“What do y’all wanna watch?” Mike says as he pulls a slice of pizza out of the box.
Lena and I grab plates and pizza slices, then sit down with the guys.
“I vote for a comedy,” Lena says, taking a bite of her pizza.
“What about you?” Jake asks me.
“Comedy is good with me too.”
“Comedy it is then.” Jake fiddles with the remote.
“Who lives here with you?” I ask Ethan.
“Just these two fools,” he says, smiling.
Mike starts the movie as we all get comfortable on the couches. The movie is hilarious, which makes Jake and Mike even more determined to be obnoxious throughout, cracking everyone up with their additional commentary. Once again, I end up curled into Ethan, with his arm draped over me. It’s strange how we’re constantly finding ourselves in these intimate positions.
* * *
Club remixes are playingthroughout the apartment as Lena and I dress to go clubbing at The Falls with Caleb and his roommates. I decide on a pair of black skinny jeans with a red spaghetti-strap crop top that has sequins and beads sewn in abstract patterns, and a pair of black platform heels.
I open the door for Caleb, giving him a huge smile while cocking a brow. He gives me a slow once over before looking me in the eyes again. His smile calms any nerves I had about him objecting to my outfit.
“What have I got here?” He places his hands on my hips and leans in for a passionate kiss.
I pull away, catching my breath. I am completely taken with his greeting and appearance. The tailored, slim-fit button-down gray shirt he is wearing shows his fit, muscular body.
“No complaints?” I give him my most innocent pout.
“None, but you are staying by my side all evening.” He winks at me.
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” I slide my hands up his chest, enjoying the feel of him while leaning in for another kiss.
“Get a room!” Lena says giggling. Caleb takes my hand, leading me to my room. “Never mind, don’t. I’m ready to go dancing!” She laughs harder.
The music is thumping,and the dance floor is packed with bodies as we walk through the club. Caleb pulls a bar stool out for me and stands behind me with his arms wrapped around my waist. Caleb is relaxed, like his easygoing roommates. He’s by my side, stroking my arms, kissing my neck, or just wrapped around me. I’m breathing easier with no conflict, and while I’m enjoying his attention, I can’t help a strange feeling—is it possessive or affectionate?
“Let’s dance,” Caleb whispers in my ear, trailing a line of kisses down my neck to my shoulder before grabbing my hand, pulling me up, and leading me to the dance floor.
He brings me flush against his body, holding me close. I look up at him, and he captures my mouth hungrily. He pulls away with a fire in his eyes. I enjoy the feeling of his chest under my hands while his hands caress my back and slide down to my hips. I feel his fingertips trace the band of my jeans on my bare skin, and this sends shivers up and down my body. He turns me around so that my back is against his chest. One hand glides around to my stomach while his other slides down my hip as his lips and tongue explore my neck.
I haven’t seriously considered sex because of all the fights and his temperament, but tonight my resolve has begun to slightly break. Am I ready?
After a few of songs, my feet begin to protest the heels I’m wearing, so we head back to the table for drinks. I look around for Lena but don’t see her anywhere. I tell Caleb I’m going to look for her. I find her talking to a couple of guys in a smaller bar on the side of the club. As I approach the group, I notice Lena’s eyes are not focused, and she slurs her words when she welcomes me. One of the guys at the bar tries to place his arm around me and pull me toward him, but I move away.
I grab Lena’s hand. “We’re leaving. Sorry.”
“Back up, sweetheart. She’s staying here with us,” one of the guys says.
While I don’t want to leave her, I can’t get her away by myself.
I rush to our table to get Caleb. He, Jason, and Wes walk over with me to where Lena is barely standing.
“Sorry, guys, but we need to take her home,” Caleb tells the guys while taking her arm to help her walk.
“I don’t think so, asshole. She’s with us,” one of them tells Caleb removing his hand from Lena and bringing her closer to him.
“Look I don’t want to start shit with y’all, but this is my girlfriend’s roommate, and I need to take her home.”