Authors: Yara Greathouse
Unavoidable (8 page)
When I can’t take it anymore, my eyes open wide and I start to peel my body away from
his, away from
him
. He uses his large hands in an attempt to pull me back in, but I am stronger than
the girls he is used to dealing with, and albeit he makes a good attempt, I pry loose
from his grip. When I start to walk away, his hand grabs mine and pulls me in, like
a well rehearsed dance move.
Dear God!
We are now face to face and I’m straddling his thigh. Giving me a sideway smile, that
beautiful smile with the slight crooked tooth in the bottom row, all my senses are
on full alert. I can smell his minty breath mixed with a sweet, cinnamon scent. He
winks at me, and places his cheek next to mine, one of his hands is still holding
my hand and his other arm is around me, they are such a sweet torturing device.
Since he is holding my right hand, I slowly move my left one from the top of his shoulder
down to his pec, I stop at his nipple, and I graze it with the tip of my index finger,
then flick it with my nail. It responds to my touch immediately, getting hard and
taut. Two can play this game. I look at him and lick my top lip. I see him inhale
deeply, closing his eyes and grunting. Smiling, I continue my south-bound exploration.
As my hand moves, my fingertips can feel every ridge, every line of his well-defined
abs. On the left side of my pelvis, I feel every inch of his most precious weapon.
It is long, thick and it is strong. I want to look down so bad, but I don’t. Instead,
I look up at him, and find that he’s looking at me with a tight jaw and stormy eyes.
Oh-oh, I think I may have gotten myself in a deep, sweet mess. That’s when mercifully
for me, the music set ends, and everyone stops dancing and leaves the dance floor.
He chuckles in my ear, and says “There is never a good time for this type of situation.”
He looks down at me and continues “I’m going to need your help – can you cover me
until we get to the table?”
“Sure thing. Just walk behind me.” I smile sympathetically at him, batting my eyelashes
a little while wrapping his arm around my neck leading him away from the dance floor.
Silently I wonder how I let myself fall into this situation, and yet I smile inside
my head because I loved every second of it.
Chapter 7
Colton
After a few minutes, I manage to calm myself from the overwhelming feelings I experienced
on the dance floor. Yeah, this girl is going to be my damnation. As I’m going to get
a drink, Traxx catches up with me. He slaps me on the back pretty hard and stares
me down.
“What? What’s that look for?”
“You are completely and utterly fucked.” He says to me and I really do not care for
the sarcastic undertone of his comment.
“What are you talking about? Give it to me straight Traxx, I ain’t got time for bullshit
and games.”
“You like her. I mean you
really, REALLY,
like her. I saw you on the dance floor. You got it
bad
. As a matter of fact, let me buy you a drink, my brother, because today is a day
to remember. I believe I am witnessing Colton Hensley falling for the first time.”
He gestures to the bartender for two beers.
I decide to play it off. “You are dreaming, Traxx. There is nothing like that going
on.”
“Oh yeah? Is that the best you’ve got? ‘Cause that was lame. Very, very lame.” He
hands me the cold, sweaty beer and we take a long swig. “Look, Colton. You are my
very best friend. I know that for years you have been going from girl to girl because
you don’t want to be ‘controlled.’ I have entertained that and never said anything
because I knew those girls you have been with in the past were meaningless flings,
but this…
this girl…
it is not the same. She is not the same as the others, Colton. This one can actually
get to you. She has a special something and I can tell you feel differently for her
than you have felt for the others. You can continue to deny it, but I’m giving you
a heads up. Now is the time to cut your losses, man. Now is the time to let go. Keep
it up and you’ll be gone too far.”
I look at him and realize he is really concerned. I know he is telling me the truth.
I don’t want to hear it, but he is telling me what I need to know. What I am avoiding
to see. Cutting my losses? I am barely breaking through. There is so much promise,
but I don’t know… I don’t know that I can let go right now, without knowing for sure
what it is that we have or could have together. Those few minutes that she was in
my arms and close, oh, so close. It was good. Really, really good. I want more. I
can’t do it. I want more of Brianna. I want all of her. No regrets.
“Sorry man. I have to find out what we could be together.” I shrug my shoulders and
give him an ‘I’m screwed’ look, then smile sadly. “I don’t know if I will be able
to make it happen because she is very resistant to have anything to do with me. But
every day we spend time together, I feel the walls cracking and giving in just a little.
I have to keep at it, because I really believe it’s going to be an experience that
will shake me to the core, and as scared as that statement makes me, it also gives
me an excitement and motivation that I never felt before.
This girl
has something good to offer, and I want her to offer it to me. To me, Traxx. Nobody
else but me. I want her like I have never wanted anyone ever. But I have to play it
smart. I have to make her realize I am worth the risk. Together we can be…
amazing
. She is amazing, and I will figure out how to make it happen. I just need more time.
Do you think I can get through to her, Traxx?” As I’m pouring my feelings to my best
friend, I turn to look at her. As if she is feeling me staring at her, she turns and
smiles, showing me that cute dimple. Her friend Ciara is making signals that I believe
mean for me to get them something to drink. I turn around to Traxx and sighing, I
tell him we need to get some pitchers for the table and quietly try to decide what
would be my next move.
Brianna
When I looked towards the bar, I notice that Colton was staring at me. I like that
he is, but he looks so… sad? What is going on? I turn toward Ciara, “Hey Ciara, does
Colton look sad to you? What do you think is going through his mind?”
“Girl, after looking at the two of you getting ready to rip each other’s clothes off
in front of everyone on the dance floor, I’d be a little sad that it was over before
we got started, know what I mean?”
“Yeah, I guess so. Now that you put it that way, maybe I am a little frustrated about
it, too. I thought we had a great time but maybe I misread the signals. Aw, naw… There
is no freaking way I misread the tree trunk I felt down there.” We both started to
laugh at this.
“Don’t you like him? I believe I remember you saying something about
really
liking him.” Ciara asks me straight up. There’s no beating around the bush when it
comes to Ciara. She should have been a CIA interrogator – she can be
that
intimidating and then some.
“Yeah, I really do…” I smile shyly at her.
“Then what is the problem? Remember, you made a promise to yourself to enjoy life
to the fullest.”
I pout my bottom lip, just a little. “Yeah, I remember. There is no problem… yet.
And that’s what I am afraid of. I am afraid he… I mean we can’t get too involved.
You know how I feel about serious relationships or couple
doom
.”
“After seeing the two of you together with all that chemistry, I don’t know how you
can resist him. It’s unnatural. Remember what I told you before, one day at a time.
You are young, just have fun.” She gestures to let me know the guys are coming back
to the table. “Don’t let him slip by. He can be really special for you.” She winks
at me, and I feel a hand rub my back. Colton sits down next to me and plays with my
long hair with the same hand. He looks at me wantonly.
“Brianna,” he says softly to get my attention, I look at him, “Where would you like
to go?” I look at him incredulously, my eyes popping out of their sockets.
“Down boy, what do you mean ‘where do I want to go?’ I know things were getting a
little heavy when we were dancing, but it doesn’t mean I’m gonna hit
that…
” I gesture towards his lap, “…in a broom closet or inside a vehicle. Is that what
you are thinking?”
“Whoa, down girl!” He smiles at me, “I mean on a date, where would you like to go
on a date. With me. Out. You know what I am talking about – right? A date where you
get dressed up, I come by your place and pick you up, we go somewhere to hang out
for a while. Talk. Share. Make memories. All that shit that girls love.”
“Okay, after that spiel, you are really making me wish we were talking about the broom
closet instead.” I make a gagging gesture. He laughs. “I don’t do dates Colton. I
have no idea where to go from here. Or if I even want to do anything with you. Sometimes
I am really tempted. Then I think about your record with the girls, and it feels like
I’m setting myself up for some hurting.”
“But I thought that you didn’t want anything serious, and I have never had anything
serious with anybody, so it seems we want the same things. Don’t we?”
I look at him while I am weighing my options. Suddenly, I feel a light kick on my
shin. I look up to see Ciara nodding at me. That little weasel’s been listening to
my conversation the entire time! Ugh! Then, suddenly, an idea pops in my head. I
turn back to Colton to tell him what I am thinking.
“Okay. I have a proposal that can solve our current predicament.”
He frowns a little then smiles. I notice Traxx is also paying attention. Geesh! This
table is full of freaking spies. “Here it goes. There is a karaoke showcase here,
tonight. It starts in just under an hour or so. You and I are going to have a karaoke
showdown. If you win, you will pick everything that pertains to an official ‘date.’
And, in turn, if I win, we will just “hang out” no date, no expectations. And, I get
to pick what we do. That’s the best I can do. What do ya’ say, deal or no deal?”
Colton
Did I hear this shit correctly? Is she really proposing a singing competition? My
eyes bounce from Traxx to Notso, because they really know – they have seen me win
many times in the past. I feel like I should say something about it to her, but why
bother her with details? I shrug my shoulder and ask her who is to decide who wins
between the two of us.
“The patrons will. We can talk to the emcee, and let him make the announcement.” She
says with a straight face. Is she pulling my leg? “Well, what’s it going to be? Are
you
skird
?” She smiles and pokes my belly with a finger…
“Not scared. It’s a deal!” We shake on it to formalize the bet. “I’m going to look
for the emcee to clue him in. I also have to pick a song. There is nothing better
that the right kind of motivation.” I rub my hands together and quickly leave the
table before anyone can change her mind. Traxx and Notso are laughing and shaking
their heads. I give them a dirty look and walk away thinking this cat is in the bag!
I find the emcee who greets me warmly with a hug. I explain the situation, grease
his palm with a fifty and go talk to the DJ to tell him what I want to sing. I head
back to the table to let Brianna know she can go pick her song now, and I walk outside
to get Alice from the truck. I can’t help but feel a little cocky over this. I mean,
what are the chances that she would suggest such a bet.
When I come back inside the club with Alice, the girls look at me with concern in
their eyes, then they look at each other and start talking a bit excitedly and pointing
at me first, then at the stage and I’m laughing my ass off on the inside. I get to
the table and Brianna asks me what is inside the case.
“Here, dear Brianna, is Alice – my very loved and very used guitar.” I say with feign
arrogance.
“And how long, exactly, have you been playing guitar?” She gives me a mean look. Hmm,
maybe I need to re-think the arrogance part of my skit. “Oh, a few years, give and
take.”
“Ha! I don’t believe you. I take it you can sing, too?” She is really getting worked
up over this. Forget it. I don’t need to be concerned. She should have done her research
before sealing the deal.
“Yes. Yes, I can sing.”
She points her index finger to my face, and says “You should have disclosed this information
before we shook on it. You play dirty.”
“Hey, perhaps
you
should have done your research before you challenged me. So it goes both ways. A
deal is a deal, you cannot back out now.” I smile smugly at her.
Colton
After a few minutes, I manage to calm myself from the overwhelming feelings I experienced
on the dance floor. Yeah, this girl is going to be my damnation. As I’m going to get
a drink, Traxx catches up with me. He slaps me on the back pretty hard and stares
me down.
“What? What’s that look for?”
“You are completely and utterly fucked.” He says to me and I really do not care for
the sarcastic undertone of his comment.
“What are you talking about? Give it to me straight Traxx, I ain’t got time for bullshit
and games.”
“You like her. I mean you
really, REALLY,
like her. I saw you on the dance floor. You got it
bad
. As a matter of fact, let me buy you a drink, my brother, because today is a day
to remember. I believe I am witnessing Colton Hensley falling for the first time.”
He gestures to the bartender for two beers.
I decide to play it off. “You are dreaming, Traxx. There is nothing like that going
on.”
“Oh yeah? Is that the best you’ve got? ‘Cause that was lame. Very, very lame.” He
hands me the cold, sweaty beer and we take a long swig. “Look, Colton. You are my
very best friend. I know that for years you have been going from girl to girl because
you don’t want to be ‘controlled.’ I have entertained that and never said anything
because I knew those girls you have been with in the past were meaningless flings,
but this…
this girl…
it is not the same. She is not the same as the others, Colton. This one can actually
get to you. She has a special something and I can tell you feel differently for her
than you have felt for the others. You can continue to deny it, but I’m giving you
a heads up. Now is the time to cut your losses, man. Now is the time to let go. Keep
it up and you’ll be gone too far.”
I look at him and realize he is really concerned. I know he is telling me the truth.
I don’t want to hear it, but he is telling me what I need to know. What I am avoiding
to see. Cutting my losses? I am barely breaking through. There is so much promise,
but I don’t know… I don’t know that I can let go right now, without knowing for sure
what it is that we have or could have together. Those few minutes that she was in
my arms and close, oh, so close. It was good. Really, really good. I want more. I
can’t do it. I want more of Brianna. I want all of her. No regrets.
“Sorry man. I have to find out what we could be together.” I shrug my shoulders and
give him an ‘I’m screwed’ look, then smile sadly. “I don’t know if I will be able
to make it happen because she is very resistant to have anything to do with me. But
every day we spend time together, I feel the walls cracking and giving in just a little.
I have to keep at it, because I really believe it’s going to be an experience that
will shake me to the core, and as scared as that statement makes me, it also gives
me an excitement and motivation that I never felt before.
This girl
has something good to offer, and I want her to offer it to me. To me, Traxx. Nobody
else but me. I want her like I have never wanted anyone ever. But I have to play it
smart. I have to make her realize I am worth the risk. Together we can be…
amazing
. She is amazing, and I will figure out how to make it happen. I just need more time.
Do you think I can get through to her, Traxx?” As I’m pouring my feelings to my best
friend, I turn to look at her. As if she is feeling me staring at her, she turns and
smiles, showing me that cute dimple. Her friend Ciara is making signals that I believe
mean for me to get them something to drink. I turn around to Traxx and sighing, I
tell him we need to get some pitchers for the table and quietly try to decide what
would be my next move.
Brianna
When I looked towards the bar, I notice that Colton was staring at me. I like that
he is, but he looks so… sad? What is going on? I turn toward Ciara, “Hey Ciara, does
Colton look sad to you? What do you think is going through his mind?”
“Girl, after looking at the two of you getting ready to rip each other’s clothes off
in front of everyone on the dance floor, I’d be a little sad that it was over before
we got started, know what I mean?”
“Yeah, I guess so. Now that you put it that way, maybe I am a little frustrated about
it, too. I thought we had a great time but maybe I misread the signals. Aw, naw… There
is no freaking way I misread the tree trunk I felt down there.” We both started to
laugh at this.
“Don’t you like him? I believe I remember you saying something about
really
liking him.” Ciara asks me straight up. There’s no beating around the bush when it
comes to Ciara. She should have been a CIA interrogator – she can be
that
intimidating and then some.
“Yeah, I really do…” I smile shyly at her.
“Then what is the problem? Remember, you made a promise to yourself to enjoy life
to the fullest.”
I pout my bottom lip, just a little. “Yeah, I remember. There is no problem… yet.
And that’s what I am afraid of. I am afraid he… I mean we can’t get too involved.
You know how I feel about serious relationships or couple
doom
.”
“After seeing the two of you together with all that chemistry, I don’t know how you
can resist him. It’s unnatural. Remember what I told you before, one day at a time.
You are young, just have fun.” She gestures to let me know the guys are coming back
to the table. “Don’t let him slip by. He can be really special for you.” She winks
at me, and I feel a hand rub my back. Colton sits down next to me and plays with my
long hair with the same hand. He looks at me wantonly.
“Brianna,” he says softly to get my attention, I look at him, “Where would you like
to go?” I look at him incredulously, my eyes popping out of their sockets.
“Down boy, what do you mean ‘where do I want to go?’ I know things were getting a
little heavy when we were dancing, but it doesn’t mean I’m gonna hit
that…
” I gesture towards his lap, “…in a broom closet or inside a vehicle. Is that what
you are thinking?”
“Whoa, down girl!” He smiles at me, “I mean on a date, where would you like to go
on a date. With me. Out. You know what I am talking about – right? A date where you
get dressed up, I come by your place and pick you up, we go somewhere to hang out
for a while. Talk. Share. Make memories. All that shit that girls love.”
“Okay, after that spiel, you are really making me wish we were talking about the broom
closet instead.” I make a gagging gesture. He laughs. “I don’t do dates Colton. I
have no idea where to go from here. Or if I even want to do anything with you. Sometimes
I am really tempted. Then I think about your record with the girls, and it feels like
I’m setting myself up for some hurting.”
“But I thought that you didn’t want anything serious, and I have never had anything
serious with anybody, so it seems we want the same things. Don’t we?”
I look at him while I am weighing my options. Suddenly, I feel a light kick on my
shin. I look up to see Ciara nodding at me. That little weasel’s been listening to
my conversation the entire time! Ugh! Then, suddenly, an idea pops in my head. I
turn back to Colton to tell him what I am thinking.
“Okay. I have a proposal that can solve our current predicament.”
He frowns a little then smiles. I notice Traxx is also paying attention. Geesh! This
table is full of freaking spies. “Here it goes. There is a karaoke showcase here,
tonight. It starts in just under an hour or so. You and I are going to have a karaoke
showdown. If you win, you will pick everything that pertains to an official ‘date.’
And, in turn, if I win, we will just “hang out” no date, no expectations. And, I get
to pick what we do. That’s the best I can do. What do ya’ say, deal or no deal?”
Colton
Did I hear this shit correctly? Is she really proposing a singing competition? My
eyes bounce from Traxx to Notso, because they really know – they have seen me win
many times in the past. I feel like I should say something about it to her, but why
bother her with details? I shrug my shoulder and ask her who is to decide who wins
between the two of us.
“The patrons will. We can talk to the emcee, and let him make the announcement.” She
says with a straight face. Is she pulling my leg? “Well, what’s it going to be? Are
you
skird
?” She smiles and pokes my belly with a finger…
“Not scared. It’s a deal!” We shake on it to formalize the bet. “I’m going to look
for the emcee to clue him in. I also have to pick a song. There is nothing better
that the right kind of motivation.” I rub my hands together and quickly leave the
table before anyone can change her mind. Traxx and Notso are laughing and shaking
their heads. I give them a dirty look and walk away thinking this cat is in the bag!
I find the emcee who greets me warmly with a hug. I explain the situation, grease
his palm with a fifty and go talk to the DJ to tell him what I want to sing. I head
back to the table to let Brianna know she can go pick her song now, and I walk outside
to get Alice from the truck. I can’t help but feel a little cocky over this. I mean,
what are the chances that she would suggest such a bet.
When I come back inside the club with Alice, the girls look at me with concern in
their eyes, then they look at each other and start talking a bit excitedly and pointing
at me first, then at the stage and I’m laughing my ass off on the inside. I get to
the table and Brianna asks me what is inside the case.
“Here, dear Brianna, is Alice – my very loved and very used guitar.” I say with feign
arrogance.
“And how long, exactly, have you been playing guitar?” She gives me a mean look. Hmm,
maybe I need to re-think the arrogance part of my skit. “Oh, a few years, give and
take.”
“Ha! I don’t believe you. I take it you can sing, too?” She is really getting worked
up over this. Forget it. I don’t need to be concerned. She should have done her research
before sealing the deal.
“Yes. Yes, I can sing.”
She points her index finger to my face, and says “You should have disclosed this information
before we shook on it. You play dirty.”
“Hey, perhaps
you
should have done your research before you challenged me. So it goes both ways. A
deal is a deal, you cannot back out now.” I smile smugly at her.
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