I nod my head and smile as he walks over to Tori and reaches out to shake her hand. “Glad to have you in the building.”
Tori tilts her head as she shakes his hand, making sure to grope his hand. “Sure,” she says, confused. “Nice meeting you, gorgeous.”
I hold my breath until the front door closes behind him.
“What did that mean, Calla?” Tori jumps up onto the counter to help me put groceries away. “Does he manage this damn building? That’s insanely hot if he does.”
“Not exactly.” I throw a box of cereal into the cupboard above me, not really caring how it lands right now. “He owns it.”
Tori’s eyes widen as she blinks away the shock. “Holy shit! You’re fucking the guy that owns this building?” She points at the floor. “This building? The one we’re living in? The one we’ve been saving our asses off to get into? This expensive and very nice building?”
I turn toward her and toss a box of Pop-tarts at her head. “I never said I was sleeping with him.”
She jumps down from the counter. “You don’t have to say it. I figured it out the other night when you came home all flushed while looking at his sexy pictures. Plus, he practically just kissed you.”
“Yeah, but he didn’t,” I say, somewhat disappointed.
“More proof that you’re fucking him.” She grins while opening the fridge and tossing a bag of salad inside. “Men do that when they’re trying to keep their hearts out of the mess that their dicks have them in. He’s trying not to fall for you, honey. This is perfect for you. You’re not ready to open your heart up again and he’s not ready to give his. Perfect arrangement.”
I stand here, leaning against the sink, letting her words sink in. If he’s doing his part to keep himself from falling for me, then I need to do my part before I ruin everything.
Reaching into my jacket, I pull out my phone and read Hunter’s message for the twentieth time since he sent it an hour ago.
Hunter: A friend of mine is having a small party tonight. Come with me.
I look up as Tori continues to ramble, but I’m not listening to a word she’s saying. I can’t. Biting my bottom lip, I reply to his message.
Me: I’m free for a few hours tonight. Pick me up around eightish?”
It only takes a few seconds for Hunter to reply, and when he does his words leave me slightly nervous and excited.
Hunter: I’ll pick you up as soon as you’ll allow me to. Wear something sexy ;)
Smiling from ear to ear, I set my phone down and continue putting away our groceries.
Please don’t let me screw this up . . .
I’M JUST FINISHING UP MY makeup when I hear a knock on the front door. I instantly get nervous just knowing that Hunter is on the other side. A part of me wants to knock the door down just to get to him and the other part wants to hide before I end up getting myself into a complicated situation that I can’t get myself out of. This still feels so surreal to me.
“I’m going to do this.” I’m going to go out and enjoy this night with him as if I were still that damn teenaged girl just wanting one date with Hunter; one date, and now is my chance.
Tossing down my red lipstick, I quickly smooth out my tight little black dress before hurrying up to answer the door. Hunter told me to dress sexy, so I chose this dress, threw my hair into a loose, playful bun and slipped into my red heels. I definitely feel sexy, sexier than I have in a long time.
Pulling together a straight face, I open the door and smile at Hunter standing there, dressed to impress. He’s wearing a black Henley shirt, a pair of black slacks, and some very slick dress shoes.
He whistles, as he looks my dress over. “Damn, Calla. You look incredibly sexy.” He tugs on a piece of my loose hair. “Your hair looks hot up.”
I hide my face, trying to avoid him noticing as it turns red. When I can gather myself, I turn back to him and let my cheesy grin take over. “Well, I’ve had this dress for a while and haven’t had a chance to wear it yet.” I point out his outfit. “And you look incredibly hot so . . . I guess we’re a good match for the party.”
“Absolutely,” he says while reaching for my hand. “I can’t wait to show off my date for the night. I’ll just have to let the other guys know that you’re off limits tonight.” He smiles. “Let’s go.”
I step out of the apartment and close it behind me, before following Hunter down the hall. He stops in front of room 619 and lifts a brow as I look up at him. “We’re here?” I ask with a slight laugh.
“Yup!” He pushes the door open and walks in first.
The first thing I spot is the blonde guy that I saw earlier leaving the elevator. He walks over and pounds fists with Hunter before walking over and grabbing my hand. “My new neighbor has arrived.” He pulls me behind him and over to the kitchen where there’s a crowd of people hanging out, drinking, and laughing. “Everyone!” The whole room gets quiet as he whistles. “This is my new neighbor and a friend of Hunter’s, Calla.”
I give an awkward wave as everyone says hi and starts to offer me drinks.
When I look behind me for Hunter, he’s in the living room smiling at me as if he thinks I’m the sexiest girl in this room. Looking around, I definitely don’t agree there.
The blonde guy smiles, looking me up and down, before passing me a drink. “Welcome to Ryder’s house party, baby; always the best. Enjoy.”
AFTER A COUPLE HOURS OF dancing and playing a few party games, Hunter and I find a quiet spot to relax. Somehow we end up getting on the subject of high school, so of course, Hunter brings up my little crush on him. I have to admit that it’s a little embarrassing having him ask me all these questions. I never thought that I’d ever be admitting this stuff to his face.
“So how long did you have a crush on me?” He pulls me down into his lap and wraps an arm around my waist. Being in Hunter James’ lap has me smiling like a kid again.
“Do you really want to know?” He brushes his fingertips over my neck before kissing it. I guess that’s a yes. “Since the end of junior year when I saw you playing catch in the cafeteria and the football accidently hit my friend Tori in the head. I crushed on you my whole senior year after that. ”
He runs his hand up my thigh, stopping just below my panty line. “Oh yeah. She was pretty pissed.” He kisses my neck again, but harder this time. “I remember you watching me. I smiled at you. You didn’t get the hint?”