I’d come by and give you a ride home. I don’t mind waiting at your place if you need a few minutes to finish packing.”
I put the phone back to my ear. “I have to go. Tell Dad I said hi.”
“Packing? Where are you going? And with whom?” Whom? Only Mom used proper grammar when she talked.
“Just to a wedding, and it’s with a friend. I have to go, Mom.”
“I love you, Maddy. We miss you.” I could hear the strain in her voice, she was hurting.
“Love you too.” I quickly hung up before I could let guilt get me to make a promise about coming home I couldn’t keep.
“Friend? I’m a friend?” Colin frowned. It didn’t look good on him.
“My parents already think I’m staying here for a guy. There is no reason to fuel that fire.”
“Why would it be bad if they thought so? You’re twenty-two. They can’t mind that you date.”
Macon laughed. “They may think she’s dating a middle-aged guy.”
Colin spun on him. “And why would they think that?”
“I had to mess with them.” Macon smirked. “I take it you don’t need me to give you a ride, Maddy?”
“Nope. See you at home.”
He walked inside casting a single glance back at me.
Colin leaned against the railing next to me. “Nice friends you have.”
“That’s just Macon.”
“Did you set them straight? I’d prefer your parents didn’t think I was some creeper taking advantage of their daughter.”
“Why would they think it was you?” I realized how bad my words sounded as soon as they left my mouth. “I mean, they wouldn’t just assume that.”
“I get that you aren’t ready to tell your parents we’re dating. It’s new.” His expression didn’t quite match his words, but I appreciated his attempt to make me feel better.
I pretended to believe him. “Okay, good.” We walked inside so I could grab my stuff and clock out. I stopped by Max’s office to say goodbye before we left.
Max looked up from his cluttered desk. “I’m glad you’re giving it another shot. He seems like a nice boy.”
“I think so too, but I’m taking it slow. Hopefully it will be a good weekend.”
“If nothing else the weather is supposed to be nice.”
“You checked the Raleigh weather?” I rested a hand on the door frame.
He shrugged. “I’m a big fan of The Weather Channel.”
I laughed. “By the way, thanks again. I know this was supposed to be seasonal employment.”
“Of course. You’re a hard worker.”
I smiled before meeting up with Colin at his car.
“What kind of attire do I need for the wedding? Is a sundress enough, or is it more formal?”
“You haven’t even started packing yet?”
“No. I thought I’d have some time after work.”
An unreadable expression crossed his face. “A sundress for the rehearsal dinner is probably good. Maybe something a bit dressier for the wedding, but only if you have it. I gave you no warning.” He pulled in next to Macon’s car outside of my place. “We could stop somewhere if you need to shop. My treat.”
“Gee, Colin. I’d love to have you buy me clothes because I don’t have anything acceptable to wear.” I rolled my eyes as I got out of the car.
“I didn’t mean it that way.” He came up behind me, resting his chin on my shoulder. “I only mean I’d be happy to get you something new. It’s harder for girls. Guys can get away with a blazer for almost any occasion.”
“Sure, sure.”
A few minutes later Colin sat on my bed while I searched through the dresses in my closet. It was funny having him in my room, like I was letting him into a more personal side of my life. I’d imagined his first time in my room would involve him in my bed, not just on it, but hopefully his second visit would involve the former.
“How’s this?” I pulled out a simple, strapless, navy blue dress that cut up a little on one leg. It was classic yet a little sexy. I’d worn it to my sorority formal.
“Looks great to me. But I know you’d look good in anything.”
“Does it meet your standards?” I said with exaggerated sarcasm.
“Come on. Does a guy offering to buy you a dress upset you that much?”
“No.” I quickly selected a simple pink spaghetti strap sundress to put on for the rehearsal dinner. “It bothers me when it’s done for the reason it was offered.”
“I didn’t mean anything by it.” He looked so pitiful I decided to let him off the hook. My insecurities and my nerves about the wedding weekend were just as much to blame.
“I know.” I sat back down next to him.
“Good.” He cupped my face with his hand and left a light kiss on my lips. “Have I told how glad I am that you’re coming with me?”
“Only every night this week.”
He’d called every night before bed. I liked the sweet gesture.
“Well, I am.”
“I get that, but I need to change.”
“Oh. Do you want me to wait outside?” He started to get up.
“That’s probably best.” It felt weird to worry about changing in front of a guy I was dating. Usually, he’d have already seen me naked.
“All right.” He kissed my cheek before leaving.
I quickly changed into a strapless bra—the black one that made me look like I had cleavage. I pulled out some casual clothe
s and hesitated when it came time for the pajamas. My initial thought was to pick out a cute cami and shorts set, but I was going to be spending the weekend in a hotel room with Colin. He wasn’t moving fast, but wearing something sexy to move him in the right direction couldn’t hurt. On the surface, he wanted it too, what with pulling me on his lap one night, and nearly removing my panties the next. I just wished I knew what was holding him back. The whole point of a fling was to have lots of sex. If we didn’t start having it, I was going to have to begin classifying our relationship as something else entirely. I shook off the thought. I wasn’t getting serious with Colin.
I didn’t own much sexy lingerie that could double as nighttime attire, but I had a little satin nightie I’d never had the excuse to wear. It was black and really, really short. I may not have been blessed in the bust department, but I was given a nice set of legs. I learned early on that they were my best weapon—I mean, asset, when it came to getting a guy’s attention.
I tossed the tiny piece of fabric into my suitcase along with my other clothes. I kept my navy dress on its hanger. I wanted to throw in a less revealing PJ option, but I didn’t let myself. When push came to shove, I’d chicken out that way.
“You ready?” Colin stood up from the love seat he was sitting on when I walked out of my room. He took my dress and the handle of my suitcase from me.
“Yeah. I think so.”
He checked out my outfit and smiled. “You look great.”
“Thanks.” I glanced down at my dress. The bra was doing its job.
“Bye, guys!” I called out as I walked to the door.
“Have fun,” Brody called from his room.
Macon walked out of his. “Be good kids. And Colin?”
“Yes?” Colin asked with an annoyed sigh.
“Treat her well.”
“I plan on it.” He turned to the door.
I gave Macon a hug. “Way to threaten him.”
“I told him to treat you well. There was no threat.”
“It was implicit.”
“If a guy is threatened at the thought of treating you well, you shouldn’t be dating him.”
“I’m not threatened by it.”
Oops. I’d thought Colin was already out of earshot.
“Let’s go.” I walked out, shooting Macon a glare on our way out the door.
Shaken Not Stirred (Mixology) Page 10