I touch my now-plump lips. There’s cheering and clapping behind me. I turn my gaze toward the house and notice my roommates. I walk over to them.
“You never mentioned that you know Axle! That’s so exciting!” Lucy exclaims, bouncing enthusiastically beside me.
I give her a small smile.
“All those motorcycle club men are hot,” Cindy chimes in.
“So where did you meet him?” Jasmine asks, not sharing her friend’s enthusiasm.
“Uh, the restaurant.” I don’t want them to know it was on a dating app.
I like the attention Axle is giving me. Getting attention is new to me, and while he’s talking to me, I don’t want to share him, regardless of whether they have boyfriends or not.
“Cameron would have hated that,” Lia says with a laugh.
I think back and flinch. “Yes, he did. I’m going to go upstairs and relax before I start my shift.”
I dart up the stairs, close my bedroom door, and lie on my bed, confused. Axle’s a conundrum. A small part of me is still wary of him, but a much bigger part of me wants to learn more about him. He’s friendly and warm. There’s more to him than what a motorcycle club vest says. That he told me about parts of his life in such a vulnerable way has only increased my curiosity.
I don’t know what came over me, but I wanted to kiss him, and as soon as our lips touched, I couldn’t stop myself. I was drenched in his scent, his touch, his lips. A wave of euphoria unlike anything I had felt before surged through me. It was as if every cell in my body was buzzing, a sensation so intense that it left me breathless.
I wonder what he meant by not kissing women. He doesn’t seem like one to lie, so I gather it’s true, but it has me questioning why he kissedmethen.
I wish I was close to my sister Ava again so that I can talk to her about it. She got married and I guess she got busy. She doesn’t reply much anymore. I miss her so much, especially at times like this. While I don’t generally hate people, I’m angry at her husband for taking her away from me.
At workI’m just going through the motions. My mind is elsewhere. I’m quiet when Mel asks about the date, even though she’s persistent and asks me loads of questions. I keep it to a bare minimum and don’t dare say anything about the kiss.
After my shift, I get into my car and pull my phone out of my bag. There’s a message from Axle.
Axle
Hey babe, I enjoyed spending the morning with you. Your kiss was the sweetest thing I’ve ever tasted. When can I see you again?
I gasp, panicking. What if I gave him the wrong idea? I hastily respond.
I’m not having sex with you.
Hahaha chill, babe. I want to spend time with you again.
I gaze up and peer at the ocean. I wanted to experience life... It’s only another date. I refuse to look back and regret not taking a chance. It’s not often I’m noticed by a good-looking man like him.
I take a deep breath and type.
Okay, I’ll see you after work. Pick me up from my house.
Eight
Losing Control
Elena
My roommates werequiet last night, but as I creep down the stairs, I hear them. Of all the days I was hoping to sneak out of the house without seeing anyone, they just happen to all be awake. The girls are at the kitchen counter, Jasmine with a coffee and Lucy and Cindy eating cereal out of bowls.
As I walk in further, I spot Jeremy. “Here she is,” he says, and all eyes are on me. I swallow hard and smile.
As I walk to the coffee machine, Jeremy steps over toward me. “Axle from the motorcycle club, hey? I heard the War Brothers Motorcycle Club parties are epic. You’ll have to invite us when you go.”
“Oh yes,” Cindy chimes in.
