More to This

by Tess Keeler

  “Just for the sake of returning your jacket? Or is this a roundabout way of getting my number?” she asked.

  She met his gaze as a smile pulled at his lips, and he looked into her chocolate brown eyes, “That depends.”

  Her expression didn’t change, “On what, exactly?”

  “If you’re still interested.”

  After taking a sip of her coffee, she continued with the questions. “What gave you the impression I was interested?”

  He decided that he loved the way she argued with him. “You left with my jacket. If you didn’t want me to possibly find you, you would have thrown it back. You’re smarter than that.”

  “I left with your jacket because my best friend is obnoxious.” Mason did seem to be a loud drunk, but he expected more out of her.

  “Maybe I overestimated your ability to avoid unwanted conversation.”

  “Maybe.”

  Henley released a short laugh, shaking his head toward the ground. She was ridiculous. Ridiculously irresistible to him.

  “Henley, I’ve got to go.” He lifted his head, and Pierson had his hand on Henley’s shoulder. Pierson gave Everly a small smile, and then he was gone.

  “Oh, great, so there’s two of you?” Her laugh was as stunning as she was, and she rolled her eyes playfully. A smile finally took over her full lips, and Henley felt a little triumph. “He’s pretty used to you talking to girls, isn’t he?”

  “We respect each other’s space,” Henley breathed out cooly.

  “You have him well trained, then. Does he need as much space as you do?”

  The look of amusement on her face gave him chills. She knew his game, and she was calling him out on it. “We may look alike, but we’re very different.”

  “Sounds like me and Mace.”

  Henley was still extremely interested in how their dynamic worked, but he would save those questions for another time. “Mason Thomas, yeah? Did he speak of me? We’ve crossed paths.”

  “He questioned me about you as soon as we were in my car after the party, actually.”

  Henley pursed his lips as she swirled her drink in her hand. “What about me, exactly?”

  “Why I was wearing your jacket.” Henley’s lips twitched. “And he may have questioned my retention of innocence, for whatever reason.”

  He wondered what form of innocence she was referring to. “He seems protective of you.”

  “He can be, I suppose. I never give him a reason to worry,” she said calmly, almost bored of him now.

  “Because you’re extraordinarily innocent?” he raised an eyebrow in question. Curiosity made him burn pleasantly.

  “I’m definitely not innocent. But certainly not as well versed in what you and Mason seem to be experienced in.”

  Henley chuckled, “Oh? How inexperienced are we talking?”

  “Wow, you waste no time, do you?” She wasn’t offended. Maybe irritated.

  Smirking, he purred, “We’ve already been over this.”

  “Oh, right. You don’t waste people’s time.” She pulled her phone up and looked at her lock screen. “Except, you’ve had me standing here in the middle of Starbucks for the past 15 minutes. You also left your twin brother sitting alone while you tried to charm me out of my phone number.”

  “Is it working?” he grinned, relishing the way she made him feel: challenged.

  “You’re annoyingly persistent, aren’t you?” Definitely annoying.

  Henley shrugged. “I have determination with what I like.”

  Her lips were curling, but her eyes were bright and skeptical. “And you like... me?”

  “You interest me,” he said as he attempted to read her expression better.

  “Ah, how many girls have you said that to?"

  A group of people pushed past them, and Henley looked around at the growing crowded store. The noises of the coffee shop had become white noise. He was only focused on the sweet sound of her voice, no matter how playfully bothered she was.

  “Honestly, none.” He chewed back his lip. “It doesn’t take this much talking with most girls.”

  “So, I’m a rarity?”

  Henley nodded with another shrug. “Do you like the sound of that?”

  “You can’t possibly want my number that bad.” She was looking through him almost, trying to see past the charm.

  “I want my jacket that badly, yes,” he teased, his teeth showing as his smile grew painful.

  “Even though you didn’t even ask me to sit, or how I was doing today, I guess you can have my number.”

  Henley wet his lips and nodded, “Thank you.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket and handed it to her.

  After a few moments of judging eyes, she began typing in her number. Her pocket dinged, and she gave it back to him. “Use it wisely.” Her dark eyes were still narrowed, and he couldn’t get over how damn cute she was as she played with him.

  He took a sip of his almost cold cappuccino before saying goodbye. “Thank you for your time.”

  “Consider yourself special,” she said dryly, and then she turned and walked away. Like it never happened.

  Henley stood there, observing her swaying hips and curly hair until it was out the door. It was rewarding to have her number, especially after attempting to prove himself worthy of it. He was willing to risk the walls he had built around him to continue bantering with Everly. Pushing open the front door, he wondered how long he should wait to text her. The trash can outside welcomed his mostly empty cup and he replaced it with his yellow pack of cigarettes. He lit one up as he walked across the street, toward his English Lit class.

  A couple of hours passed, and he was getting into his car to head home for the night. Well, possibly. His trusty black Mazda took him wherever he needed to go, and right now, he was heading back to his and his brother’s apartment. Their undecorated living room welcomed him, and he reminded himself that he needed to put up posters or local art. His charcoal colored couch sat against the main wall, behind his glass coffee table. The small kitchen overlooked of the entire living room setup and faced the small porch that happened to be hidden in the trees. It was his favorite part of their home.

  He placed his keys and wallet down before digging into his pocket for his fourth or fifth cigarette of the day. Keeping count wasn’t easy. He opened his sliding glass door and took a seat next to the storage closet on his wooden balcony. It was just enough space for him and maybe one other person—his brother usually. He didn’t invite people over, but Pierson always had enough people over to form a circle capable of hot boxing the entire apartment. If he wasn’t sneaking out to parties, he would join the familiar faces with a beer and joint of his own.

  The smoke filled his lungs as he lit up the end and inhaled. The small outdoor folding chair was more uncomfortable today than normal. The crisp air made his hair stand on end, and he thought about getting his jacket back. He had gone a solid thirty minutes without considering texting her. Okay, maybe fifteen minutes.

  He found his phone in the opposite pocket of his stashed addiction, and he checked it for any notifications. Nothing. He searched for Everly’s name in his contact list, and he hit new message. Staring at the blinking cursor, he thought about what he could possibly say to her after only a few hours. He didn’t care what they talked about—he just wanted to converse with her. He couldn’t bear the idea of her never leaving his mind.

  The weather isn’t as warm as I hoped it would be. If only I had my denim jacket to encase me in warmth…

  His iPhone rested in his lap, and he took a second drag. He could feel any remaining stress from class blowing out from his lungs. There were papers he needed to finish and chapters he needed to study, but there were parties and hangouts to consider as well. He tried to focus on nothing but the sound of nature. It helped him reset. The device on his thigh vibrated. He lifted the screen to meet his gaze, and he barked out a laugh.

  Maybe you shouldn’t lend it to strange girls.

  She
was fucking hilarious. He wondered if she was like that all the time—with everyone.

  In my defense, you didn’t seem so strange standing all by yourself at a social event, distastefully staring at your liquor.

  To pass the time between texts, he thought about his options for the evening. There were a few parties he had been invited to. Most people didn’t give themselves early classes on Friday. But Pierson also had a planned get-together. After weighing the possibilities of meeting a girl or just getting numb enough to literally chill, he chose to stay home.

  Interesting. I feel like that would make me more strange, considering I wasn’t throwing myself all over anyone after my first drink like every other girl.

  Henley lifted his eyebrows as he read the message that came through. He typed out his response as one side of his lips pulled into a smirk.

  Sarcasm doesn’t translate well over text message. You were definitely the odd girl. I didn’t mind, though.

  Before he could set his phone down, her reply bubbles were already showing up. Two messages came through one after another.

  Well, now that I have your approval, I feel much better.

  That was sarcasm since, ya know, doesn’t translate well via text.

  Henley rolled his eyes, his smile growing. There was a fluttering feeling in his stomach that almost made him feel nauseous.

  Glad to be of service.

  Are you still in class?

  He stomped on the butt once too low to continue and went back into his apartment. His phone vibrated in his hand, and he read it on the way to the kitchen. He opened the fridge to find nothing but a couple beers and leftover Chinese takeout. After pulling out a bowl and forking half of the leftovers in a bowl, he stuffed it into the microwave and started it up.

  I have mostly morning classes, so thankfully, no. It’s almost past my bedtime, though.

  He looked at the top of his screen, and the time read 7:05 PM. His eyes widened. It was too early for anyone to go to sleep. The night was full of possibilities.

  I could keep you up… I can be very convincing.

  If it was time for her to sleep, was she laying in bed? Did she wear pajamas or nothing at all? He clenched his jaw before the sound of the microwave broke his sinful thoughts.

  And how do you suppose you’d do that?

  He couldn’t tell if her tone was suggestive or judging, but he played along anyway. The reminder beep of the microwave forced him to pull his food out before responding to her, painting a picture for her head.

  I would definitely start by putting in a movie you’ve already seen. Don’t want to have you too distracted when I brush that beautiful long hair off of your neck and replace it with my lips.

  The couch welcomed him as he left the open text on his thigh, his legs crossed in front of him. He held his food in his hands and began eating the too hot rice and spicy chicken.

  Who is to say I’d watch a movie with you?

  Her response should have been expected, but he hadn’t. He pursed his lips and lowered his eyebrow. She didn’t seem to care for him too much. Even now. Because of the risk of her falling asleep during their conversation, he turned his volume on and typed back as quickly as possible. He wasn’t ready for her to disappear just yet. Not while he could be making progress. The texts were fast, preventing him from eating between them. He set the bowl down and gave her his full attention.

  You said nothing about the kissing part, so I’m going to assume that you have something against movies. What did they ever do to you?

  A text from Pierson came through right before Everly’s, but he looked at hers first.

  They’ve never done anything to me, per say. But I’ve heard stories about movies making stupid things happen between two people, and I’m not too sure I trust them now.

  Henley clicked his tongue, considering just how different they were.

  What stupid things do you speak of?

  Curiosity was like fire racing through his veins.

  I’ve heard they make people think it’s a good idea to make out, or worse.

  Henley laughed out loud. Was she being serious?

  Making out is always a good idea.

  He responded to Pierson’s text in his free time, reassuring him that he would be home for the night. He also reminded him to ask a friend of age to pick up some liquor. Everly’s name came down from the top of his screen, and he tapped it.

  Making out only leads to trouble.

  He tried not to mistake her innocence for being a prude. She needed to know who she was getting to know, and what he was capable of.

  I am trouble.

  He read his own words over and over again. He was trouble, because he was self-destructive and didn’t commit. He got way too drunk and smoked too much. School wasn’t his first priority, even if he was depending on it for a great future, one he had always dreamt about. But it wasn’t his words that hurt, it was hers.

  So I’ve heard.

  1

  More to This

  CHAPTER THREE

  Everly

  “So, let me get this straight,” Mason pinched the bridge of his nose a moment, squeezing his eyes shut as he spoke slowly. “You and Henley Moore have been just texting for the past two weeks?” His eyes opened, the slight discoloration underneath them just emphasized how little Everly’s best friend slept. “Just texting, nothing more?”

  Everly groaned before grabbing a cushion from her couch and hitting him in the chest with it. “Yes. We’re just talking.”

  Mason laughed as he playfully rubbed where she hit him. His dark, sleeveless black shirt was oversized and his small frame was drowned when he wore it. The shirt still showed off most of his tattoos, though. His red plain pajama pants were baggy and hung loosely from his small waist. He definitely fit the description of a photographer— his dream and current profession.

  “I’ve never heard of him ‘just talking’ with anyone.” Mason’s eyes had a mischievous glint, all of it hiding behind his large framed glasses.

  Everly cocked her head, flashing him a toothy smile. “Wow, you’re kind of obsessed with him, aren’t you?”

  “Ha ha, Eve.” He waved his hand in her direction. “I’m more worried about you. I need to officially meet him to make sure I approve.”

  “There’s nothing to approve of, but okay.” Everly rolled her eyes at her best friend’s badgering in regards to Henley, but butterflies were swarming inside of her stomach— much like they did when he texted her. “I’ll tell him you deem it necessary that you two meet for absolutely no reason.”

  She tried to ignore her attraction to Henley, and outwardly, she was a pro. Inside, she was crumbling. Keeping their…. flirtationship strictly through text had bought her time and willpower. It was easy to resist if those light blue-green eyes weren’t staring back at her. She wanted to slap herself. Henley had admitted to her that he was trouble, and Mason never shut up about her new friend’s reputation. Why was she allowing this to go on?

  Opening a new text to Henley, she let her fingers punch out a text to send him.

  Mason seems to think you two should meet. How do you feel about that?

  It didn’t take long before her phone buzzed with a response.

  I’m willing to do what I need to. Do you feel it is necessary?

  Mason scooted closer, trying to read their conversation. She adjusted away from him to reply.

  Well, he told me that he thinks you're crazy attractive and that I should stay away from you. Do you agree? Y/Y?

  A smile toyed with her lips as she sent it. It brought her a strange sense of joy giving Henley a hard time. He could keep up with her banter, and it was refreshing that he was able to process that she was playing— well, mostly.

  Crazy attractive? Yes. Stay away from me? Definitely not.

  Everly scoffed, pulling her eyebrows down before flashing the screen to Mason. He barked out a laugh, and she turned her phone back to send him another message.

  He said that�
��s what trouble always says. Your response?

  The responses were coming faster.

  Maybe, but I’ve changed.

  Everly read to Mason what Henley wrote, and he laughed. “Tell him we definitely say that. Now, we need to meet for sure.”

  Her lavender painted nails tapped out the message to send.

  He said, “Trouble definitely says that. Now, I have to meet him.”

  Her phone buzzed quickly.

  Tonight?

  Everly paused, weighing her options. It had been over two weeks since she had been around him in person. Should she cross that line? Mason must’ve noticed her get lost in her thoughts for a moment, because he nudged her.

  “Wut’d he say?”

  She looked over at him, chewing her bottom lip a moment. “He asked if you wanted to meet him tonight?”

  “And? Yes. The answer is yes. Not only do I get to monitor how he is with you, but you don’t have to be alone with him during your first hang out. It’s a win-win.”

  Everly sighed in defeat, giving in to Mason’s reasonings. It would be nice to have Mason there. That would ensure nothing could happen between them.

  We are having a pizza and movie night at my house tonight. I guess you wouldn’t be imposing too much if you were to stop by.

  He must’ve been waiting for her to text.

  Too much, hm? Is it a sleepover? I’ll wear my pajamas.

  She chewed on her lip to fight off a smile.

  Just promise me that your pajamas consist of actual clothes.

  She waited for a snarky response.

  I can’t convince your best friend I’m good if I show up in less than decent clothing.

  Clicking her tongue, she typed out a response.

  Very true. So, that means you need to be on your best behavior.

  Always.

  Sure, sure. I’ll see you soon.

  Everly shared her location with him, sighing as she looked up at Mason next to her.

  “He’ll be here in a little bit.” Everly pulled her lips together, feeling a little anxiety about her worlds on the verge of colliding.

  Even though Mason’s suggestion was more ideal then meeting up with Henley alone, was she ready for Henley to be integrated into the safety of her bubble? Mason was the only consistent person in her life. While her parents both had careers that kept them away— her father was a musician, and her mother was a flight attendant— Mason was the only person she had to lean on or be responsible for. Henley meeting him was the closest thing to Henley meeting her family.