Chapter 18
Not what I expected.
Chelsea sat cross-legged on her bed, watching me pack my small suitcase for my weekend with Carter. “You sure you ready? Maybe you should tell him you’re a virgin. I’m scared he might be rough because he thinks you’re used to sex.”
“I can’t now. I’d rather wait until we get closer. If we become a couple, I’ll tell him. He’s already skittish about me breaking up with Grey and what that means for him and me.” I zipped up my bag and sat next to Chelsea. “You think it’s going to be obvious that I’ve never had sex?”
She shrugged. “All I know is that man has been trying to have sex with you for over a month and wants the whole weekend. Thinking some freaky shit will happen at some point. He’s a football player full of energy and aggression. Guarantee he’s ready for Pound Town. And if he’s thick as you say he is...definitely, some hurting will happen. If your body can take it, it will get easier the more he hits it. It’ll feel so damn good. You’ll be wanting him to fuck you hard before the weekend is over.” Chelsea smiled wickedly. “Can’t wait until you tell me how nasty he is. He’s so quiet around campus, yet his dick game energy is undeniable.”
With my cell in hand, I flopped back on the bed and lamented, “I’ve been waiting for this moment forever. Now I’m afraid I won’t know how to please him. He’s had plenty of women with experience.”
“No doubt.” Chelsea joined me, and we both stared at the ceiling. “Here’s the thing. Carter seems to like you. More than just a hit it and quit it. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Let it flow, Darren. Don’t overthink, or you’ll ruin it.”
Thinking too much had always been my problem. Grey would say that’s the reason I’d never had a boyfriend. I would emphasize too much if he were the right guy or the guy I’d envision as mine and not enjoy the moment. I missed Grey terribly. In the past, the three of us would be here strategizing my night with Carter. It had been four days since the argument, and we’d never gone more than a day without communicating.
“Have you heard from Grey?”
“Yeah. He texted to let me know he made it to Austin and would return on Sunday.”
“So, he’s coming back home?” I tried to hide the eagerness in my voice. I’d been worried that he wasn’t ever going to come back.
“Um...until you tell Carter the truth, you better be glad Grey hasn’t been home. That’s probably why you haven’t heard from Carter. He’s probably thinking that you’ve been with Grey, and the way you’ve been moping, you might have given Grey some if he came home.”
“I wouldn’t hurt Carter that way after I made it clear that Grey isn’t my person.”
Chelsea pointed at me. “Hah...but you didn’t say you wouldn’t have sex with Grey.”
I rolled my eyes. “That goes without saying, Chels. Grey and I have never had a fight. I miss Grey as I missed you when you were gone for most of the summer.”
Chelsea snorted. “Girl, please. You and I haven’t kissed, and we will never kiss. Please don’t lump Grey and me in the same category. Just pray Carter calls you so you can get fucked andpush Grey out of your mind. I need this tension to blow over because it’s hard living here when you two aren’t speaking.”
I hadn’t seen or heard from Carter since he dropped me off on campus the following morning. He’d given me his credit card and told me to book the room and wait until today to send him details. He wanted to give me the space if I decided to change my mind. He promised not to pressure me. I told him I wouldn’t change my mind, and he seemed skeptical, but he kissed me goodbye. I still hadn’t heard from him, even though I texted him the hotel reservations earlier today. A nagging part of me worried he would stand me up when two hours passed and no word from him. Then again, he trusted me enough to give me his credit card. Sooner or later, he would have to get it from me.
I turned on my side, facing Chelsea, who remained on her back. “What if Grey is right about Carter?”
She glanced at me. “That he’s just about the sex?”
“Yeah.”
“Then you have to decide if that’s enough. For me, it is. I love sex. Especially no-strings-attached sex. Being single again reminded me of what I liked about being single. The freedom of seeing whoever the fuck you want. The freedom of doing whatever the fuck you want. However, you feel, don’t turn this into anger toward Carter if it’s just sex for him. He’s been pretty clear he doesn’t want a relationship.”
“Then he’s giving mixed signals. Even you said he’s hubby material,” I pointed out.
“Yeah, but he’s been ghost this whole week. Has he even texted you yet about tonight? That’s fuck boi material. I’ve been known to be wrong a time or two. Like a boyfriend I thought could be faithful.” Chelsea pushed up to rest against the silver and gray headboard. “Tomorrow, you turn twenty-one, and that only happens once. If he calls, which I’m almost certain he will,he’s already paid for a nice hotel on your birthday weekend. Fuck that man’s brains out. Worry about his motives later.”
Before I could respond, my cell pinged, and I squealed when I saw Carter’s name.
Sorry. It’s been a crazy week. Can’t wait to see your pretty face. Go ahead and check in. I have to go to an event with the team. We have a last-minute team building. I promise I won’t be out late. Should be with you no later than 8, and the rest of the weekend I’m all yours, like we planned. 3:35 pm
I danced around the room while Chelsea, wearing a slight grin, shook her head. “Guess that means he’s coming.”
I winked. “Oh, he’s definitely coming tonight. And tomorrow...and Sunday before we leave the hotel.”
Chelsea howled. “I love this feisty side of you. Matches that hair and fit.”
I twirled, showing off my long, thin braids that reached my lower back. I wore a red short jumper that stopped mid-thigh, showing off my best assets, and nude heels. My makeup and jewelry were all gold and glitter. “I’m finally ready.”
Chelsea smiled. “Yeah, you are.”
