by Tess Keeler
“You’re right,” he started, his voice getting stronger. “I need to meet them, and I want to.”
The cool feeling rushing through her veins was thinning as his words attempted to reassure her without knowledge.
“I think you’re going to love them— especially my dad.” She brushed her hair back with her fingers. “And they’re going to love you.”
1
More to This
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Henley
First dates were weird. Henley had rummaged through his closet too many times, and he still didn’t like the clothing he was pulling out of it. There wasn’t any reason for him to be nervous, but he felt it like butterflies in the pit of his stomach. He blew out a sigh and shook his head, deciding that he needed to hurry if he wanted to be on time picking her up. He knew he was overthinking it. After pulling out his maroon pants and a black button-down tucked in, he dressed and pulled on his almost too-long hair. Pierson was down the hall, throwing around some pans in the kitchen, so Henley exited his room to get a full evaluation.
“What do you think, bro? Does it look like I’m trying too hard?” He lowered his hands on either side of his torso.
“First date, huh?” Pierson smiled, his blonde locks practically covering his view. “Took you guys long enough.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Henley blew him off. “Yes or no?”
“It looks good, Hen.” His voice was sincere, and he thought about how much he loved his brother for being the kind one.
“Perfect. I’m out of here. See you tonight?” he asked, his fingers already reaching for his keys.
“I’ll be here.”
The drive was quick. The constant doubt in his head was more obnoxious than normal. Henley hadn’t ever been on a date, and in a couple weeks, he would be meeting her parents. The fear was manageable, at least for now. They were going to hate him. If they were anything like Everly, they would see right through him.
And then, there were his own parents. Was he supposed to tell them about his girlfriend? He never knew when to call his dad, Jared, because he was always working. He would be supportive, like he always was. His mother, Misty, would probably go on about being safe and not messing everything up. “You know you’re capable of dumb things, Austin,” she would say, her smile spreading like an infection. She hated his first name, probably because his father had chosen it.
In fifteen minutes, he was free of the torture. He had her hand in his, and his eyes were all over her as they walked to his car. Her company more than a breath of fresh air.
“You look incredible, Ev.”
Her black dress looked like it had an essence of a different era—maybe 50’s? Her straps wrapped around her neck, causing her to give away more cleavage than normal. It pinched her at the waist than bellowed out where it ended at her knees. She had a strappy pair of black heels on to match. The combination made her legs look like they went on for miles. He was practically drooling.
He opened the door for her, and she grinned at him, “Can’t handle a little skin, can you, Moore?”
“Not yours,” he responded, giving her a wink.
Her blush was his reward as he closed the door and joined her in the driver’s seat, the queasy feeling in his stomach still present with every breath he took next to her. The car came to life in his hands. After passing his phone to her for music control, Henley backed out of her driveway and headed toward the intimate Italian restaurant he had fought for reservations at. It was a Friday night, and they had told him how busy they were.
“I really hope you like where I’m taking you,” Henley said quietly, stealing a glance as Everly stared down at his playlists.
She didn’t look up when he spoke, but he saw her lips twitch. She rested her hand on his thigh, her pleasantly deep voice reassuring him, “I’m going with you, aren’t I?”
The light turned green. He was driving again, but he couldn’t begin to understand how lucky he was. He would never get used to Everly, and everything that was perfect between them. Perfectly flawed.
“Are you nervous about me meeting your parents?” The question had been on his mind before he picked her up, and the silence had his curiosity burning again.
“Why would I be?”
He could feel her eyes on him, but he focused on the road nonetheless.
“Because I’m me. I have a reputation.”
“They don’t know that.”
Henley nodded his head. How could they possibly know that he had slept with the entirety of the party scene, or at least tried? He cringed at himself, almost missing his last turn before their destination. It was near her home in Westminster and only open for a few short hours today. Like he had said, it was a fight to get in.
“I hope you’re hungry,” he cooed, extending his hand out to her once her door was open.
“For what exactly?”
Henley felt his pupils dilate. His lust for her was strong, but his feelings were even stronger. He played it off the best he could, leaning into her once she was at his height and whispering into her ear, “Maybe later.”
He pulled back, catching her eyebrow lifting and a curious smile. “Only if you behave, Moore.”
They moved between his locked car and the small restaurant. Groups of people were lingering outside, so he let her have the last word. The cool Colorado air disappeared once faced with the warm embrace of the building. The walls were red and the lighting low. People were laughing and chatting over wine. Henley gazed around, worrying they didn’t have a spot for them.
“Reservation for Moore,” he said, peeking onto her table layout hoping to find his name.
She scanned quickly before her perky tone carried to his ears, “Ah, yes. Right this way.”
The entire way to their table, he contemplated date etiquette. He felt awkward as he pulled Everly’s seat out for her, finally deciding on it a second too late. Was it too old fashioned? Was it something he would do without thinking about it?
He eyed the string lights hanging from the ceiling. They were perfect for the ambiance. The curl of her hair was more defined and her eyes were dusted in a smokey look. When he caught her gaze, her chocolate brown eyes were sparkling, and he couldn’t tell if it was a reflection or her emotions. He wanted to believe it was because of him.
“Choose anything you’d like.”
———————————————————-
Henley’s chest was heaving as he leaned against the stall door. The bathroom was surprisingly quiet considering how busy the restaurant was. The moment the bill was paid, Everly decided she needed to use the bathroom. He thought it wasn’t a bad idea to try before their drive. They walked side by side, leaving what remained of their meal to be cleaned up and the next set of guests to take it over. While stepping into the men’s side, Everly grabbed his hand and pulled him with her instead, covering her lips with a single finger.
“Shh,” she whispered.
There he was, holding his shirt up as she loosened his pants. The trail her lips had taken down his stomach was on fire, his body nearly trembling in excitement. Someone walked in, and she looked up at him through her hair, her eyelashes batting and face red. He throbbed. Her fingers pulled his clothing enough to free him, and he heard her gasp. He was achingly hard for her.
He watched as she calculated her next move. Maybe she hadn’t actually planned to do this. Lips parting, she covered a small portion of him before attempting to bob along his length. She gagged.
He caressed her cheek as he clenched his jaw, but she didn’t look at him. She was determined with everything she did—this included. The footsteps disappeared, and they were alone again. Once she found her rhythm, he could only hear his heartbeat in his ears. She was soft and warm around him, and he only imagined how beautiful it would be for them to be intertwined wholly.
“Ev,” he grunted, his fingers lacing through her hair.
Having sex every other day for a few years made abstinence diff
icult. The radiating confidence Everly gave out despite her innocence was rare. She made him more patient and each encounter special.
She froze as he came, and he gently urged her with his hand to continue the movements long enough for him to finish. The thrill had him tingling all over. He released his shirt and buttoned himself back up. Standing from her knees, she wore the sexiest smile. He mirrored it before wrapping his arm around her lower back and pulling her in for a kiss.
Their lips brushed as they parted, “You were made for me.”
“So it was okay?” She pulled back, her eyes wide and searching. “You can be honest.”
He laughed with his belly, his eyelids still heavy over his eyes. His hands moved to trace the curve of her waist, his chest humming pleasantly.
“You’re a natural,” he whispered.
The door opened again, and they both tried to smother their smiles as someone entered the stall next to them. Henley jerked his head to the door and mouthed, “Come on.”
They shared their secret in the form of sweet giggles and big, bright smiles as they approached his car. He turned her around and pushed her against his car door, parting his lips against hers in an attempt to exchange passionately, slowly. She clung to his biceps, their tongues meeting moments later. He was sure she could feel the deep pounding of his heart against hers. What little light that remained had disappeared behind the mountain range, and all he could think about was how lost he was. Lost in her.
——————————————————————————
What’s it like having the apartment to yourself?
Henley was amused by how inseparable he and Everly had been since their first date. Even more surprising, nothing had escalated past the content of their first date. He was waiting for the right moment, because it had to be perfect for her. She deserved it. Two weeks had passed, and he hadn’t gone home to check on his brother. He only left for school, and even then, he didn’t want to. He was positive he would never get tired of having her beside him. What had this girl done to him?
This place is a hotbox.
Pierson was obviously enjoying himself, along with plenty of friends he assumed. He looked up as Mason looked over the clothing in front of them. Pearl Street Mall had nothing worthy of Mason’s taste. Since Henley needed help impressing Everly’s parents, he needed the right outfit, and he knew Mason had been around them enough to know what was up to par.
I have to pack tonight, so don’t be surprised when I show up and interrupt the fun.
New York was in a few days, but he had nothing at Everly’s but the few outfits he had brought to wash over and over again. After they chose an outfit or two, he was heading back to his apartment to gather up everything for the trip. After putting his phone away, he closed the distance between him and Mason.
“Find anything?”
“Sod it,” Mason said distastefully. “Let’s try a different place.”
Henley followed him out. Mason lit up, so Henley did too. They fell into step, and he looked over his girlfriend’s best friend.
“How’s Pierce doing?” Henley asked, fishing for details about any possible budding romance. “Have you made a move yet?”
“Make a move on Pierson? Heavens no.” Mason was almost shaking his head.
“Why not?” Henley asked with a raised eyebrow.
Mason paused with the cigarette a few inches away from his mouth, his eyes were glassy as he contemplated an excuse. “Because,” he lowered his brow, almost confused. “Bruv, I dunno if he even fancies men. He doesn’t flirt with anyone, in fact.”
“Do you want me to ask him?”
Mason’s eyes widened. “I mean.” He paused, truly contemplating it. “It would be nice to know, but that’s not exactly what’s halting making a move.”
Henley took a deep drag then stomped the cigarette out, leaving half of it behind. “Then what is? You obviously like him. I haven’t seen you as preoccupied with your phone and one-nighters.”
“I do like him. But what if I try and he’s not interested? Then I ruin our friendship, which I value very much.” He pointed at a shop, motioning for Henley to follow him. “Then there’s the fact I’m clearly not good enough for him. I’m sure he knows that.”
Henley grabbed Mason’s arm and stopped him, “Please don’t say that. If I’m worthy of Everly, you’re worthy of Pierson. You’re a great person, Mace.” He searched the deep brown staring back at him while he waited for a response, both men blocking the entrance to the store.
“You’re not so bad yourself, Hen. But, Pierson seems so... I don’t really know, but it’s definitely not me.” Mason waved his hand and moved to enter the store. “I appreciate you trying to cheer me up, mate. Your brother gets me so twisted and pathetic.. maybe we should change the subject.”
Henley nodded and looked around the new store of choice, “What are Everly’s parents like? Is there anything I should worry about?”
Mason pulled his lips down as he thought about the question, still keeping his focus on clothing for New York. “Noah is hilarious and awesome. He’s definitely the sarcastic, teasing part of Eve. Ella, why, she’s a delight, but very straight-laced and elegant, almost. Has very high goals and standards for our girl, though. She’s a bit of a slag to her at times. Always been hard on her, for as long as I can remember.”
Pursing his lips, he let the information sink in. Be funny with Noah and respective to Ella. Don’t get too defensive.
“I don’t know how Noah and Ella work. But they do. Must be a balancing out of sorts,” Mason added, his fingers on an all black suit like material. “Oh, also, Ella hates cigarettes. Loathes them.”
“Great,” Henley breathed, eyeing a sky blue button down to his left. “Mason, what about this one?”
“That’s the one,” Mason said matter of factly. “Brown or black nice pants to go with. And, how do you feel about suspenders?”
Henley couldn’t recall ever wearing suspenders. “I’m willing to give them a try.”
“I’m thinking no tie, those ridiculously shiny oxford shoes you’re always wearing, and no coat.” Mason was moving toward the counter with the items in hand. “Yes, and you either need to dye your hair again or just bleach it already, because it looks like a bloody mess.”
He sighed at the idea of maintaining his hair. The only reason he did was to make sure he and his identical twin had major differences. Pierson was proud of his natural hair, long and blonde. Henley didn’t really care about how natural it was, as long as it looked good. He pulled on it.
“It doesn’t look that bad, right?”
1
More to This
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Everly
“Thank you for taking the window seat.” Everly hated being afraid of heights. The only benefit of it was flying with Henley, and burying her face into his chest as they took off and landed. His light tan button up was hanging open, revealing a white tank top underneath. His brown jeans tightly hung to his legs, his black high top converse protecting his feet. The aviator sunglasses covering his beautiful eyes were borrowed from his twin brother, and she couldn’t help but note how they looked better on Henley. Maybe she was just biased.
“I love the window seat. I definitely don’t mind.”
She smiled against the material resting against him, her arms wrapping around his right one as they waited to be let off the plane.
Being in first class, they would be allowed to exit first. Still, she would wait until the rest of first class emptied before they moved.
They walked to baggage claim hand in hand, and Everly totally forgot to take her phone off of airplane mode. They were only waiting a few moments before Everly heard her name being called out.
“Everly Presley Parker!” It was her mother, and she cringed at the use of her full name. “You need to answer your phone, young lady.”
Never ceasing to stun with her natural, elegance, her mother’s dark brown hair was ti
ed up in a bun and her big hazel eyes were lined with tasteful makeup. Her black button up was tucked into her khaki pants, showing off her slim physique. Her heels were clicking quickly in their direction, and Everly couldn’t help but wonder if her father was there yet.
She squeezed Henley’s hand, trying to give him some comfort in case he was nervous. Her mother was only a few feet from them when she finally spoke. “I forgot to take it off of airplane mode, mom. I’m sorry.”
Thin arms were around her before anything else was said, her connection to Henley being temporarily broken. They hugged for a long few moments before she pulled back. “And you must be Henley. Hi, I’m Ella.” Her mother had a gorgeous smile, and it was being directed at Henley.
Her mother pulled Henley into a hug, and after a few moments of shock, he returned it.
“Sorry about my mom, H. She’s a hugger.” They all laughed, and Everly looked around. “Where’s dad?”
Ella blew a quick breath from her lips. “He’s in an interview. He’ll be meeting us for dinner. Are you two hungry?”
“Starved.” Everly looked up to Henley, wrapping her fingers with his again. “What about you, babe?”
A light pink spread out over Henley’s cheeks, and she lifted her eyebrows. Was he blushing?
“I could eat,” he responded, his features softening as he directed his voice to Ella. “Thank you for this trip, Mrs. Parker. I really appreciate the invitation to accompany Everly.”
Ella slowly smiled, looking between the two of them before responding. “It’s our pleasure, Henley. We’re both very excited to meet who Everly likes so much.”
“Okayyyy, so our bags…” Everly’s face was red, and she pointed behind them as the track began moving.
“Alright, alright,” Ella said, shooing them towards their bags.
After a few minutes, their bags appeared on the belt. Henley grabbed Everly’s purple suitcase and his black one, and Everly thanked him quietly before following Everly’s mother to the parking.