Lovely, page 12
She places her hands on her hips. “Ash, don’t we have to go?” She waves a finger back and forth in front of my face. “We mustn’t keep Cara waiting.”
Well, she’s right about that. “Alright, let’s go.”
Before I back out of the driveway, I turn to face Delilah. “So listen, behave yourself. Just be nice to Cara, okay?”
She hands me a cold stare. “When am I ever anything but nice to your friends, Ash?”
“Alright, alright.” I turn up the CD so she can hear Maroon 5 and I can lighten the mood.
When we get to Cara’s, I leave the motor running, walk up to the door, and ring the doorbell. She answers the door with a smile and I’m taken completely aback. My eyes roam her body, drinking her in. She’s all legs in a short denim skirt accented by a fitted chocolate brown tank that makes her tits look fucking incredible. Her hair flows in waves over her cream-colored skin, her cheeks blushed a soft pink, and her full lips, are well, perfect. She’s beautiful.
I’m staring and I can’t seem to form any words, or thoughts for that matter.
“Ash, you okay?”
More than okay. “Yeah … Y-You look … great.”
“Thanks.”
For a second, I think I catch her checking me out, but it could just be wishful thinking on my part. My eyes rove her body again. “You really do look … nice.”
“So do you,” she says, grabbing her purse and locking the door behind her.
I open the back door of the car and Cara slides in. “Hey, Delilah.”
Delilah swivels around, appraising Cara and smiling. “Hey, Cara, what’s up?”
We make small talk on the way to Rona’s, Cara and Delilah bonding instantly, chatting about some new shop that opened at the mall. And shoes. Here we go again with the shoes.
It’s really crowded when we arrive at the bar. The place isn’t very big, so bodies are packed tightly together. I spot Charlie, Julie, and a couple of our other friends at a table near the back. We make our way through pockets of sweat, our feet sticking to the floor that’s heavily doused with drink. The smell of alcohol fills our noses and the sound of music vibrates loudly in our ears. I stay glued to Cara’s side so I don’t lose her.
“Hey, Jason, Charlie, Julie, what’s up?” I greet them. “This is my friend, Cara.”
Cara says hello and bowls everyone over with that amazing smile of hers.
Jason flashes me a mischievous grin, his eyes moving from me to Cara, then back again. I want to scowl at him, but standing next to Cara, the only thing my mouth wants to do is smile.
Well, not the only thing.
Jason immediately eyes Delilah, taking in that sultry outfit that she shouldn’t be wearing outside of the house. I can feel his eyes burning a hole through her tank. “Hey, Liles.”
I motion toward the bar. “What can I get everyone to drink?”
Delilah instantly links arms with Cara. “We’ll take care of it. What do you guys want?”
After everyone gives their drink orders, the two of them walk off. Delilah’s getting chummy with Cara. This can’t be good.
They come back a few minutes later with a round of beers. Interesting; I didn’t peg Cara for a beer drinker. We all take our seats around the table, and somehow our pal Charlie ends up next to Cara and I end up next to Delilah. Shit. We’re all hanging out, listening to music, and having a good time. Every now and then I glance over at Cara and she gives me a genuine smile. This last time I look over, I watch as she tips the beer bottle to her perfect lips, wraps them around the rim, and tilts her head back, the warm liquid sliding down her delicate throat as she swallows. Holy hell. I have to reach down and adjust myself.
Jason gives Cara the once over and I quirk a threatening brow at him that has no effect. “So … Ash tells me you’re a poet!” he shouts over the thundering beat of the music.
Cara flashes her shy smile around the table. “I don’t know about that. It’s more a hobby of mine.”
He takes a swig of beer and points a finger at me. “Well, maybe you can teach the Master of Everything a thing or two.”
“Master of Everything?” Cara laughs. “I’m intrigued. Tell me more.”
Jason chuckles as he looks at me, downs the last of his beer, and flicks the cap off another one. “Yes,” he says as he brings his eyes over to Cara. “You have no idea what it’s like being best friends with this guy. He’d be pitching while I was in the outfield, he’d be up front in chorus while the music teacher stuffed the quirky kid with the glasses as far away in the back as possible … it was like living in the shadow of greatness.” He laughs, and it’s a hearty one. “Of course, that was long before my dashing good looks, contacts, and rock hard body kicked in.”
That’s Jason, though, and that’s why I love him. He’s the class clown, the life of the party, the ultimate comedian, which is clearly evident now in the howls of laughter shooting around the table. My eyes land on my sister, who’s not only giggling but has a dreamy glow in her eyes, causing me to roll mine.
Jason puts his hands on either side of his head and groans, then lifts it with a warm smile. “What can I say, though? I love the guy.” He rounds the table and grips me from behind in a bear hug.
Everyone at the table breaks out in laughter. I shake him off of me, slightly embarrassed. “Okay, okay, enough of the melodrama.”
Cara leans forward with interest and jumps right into the conversation. “Oh no, I want to hear more!”
He pulls his chair over, scraping it against the floor, and squeezes in next to her. Swinging his arm over her shoulder and huddling close, he whispers, “we’ll talk.”
I roll my eyes. “Okay, okay, break it up.”
He smirks and mouths over Cara’s head, “I’m not trying to steal your girl.”
I know he’s not, and technically she’s not my girl, but that doesn’t mean I want him telling her my life story.
A slow song with a sultry beat comes on and distracts Jason because he gets up and walks over to Delilah. “Hey, Liles, wanna dance?”
Delilah stands up from her chair and I get up from mine. I lean over to Jason and whisper, “if your hand touches her ass, I’m kicking yours.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, man, I’ve got it.” He shoulder punches me and walks toward the dance floor with Delilah, leaving Cara, Charlie and me alone at the table.
I’m just about to ask Cara to dance when Charlie beats me to it. She gets up to join him, but not before tossing a smile my way.
Fuck.
I sit there biting the inside of my lip, my clenched fists opening and closing as I watch Charlie wrap his arms around Cara. She’s smiling and they’re deep in conversation. As if that isn’t bad enough, Charlie flexes his arm out to spin her and she twirls back into him. I feel my fists ball up and my chest tighten. What does he think this is? Fucking Dancing with the Stars? The icing on the cake, though? He dips her low, his face hovering over her, and I watch as his mouth comes within inches of hers. If his lips make one wrong move, even by accident, there’s one more ass I’ll be kicking tonight.
When I’ve finally had enough, and my heart can’t take anymore, I get my ass up and walk over to them. I tap Charlie on the shoulder. “Hey, man, can I cut in?”
“Oh, sure, Ash,” he responds without putting up a fight.
Lucky for him. I reach down and take Cara’s hand. “Come on, let’s dance.”
I lock my arms around her waist and she wraps her arms around my neck. The close proximity of our faces allows me to inhale her clean, fresh scent. I look up into her eyes. “You know, you didn’t give me much resistance about cutting in on you and your dance partner.”
Her eyes sparkle. “Don’t tell anyone,” she whispers, “but I think you might be wearing me down.”
My mouth suddenly feels dry and I wet my lips. “Really? I thought I was disgusting.”
“Oh you are,” she replies with a smirk. “Utterly.” She rests her head on my shoulder as we sway to the slow timbre of “Angel” by Simply Red.
I exhale a deep, contented sigh. Closing my eyes, I rest my chin on Cara’s head, the scent of strawberry shampoo filling my nose, her nearness causing my pulse to race. The feeling at this moment is absolute bliss. I breathe her in again.
She raises her head off my shoulder. “Are you sniffing my hair?”
“Not really … but I can’t help it if you smell good.”
She moves in closer and I still, feeling the tip of her nose graze the skin on my neck. “Yeah, you smell good, too.”
Holy shit.
The song regretfully ends but our bodies are still swaying. She finally stops moving and backs away, but still craving that connection, I have to resist the urge to lure her back to me.
“Ash, the song’s over.”
Reluctantly, I step away from her. “Oh yeah. I didn’t notice.”
She smiles and I place my hand on the small of her back to usher her over to the table. This time I take the seat next to her. Charlie will have to find another spot; this one is most definitely taken.
A few minutes later, they announce that open mic is starting up. As soon as they do I get attacked from all sides, everyone bombarding me at once. “Ash, you’re gonna play guitar tonight, right?”
“Yeah, come on, Ash,” Jason adds. “We want to hear you belt it out. One of your panty-dropping songs.”
Really nice. Thanks, dude.
It’s been so long since I’ve played, my guitar at home is collecting dust. The last time I picked it up, Dad and I were in the garage tossing around lyrics. We were planning to write a song together, but it never happened. It’s not like I’ve forgotten how to play—the moment I close my eyes, the music simply carries me away. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it before now. But then I look over at Cara. Her eyes are alight with excitement and suddenly I feel something fluttering in my chest … I think it might be hope.
She prods me with her arm. “Sing something. After all, I’ve only heard the parking lot serenade.”
“Okay,” I say, my voice hesitant, “but I don’t have my guitar.”
Delilah looks up on stage. “John’s got his guitar up there. I’m sure you can use that.”
I kick my chair back with my foot and stand up. Cara kisses my cheek. “For luck,” she says.
Okay, she must be drunk.
There’s a ton of hooting and hollering, most of it coming from our table, as I make my way to the stage. I grab John’s guitar and take a seat in front of the mic.
Rona’s voice comes through the speakers. “Let’s welcome back one of our favorites—give a warm welcome to Ashton Taylor.”
The lights dim and the bar comes to life with slurred screams and hollers, various glasses raised in cheer, and drinks sloshing around. Our table is in clear view and Cara’s eyes are locked on the stage. After giving her a quick wink, I clear my throat, close my eyes, and begin strumming a guitar riff, my fingers caressing the melody as I let the music and the feeling roll over me, the words of “Angels Don’t Always Have Wings” by Tall Moon pour from my mouth.
“Hmmm … mmm … mmm …
I once saw a girl
She came to me in a dream
She stepped in front of me
And I was blinded by her light
By her smile
By her heart
She was beautiful
I didn’t know it
But she was an angel
Guiding me with her light
I didn’t know it
There were no wings in sight
But she was an angel
She was my angel
She took my hand and we took flight
She was my angel
Hmmm … mmm … mmm …
She was my angel
Hmmm … mmm … mmm …”
When the music leaves me and my eyes open again, I’m blinded by the lights now surrounding me. The sounds of applause are deafening, but yet I can barely hear them. My sole focus is on Cara. It’s hard to tell if she’s looking my way as I’m overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught of light. I wonder if she knows I was singing to her. I hope so.
I set the guitar down carefully in the corner and walk down the steps and off the stage. I feel my feet quickening in time with my heartbeat as I attempt to get to Cara. The path of women pawing at me as I walk by seems a mile long, but they can’t get my attention. My focus is on one woman and one woman only. Keeping my eyes glued to Cara, I find my way back to the table, a bunch of “congrats” shouted out to me and both Charlie and Jason slapping me on the back when I arrive.
Jason gives me a high five. “That was awesome, dude. I wish I had your voice.”
I sit back down next to Cara and Delilah walks over and whispers, “that was amazing, Ash.” She warmly taps my shoulder before taking her seat again.
Cara leans over, pressing her lips to my cheek in a lingering kiss.
My whole body reacts, a shudder running straight through me.
“That was … beautiful, Ash. You’re really talented.”
I let myself roam the intensity of her beauty. The eyes that with one look brighten my world, the way her lips curve up soft and pink like the petals of a rose, her skin just like silk, the angle of her cheekbone, and finally back to where I started. “Thank you.”
We all continue to drink while a couple more daring participants take the stage. I can’t help wishing I was back on the dance floor with Cara, her in my arms, bewitching me.
After a few more beers, we’ve all just about had it for the night. There were a couple of designated drivers including Julie, who’s now driving us home in my car. Delilah’s in the front with Julie and Cara and I are in the back. Cara’s humming lazily to the music and giggling softly. Our thighs are brushing and her head is resting on my shoulder, her scent intoxicating me.
When we arrive at Cara’s house, I get out of the car and reach my hand in to lead her out. I grab her and she stumbles forward, falling right into the hard muscles of my chest. I wrap my arms around her and hear her breathe deeply and slowly through her nose. She looks up at me, hysterical giggles causing her body to shake.
“What’s so funny?”
“You … sm-smell … g-good …,” she slurs, her body practically going limp against me.
“You’re drunk,” I retort, relishing in the feel of her warm body pushed up against mine. I can feel the steady beat of her heart blending with my own.
“May … be … j-just a l-little,” she chuckles, “but you still … smell … mmm … and … you’re s-so … s-strong …” She hiccups as she starts to squeeze and knead the biceps of my arms.
Holy Shit. “Come on, Cara. Let me get you inside.” I scoop her up under her knees and she lets out a tiny squeal, then relaxes and buries her head in my neck. I take her keys with one hand while my other one grips her firmly, trying not to let her drop while keeping as far away from her ass as possible. When we’re inside, I throw the keys on the table beside the door and carry her up the stairs. Mid-way, I feel her wet lips against my neck and I’m halted … and now hard as a freaking rock. My heart races and a bead of sweat forms on my brow.
“Cara,” I whisper, “what are you doing?”
I swear a tiny moan leaves her throat. The sound is incredible. “I wanted to see if … if you … t-taste as g-good … as … you … s-smell …”
Jesus.
Carrying her the rest of the way without exploding in my pants, is a barely-attainable feat. When I make it to her room, I set her down on her feet. She’s wobbly and her eyes are drifting closed, so I walk her backwards and sit her down on the bed, removing her heels. She instantly tips over, her legs parting and her arms going above her head. I see the edge of her black lace panties and realize I’ve got to get out of here … like, now.
For a second, I consider undressing her so she can be more comfortable, but think better of it because that might be my undoing. I roll back the covers and place my hands under her arms, easing her beneath them. Her curls are a tousled mess, happy sighs are leaving her mouth, and her lips are turned up in a euphoric smile. She looks freaking adorable and ridiculously sexy. Bringing the covers up and over her body, I press a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Goodnight, beauty.”
I limp back to the car. Delilah instantly flings her arm over the leather and turns around to face me. “What the heck took you so long?”
My head hits the back of the seat, thoughts of staying with Cara while she slept it off invading my mind. “She had a bit too much to drink.”
Delilah looks to Julie and they both snicker at the same time. “We thought you two were getting it on up there.”
I wish.
I cross my arms over my chest. “Nice, Delilah, and you say that’s all I ever think about. You girls are just as bad.”
Julie puckers her lips and mouths something to Delilah I can’t make out, like they’re privy to some secret.
“What are you two witches cackling about?” Something tells me it might have something to do with Jason, but I’m not interested in getting into that with her right now.
“So, Ash,” Delilah says.
“So, Delilah,” I reply.
She raises her perfectly plucked brow. “Well … It was fun hanging out with Cara tonight. I feel a bit bad because I totally misjudged her. She’s actually really cool. I mean, I like her.”
A smile touches my lips. “Yeah, I like her, too.”
Julie chimes in. “Well, I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual.”
“Julie, what does that mean?” I ask, like a guy who’s stuck on a deserted island and will do anything to find that one coconut. “If you’ve got some inside scoop, I want it. I’m willing to pay dearly for it, too.”
“Hmmm,” she responds, “like maybe setting me up with Charlie?”
“Charlie?” I say, surprised. “I never would have guessed. But hey, whatever it takes, now spill.”
We come to a red light and Julie shifts in her seat. “Okay, so the whole time you were singing, she couldn’t take her eyes off of you. And … I just happened to notice the way she was checking you out the rest of the night. Women have a sixth sense about these things. Trust me.”
