~~~
Saturday was a beautiful day. And I woke up with a huge grin on my face. Not.
Instead, I was woken up by my annoying brother who was playing ‘Turn down for what’ at the highest volume, I bet people in Africa could hear it. I was surprised our neighbors, a couple of 40-something hadn’t banged on our doors threatening to kill us if we didn’t stop the racket. They were completely against technology or any new trend, they would be good Luddites.
I pulled a pillow over my ear, groaning lightly. “Joseph turns down that damn volume” I shouted, my voice drowning in the song.
I gritted my teeth, this is definitely not a good way to wake up that too on a holiday. “Mom, tell Josh to shut up!”
After receiving no reply and the song continuing to play at the highest volume, I stood up furiously. “MOM!” No reply. “Mother! Ma! Amma! Mummy! Momma! MOM!! Omma!”
I stamped downstairs angrily. I could only imagine how I looked, a bit of drool on the side of the lip, hair standing in all directions, eyes blazing with fire, fists clenched and lips twisted in annoyance. Oh yeah, beautiful.
As soon as I reached downstairs, I opened my mouth to shout but stopped short at the scene in front of me. My younger irksome brother was twerking to DJ Snake’s song. And after blinking a few times, I promptly fell down in a life-threatening laughing fit.
I didn’t even realize the music had stopped, I was too busy wiping my tears and clutching my stomach as I rolled on the floor, guffawing loudly. Josh pulled me up and I landed on the couch still laughing.
“Okay, that’s enough.”
I nodded and pressed my lips. I stared at my embarrassed brother dawning an aggravated look for a few seconds before starting to guffaw again. “What the fuck was that?” I managed to ask in between breaths.
“Imitation of Nicki Minaj.”
I slapped my brother’s arm. “Dear brother if your ass is Australia then hers is Eurasia.”
“Shut up and get ready.” Josh said, walking into the kitchen.
I simply sat on the couch, the image of my brother shaking his ass in the air still fresh. I chuckled as I got up, following him. “Don’t let anyone see you twerk, they’ll run away to Antarctica.”
He turned and stuck his tongue out. Mature, Joseph, mature. “You seem to love Geography today.”
I nodded, opening the refrigerator and picking my blue water bottle. “The world’s latitudes and longitudes are so interesting.” I snorted. “Where’s mom?”
“God knows.” He said, catching the toast that flew out of the toaster. He passed a yellow post-it.
‘Dear annoying children, I am going out and I’ll be back late. Until then there are some leftovers and no money in the house. Joseph, NO PARTYING. And Racheal calls when you leave for the beach. I want the house clean when I come back. Wash the dishes and do the laundry. You know the rules. Don’t give me reasons to make you two homeless. Love you, your wonderful and sweet mom.’
“Mom will never change.” I breathed out, shaking my head at the last sentence.
“I know, now go and get ready. I may approve of Colton but that doesn’t mean I will let him stay here waiting for you while you drown yourself in make-up.” Josh muttered, stuffing the bread in his mouth.
I slapped the back of his head as I went upstairs. “I don’t drown in make-up. Mom should be writing one annoying child not children.”
“Yeah meaning you.”
I rolled my eyes and slammed the door shut looking at the clock-8. 15. Shoot I only have 45 minutes until Colton comes to pick me up. Luckily I had already packed the bag night before. I ran into the shower with my towel and got ready within 35 minutes.
Not bad considering I usually take a 30-minute shower. I applied another coat of lip gloss as I remembered the seducing tips I had almost by heart by now.
Bite and lick your lips while your eyes wander all over him.
I was even wearing high waist blue shorts that showed off my moisturized long legs and a white crop top with a sleeveless denim jacket. My hair was up in a messy bun that took me over 10 minutes to make and my bangs were side-swept. Messy buns aren’t that easy to do, contrary to popular beliefs.
I rubbed my palms gleefully. This is going to be fun unless I end up looking like a strangled seal instead of a seductive queen. Then I would have to Google how to avoid your crush until death.
I checked my bag again. Red bikini, check. A blue bikini, check. White shorts, check. Sexy tops, check. The sexy nightwear I bought from Amazon, check. Short dress, check. Razors, check. Sunscreen lotion, check. Lingerie, check. Red lipstick, check. Scale, check.
I frowned at the scale, that had been the result of reading 50 shades and the pool scene, but now I wasn’t feeling sure about it. I blew a heavy breath hoping I don’t have to use it. Who was I kidding? I was definitely not using it. Finally, condoms, check.
My eyes froze on the condom box, what am I even thinking? He will obviously have condoms. On the other hand, we aren’t even going to have sex so it doesn’t matter who brings or doesn’t. My inner sex queen pouted and banged on the table demanding release. Gulping, I pushed the box at the bottom of the bag and covered it with my clothes. Don’t go that far! Make him suffer. I chided myself.
The doorbell snapped me out of my thoughts and I picked up the bag, walking downstairs. Josh stood with the door open and a menacing look on his face. “Don’t you dare bang my sister. Just because I talk to you doesn’t mean I like you.”
Colton had a bored look on his face. “I’ll do whatever I want with her consent, I don’t need yours.” He pushed Josh aside and entered, gaping at me. His eyes scanned my body, stopping at the legs. He blinked and visibly gulped.
I did a mental fist pump. Those squats and watching YouTube videos to get lean legs and a flat stomach seemed to be working. Although there was still little fat on the thighs and stomach, it was okay. You don’t need to be a size 0 to look beautiful.
I bit my lip and scanned his body. Even without trying, he looked hot. He was dressed in a dark blue V-neck that defined his well-maintained chest and light blue low-waist jeans that fit him perfectly. His hair was in a mess and I instantly wanted to run my fingers through them.
“Hi.” He whispered, his voice throaty.
“Should have just worn a bikini.” Josh mocked, glaring at me.
I rolled my eyes. “This covers the stomach.”
“And legs aren’t a part of your body? You are not buying anything that is above your knees anymore.” He stated, covering Colton’s eyes. “Stop ogling over my sister.”
“Josh.” I warned, nearing them. “It is just shorts, relax. And he’s my boyfriend.”
Colton slapped Josh’s handoff. Putting an arm around my waist and pulling me close to him, enjoying the furious expression on Josh. “Yes Joseph, she is my girlfriend. I can do whatever I want.”
Josh gritted his teeth and I knew he was seconds from punching Colton. Pushing Colton away and instantly missing the warmth, I patted Josh’s shoulder. “Relax bro. See you on Sunday night.”
Colton picked up my bag and we walked outside. Josh stopped me. “Whatever you do, just think and do.”
I gave a genuine smile, hugging him. “Yes younger brother who acts like elder one.”
He hugged me back, chuckling softly. “Have fun elder sis who acts like a dumb 14-year-old.”
With one last wave, Colton started the car and we were off to the beach. I started putting my plan to action.
I sat with my thighs touching but then realized that they enlarged to the size of Texas so I crossed my legs which was not a comfortable position. I spent over 10 minutes, twisting around so that I could find a position that was comfortable and also didn’t make my thighs look larger than an elephant’s butt. I was desolately unsuccessful. Only if I was wearing full jeans, no one would have noticed the thunder thighs then.
I twisted my legs again trying to find a seductive pose when Colton asked. “Um, Racheal? What are you trying to do?” he glanced at me curiously before turning ahead.
I coughed nervously. “Trying to find a position to sit?”
His eyebrows furrowed. “Just sit like you always do.”
But that is not seductive! I screamed mentally. “No, it’s uncomfortable now.”
Suddenly an idea exploded into my brain and I could literally feel the light bulb shining brightly on top of my head. With a small smirk, I removed my flats and stretched my legs upwards, keeping them just beside the steering wheel.
The position wasn’t very comfortable as my back bent but it was definitely worth it as I saw the effect of my actions. Colton’s eyes had almost popped right off their sockets, even his hand on the wheel loosened and then tightened as he stared at my naked legs. “What the fuck?” he hissed.
I blinked innocently. “This is comfortable.”
I saw him gulp hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. Finally, he took a deep breath, blinking away from my legs and looking straight ahead. A blind man could see the effort it was taking him to not sneak a glance at my legs. I pressed my lips to prevent the huge grin from decorating my face. My head was spinning with contentment and I was relishing his reaction immensely.
Slowly I started making designs just above my knee with my newly painted blue nails. First starting with circles and then with waves and then slowly making designs all over my bare thigh. It took around two minutes before Colton lost his concentration and snapped his eyes to my legs and then to me. “What are you doing?” His voice was hoarse like it was a struggle to even speak.
I bit my lip, tilting my head to the left feigning innocence. “What am I doing?”
He suddenly slammed the brakes, making me lose my balance as I toppled forward, hitting my head in the process. “Ouch.” I rubbed my head, glaring at him. “Are you crazy?”
I don’t think he heard because he was frozen at the position we were in. As my legs lost balance, they had landed on his lap, barely missing his crotch and his warm palm rested on my naked thigh and he was staring intently as our skin touched.
I blushed profusely. Electric shots went through my blood when he lightly moved his palm, rubbing my thigh. Even though it was mere touch it heated my body and sent shivers. I swallowed, gripping the seat to stop myself from leaning over and planting a big fat kiss on his lips. My heart was already thundering and I could feel dinosaurs doing hip hop in my stomach.
Silently I moved my legs to keep them folded now but Colton’s hand tightened on my thigh. He looked at me with a smirk. “This position not comfortable for you?”
“Uh – ye- yea?” I stuttered. How to breathe again? Ah yes, in and out. A process not just used for breathing.
His smirk deepened. “I like it too.” And without another word he started the car, making sure my legs stayed on his thighs. As soon as the car started, his one hand left the wheel and landed just below my shorts. I instantly regretted wearing such short shorts. Although he was touching just a tiny part of my body I could feel it throughout my bones and blood.
I sucked a breath as he repeated my actions. Random patterns on my legs, only his time they weren’t my fingers, they were his. My stomach clenched and I felt a throbbing down – there.
I closed my eyes, cursing myself. Abort mission, the plan has severely backfired. I repeat abort the goddamn mission and kindly search for a hole to live in for the next twenty years!
I jumped out of my skin when his fingers went higher, barely touching the hem of the denim shorts which were above upper thighs. I just stared at his long finger as it made a small line along the hemline and then went inside.
“Fuck!” I cussed, starting to move my legs but Colton pulled me back by my shorts.
“What do you think you are doing?”
I didn’t even know what to answer. Hell, I don’t think the question even registered as his finger started making semi-circles just inside my shorts.
I was shaking with feelings and my legs trembled. Colton of course noticed this. “Are you cold?” his smirk was huge and I knew he could see the effect he was having on me. He was enjoying it way too much.
“No!” I snapped deciding to ignore him and focus on other things like flowers. Daffodils, daffodils are pretty and white. I want a white dress, I had one but that got dirty when I sat on a dirty chair at an event. Why couldn’t they just keep all the chairs clean? I would still be having that dress then. But now I’ll have to buy a new one. Maybe I should buy a new one. Yeah, I could take Simone and the twins for shopping. Or Colton- No! Don’t think about him. He annoying and a jerk. He probably eats fries with coke. Eww. I don’t like him. No! I don’t.
Don’t lie you, dumb girl. Denial isn’t just a river in Greece.
I promptly slapped my sub-conscious and kept repeating. I don’t like him. I don’t like him. I don’t-
“Racheal?”
I blinked, looking at an anxious Colton, unconsciously repeating. “I don’t like him.”
His eyes furrowed and I slapped my mouth. Great way to start a vacation. “Him? Who?”
“Kevin.” I blurted out without a thought and the happy smile that commenced on Colton Hasting’s face made it completely worth it.
“Good.” he simply stated but his eyes twinkled with relief. “Now let’s go enjoy.” He picked up my legs and folded them in my seat, opening his door.
I looked around. When had we stopped? I slowly got out of the car taking in the new surroundings. I could see the water from here and the brown sand around it. There were two more cars and I wondered who finally came with whom. On the right was a house and a small family seemed to be staying there. A girl of around 4 came running out and another boy of 5 came right behind her with a batman toy waving in his hand. They were both screaming but it was impossible to hear properly due to the distance.
To the left was where we were staying. It wasn’t huge but it was big enough for us. Colton turned to me with his hands full of our bags. “Come on in, all are already there.”
I nodded, following him. He just pushed the door open with his shoulder and we were greeted by the sight of everyone on the couches sincerely watching Games Of Thrones.
Drew turned to us, Ira beside him. “Took you two long enough. I didn’t know car sex took so much time.”
Blood rushed to my cheeks and I threw the nearby water bottle at him. “Shut up Drew.” He caught the bottle before it hit him and winked at me, getting up. “Let me show you your rooms. We came an hour back so we have already settled in.”
Simone and the twins got up, walking over to me and hugging. “Nathan and Eva are in a room.” Simone stated.
I raised my eyebrows at Eva who was red by now. Though with her dusky skin it was difficult but one could see her blush clearly. “You two are finally dating.”
Eva shook her head. “There was no place.”
Ira snorted. “Please. You could have slept with us.”
“Where are you sleeping? With Drew?” I teased Ira.
She sneaked a glance at Simone. “No, I am with Simone.”
Simone and I shot each other a discrete glance instantly knowing that Drew did something bad and Ira was rethinking her decision or she decided to sacrifice, again.
“Hey coming?”
I turned and quietly followed Colton upwards, thinking about Ira and Drew. She was silent and shy for strangers, but once you started to know and she opened up she was crazier than all of us. But her insecurity always kept her in a shell, she thought that she didn’t deserve us while in reality, she was a better human than all of us. I really hoped she stopped thinking of others and started to think of herself. I might need to have a chat with Drew Roy on this.
“Hey Smith, check our bed out.” Colton smirked, dissolving my thoughts.
Rolling my eyes I looked at the bed. It was small, just more than a single bed. I gritted my teeth. “Drew Roy I’m going to kill you!” I shrieked, and Drew who was outside gave a loud cackle and ran downstairs.
Colton who was enjoying all this sat on the bed, wiggling his eyebrows at me. “Looks like we gonna cuddle.”
“Pillow barrier, Hastings.” I hissed, going to the wooden wardrobe and dumping my bag inside.
“Really Smith? You think if we keep pillows in the middle we’d get a place to sleep?” He snorted, pointing at the size of the bed.
I frowned sullenly. “Then you can have the floor.”
“Woah! No ways.” He declared, standing up and walking to the small window, moving the curtains away to let the sunlight enter. “This is Drew’s uncle’s place, so indirectly Drew’s. Drew is my best friend. So I get to sleep on the bed.” He turned to me with an upward slant smile. “Now you on the other hand, barely know him so you can have the floor.”
I folded my arms under my chest with annoyance. “Such a gentleman and boyfriend. You should get the award for the best boyfriend.” I spoke sarcastically.
Colton grinned, flicking my forehead. “I know right? Maybe I should register in buymeandgetpleased. com.”
“That’s not even a site.” I stated, walking to the window. The view was pretty unimpressive. We could see the neighboring house and one window was directly opposite ours. If you squinted your eyes enough and leaned forward you could even see inside. Fortunately, the room was empty. At least we could keep the window open and not fear about a pedophile staring at us.
“I could make the website then.” Colton said, opening his bag and pulling out a red tee with white pizzas on it.
“Why are you changing? I have never seen that.”
“This is Nathan’s.” he corrected. “The washroom is on the left, last one.”
I simply nodded as he went out and leaned on the railing, looking down. “Hey Nathan, catch!”
I figured he didn’t catch because he screamed and then cursed. “Colton you bitch.”
“I didn’t know tees hurt that much.” I muttered, walking out.
Colton turned to me and smirked. “I might have hidden a slipper in it before throwing.”
My eyes widened before I laughed and slapped his shoulder unconsciously. “That is so mean. Did it hit his head?”
“Unfortunately no.”
“I’ll kill you.” Nathan swore from below, glaring at Colton. He only relaxed when Eva patted his arm, smiling at him. He grinned back at her and sat down promptly forgetting about Colton.
“So whipped.” Drew and Colton groaned at the same time.
“Not whipped, being a real man.” I corrected. “Where’s Adrian and his girlfriend?”
“Nicki had a sudden stomach ache so they’ll be here in few minutes.” Drew replied, turning the channel to VH1 where Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars was playing, uh no wait Mark Rompson.
Drew stood up with a happy scream. “I love this!” he pulled Nathan and Ira with him, starting to attempt a moonwalk, it wasn’t even ten seconds before he tripped on his own feet and fell.
Colton who knew this would happen had shot a video from above, laughing loudly. He pulled me with him downstairs. “This is going on YouTube.”
Drew got up glowering at Colton. “Don’t you dare Colton! I’ll kick your fat butt to Australia.”
“Yeah yeah.” Colton waved him off just then the door opened and Adrian stepped in, a petite blond clinging to his arm. She was wearing a half denim pant and a crop top showing off her stomach piercing. Her face was caked in make-up and as soon as she glanced at us, her lips turned into a sneer.
Colton noticed it and stepped up beside me, his arm going around my waist and pulling me nearer. “Back off Nicki, she’s mine.”
Nicki just scorned and turned to Eva, Nathan already had his arm around her shoulder so she turned to Ira and then back to Eva, realizing they were twins, she finally glared at Ira. Drew gave Nicki a stink eye as he pulled Ira towards him. “Stay away.”
Finally, she stared at Simone who gave her a small fake reluctant smile. “Forever alone.” Nicki realized she was a threat and wrapped his arm around Adrian’s more securely. Simone’s eyes widened before she burst out laughing. “You think we are interested in your boyfriend, don’t you?”
When she didn’t reply, Simone shook her head with amusement. “Look here we are all friends, okay and no one here likes Adrian, more than a friend that is. And you need to stop doubting your boyfriend, if he’s still with you he clearly loves you and wouldn’t cheat so don’t spoil this weekend for anyone of us.”
No one spoke anything for a while but the guys sent an appreciative look at Simone who smiled smugly. Nicki finally released Adrian and gave a meek smile. “Sorry. Um, let’s get settled in?”
Apparently, this was the first time she apologized because all the guys were looking shell-shocked. Only when Ira elbowed Drew did he blink and quietly nodded at the couple, walking off to show their room still in a daze.
“Well that was-”
“Unexpected.” I cut in Colton’s statement, flopping on a chair. “You were great.” I winked at Simone.
She sighed sulkily. “I need a boyfriend.”
“Don’t get anything like them.” I pointed at Colton and Nathan and Eva nodded with agreement.
“Please you love me.” Colton grinned. “And since all are finally here, let’s hit the beach.”
“Whoo yes!” Drew fist-pumped from behind. “Get ready and meet outside in 20.” He ran up to his room.
“He’s alone?”
Nathan nodded. “Yeah he asked Ira but she said she’ll be with Simone.”
From Simone’s expression, I knew she felt guilty. “I think you should go with Drew.”
Ira rolled her eyes, bumping shoulders with Simone. “Chicks before dicks!”
Colton pulled me by my jacket. “Let’s go before all the washrooms are occupied. I need to pee.”
I frowned, going with him. Not that I had many options, his was basically dragging me. “Why should I accompany you as you pee? You can’t do that yourself?”
“You can hold it if you want.” Colton winked.
I twisted my face in disgust. “Eww, no thanks!”
He pushed me inside our room. “Get sunscreen and towels. Wash your face and meet me down in 5. I am going to pee.”
Before I could retort he vanished. Sighing I took his bag and opened it searching for his towel. I froze as my hand rested on a small box of flavored condoms. My breathing hitched as I gripped the box. He had condoms! And they are only required while having sex. And we haven’t even kissed.
My brain increased the questions and doubts with every passing second. Everything suddenly made clear, he was here to attend the college party Drew was talking about. Everyone knew college girls were hotter and that why those condoms were here. Even if this was all fake, I still felt betrayed. He was going behind my back all this time. What he didn’t find with me he got it from somewhere else. It was just a quest. He was the bad boy after all. Bad boys like him just don’t like good girls like him. A fake girlfriend was all I was. And here I was stupid enough to fall for him.
I was just a silly girl falling for someone who had no intentions of catching me.
I closed my eyes and let out a sign, I pulled out his blue towel without sparing another glance at his proof of fakeness.
Don’t jump to conclusions. My brain warned but I was in no mood to listen to it.
I changed into my blue bikini real quick, regretting that I went through so much so he could like me back. Slapping myself mentally, I grabbed my own purple towel and took the sunscreen, walking down. Drew was just ahead, jumping with happiness. I couldn’t help but smile at his eagerness. At least someone is happy.
“Hey Drew, give this to Colton.” I threw Colton’s towel at him and ran outside.
Ira was already there, in her white and blue conservative bikini, taking selfies. She grinned when she saw me which instantly turned to a concerned frown when she took in my disheveled and depressed frame.
“What’s wrong?”
I opened my mouth but didn’t know what to say. Although she knew this was all fake I wasn’t ready to confess my feelings yet so I exhaled heavily. “Just Colton stuff. Leave it.”
Ira gave me a reassuring smile. “Sometimes you need to trust your instincts. I’ll give you a random tip. When you are really happy and content, preferably alone, unconsciously close your eyes. The first image that pops up in your head is the one you love. It can be anyone, but definitely someone you deeply love.”
I titled my head. “Does it work?”
A faint blush crept up her cheeks and she just nodded.
I grinned smugly, poking her arm. “Ahem Ahem who was it?”
She stuck her tongue out childishly. “You. Now let’s take selfies.” She turned on the front camera and pouted, I smiled too as the pic clicked.
“Racheal Smith!”
My eyes widened as a fuming Colton stormed towards us in just black swimming shorts. I gulped as I took in his well-defined chest. I knew he worked out but this was just- photoshopped.
“Run.” Ira whispered, elbowing me.
My eyes widened as he neared with a furious expression and I let out a small yelp, starting to run. I had never thought that I would be running from Colton Hastings again, on a beach. Talk about déjà vu.
Before I had even completed a block, a warm arm circled my waist and pulled me into a hard chest. Since I was in my blue bikini that showed off ample skin, his hand was on my naked stomach and I could barely breathe. His lips grazed my neck, leaving a storm of sparks behind. “Why are you running?”
I swallowed, trying my best to ignore the feel of his fingers on my waist and his soft lips on my neck. Blinking away I timidly answered. “Because you were chasing me?”
“Don’t act all smart with me, Smith.” He chided, turning me around and staring right into my eyes. I couldn’t help but think of the pick-up line – Can I get a map? Because I’m lost in your eyes. It seemed pretty appropriate to me right now.
“Well?” I let out a squeal as he pinched my waist.
I tried to pry away from his grip but he pulled me even closer, my breasts brushing against his chest and I almost collapsed on the ground. “Why didn’t you wait for me, Racheal?”
And suddenly the image of flavored condoms flashed in my mind and with every energy in my tiny body I pushed him off me. I poked his chest with ferocity, ignoring the jolts I felt as my skin touched his. “You, I hate you! You are just like every bad boy. You used me, this whole time. I kept thinking I was different that it wasn’t as fake as it looked but you proved me wrong! It was all fake for you. I was just another girl.”
His eyebrows furrowed with every word until finally, I thought they would join each other in an intense dance of tango. “How does my going to pee prove that it was all fake for me?”
I groaned, slapping his arm. “Not the pissing idiot. The condoms, I saw them. I know you were planning to have sex with those college girls at the party tonight. You must have even kissed so many girls in these 2 months.”
I waited for his reply but instead, he was going through a laughing fit. I folded my hands, tapping my feet impatiently as I glared at him. “Haha exceptionally funny, Colton.” I finally sneered when he didn’t stop laughing for over a minute.
His laughter gradually ceased. “You thought they were for those girls?”
“Then for whom? Taylor Swift?”
He smirked, taking a step closer. “For you.”
I was sure my eyebrows went so high that they disappeared from my face and my jaw had reached Hades. I blinked repeatedly until finally, I laughed out, the pink in my cheeks and neck steadily started to decrease. “You are so funny Colton!’
He stepped closer, his arm gripping my hip. “What makes you think I am joking?”
I swallowed hard, goosebumps rising all over my body as his thumbs played with the thin hems of my bikini. “You are not?” My voice sounded squeaky even to my own ears.
Colton smirked, tilting his head to the left and staring right into my eyes. “No Racheal, I am not.”
My breathing hitched when his arm grabbed my waist, pulling me nearer. His naked chest and my barely-clad breasts lightly rubbed against each other and I knew I would faint from lack of breathing anytime.
“Oh.” Was the only thing that could manage to escape my breath until something called sense kicked in. “But we haven’t even kissed yet.”
His smirk widened. “I think we can sort that out.” And without giving my brain to comprehend that sentence and react to it sensibly, he picked the cooler way out.
He kissed me. Finally.
And I responded. Willingly.
~~~