“I need a towel,” I say in an almost whisper.
“Why?” He crosses his tattooed arms across his broad chest, looking amused with himself.
“Umm, I’m naked!” I state the obvious, unsure why he has such a boyish grin. Does he enjoy my embarrassment?
“I see that. Well, I don’t see much because of the doo...” His emerald eyes take in my red cheeks. In one smooth motion, he brushes a large hand through his thick black hair, pushing it up and out of his face. Of course, it sits perfectly where he wants it too.
I realize I’m staring, again.
“Aiden! What are you doing?!” Ashley’s small feet patter down the hallway at a fast pace.
I sigh in relief when she comes to the door, her hair wrapped in a towel.
“What’s wrong?” Her blue eyes take in my red cheeks.
“Towel.” Is all I manage to say.
She nods and turns towards Aiden. “You, go.” She demands.
He laughs, throwing his hands up innocently and walks away.
My savior returns moments later with a knock and I open the door slightly to grab the fluffy white towel. I meticulously go through my routine, moisturizer, lotion, brushing my unruly hair. Making sure the towel is wrapped tight, I swiftly make my way to my bedroom where Ashley is. Her hair dryer drowns out all sounds, her dirty blonde hair blowing with the hot heat.
“That was weird earlier, right?” Ashley rakes a brush through her hair, turning off the noisy dryer.
“What was weird?” I look at her innocently, not wanting to talk about the bathroom incident.
“You two gawking at each other in the kitchen. Then the bathroom thing,” She comments nonchalantly.
I’m mortified my staring earlier was obvious. “Umm, yeah I just... I-”
She cuts me off. “Don’t worry about it. I’m used to all of my friends having a crush on him.” She waves her hand in front of her with a cheeky smile.
“I don’t have a crush on him!” With red cheeks, I walk towards my closet and take off the towel, rustling the water out of my hair.
“Okay, whatever you say.” She snickers.
I ignore her as I pick out what I’m wearing tonight. My eyes fixate on the yellow dress Ian mentions looks okay on me. I slip on the bright lacey dress, humming along to the music Ashley has on in the background.
The yellow looks good against my sun-kissed skin and boost my confidence. The neckline accentuates my cleavage in a good way, not too much but just enough. I make sure the matching new white lace bra and panties are neatly in order underneath my dress. I’m confident, well to a point, about tonight. I hope it’s perfect and I hope there aren’t too many people at the frat house.
“Why don’t you just tell him you’re coming?” Ashley fans mascara over her already long lashes.
“I want tonight to be special.”
“Is that why you put on that matching bra and panties set?” She teases with a sly smile.
“Don’t make me more nervous.” I blush.
“Wait! You don’t mean…oh my God, Em! You’re going to sleep with him, aren’t you?” She dramatically lays down on the floor.
“I think it’s time.” I shrug, unable to help the smile that creeps up my face.
“Come here! Sit down and let me do your make up!” She demands.
I sit in front of her with an awkward smile. I pull out my phone to see what he’s up too as Ashley rummages through her bag, pulling out everything. I scroll to Ian’s name and the butterflies dance in my stomach. I hope he isn’t mad about me coming over unannounced.
Hey, babe! What are you up to?
I double check my make up in the mirror when I hear my text alarm sound and practically lunge for it.
Hey. Not much, just enjoying having a break from school now.
I don’t know what to reply as I begin to question my decision to go. I mean I missed him, but I don’t want to bug him if he’s relaxing.
I’m sure he will be happy about tonight, I tell myself over and over in my head, it’s just sex.
I stand to look in the full-length mirror when Ashley announces she is done. I smooth my dress down and look at my face. She definitely pulled out all the stops, she even curled my hair with a large wand. She is so talented with make-up; I look much better than I did earlier.
My dark wavy hair cascades down my shoulders. My face looks sun-kissed, with faint freckles peeking out on my nose. The smokey black around my usual boring hazel eyes makes them look deeper and full of life. I blush at the sight of myself, but it’s hidden under the rosy color Ashley put on my cheeks.
“Thank you.” I grip the bottom of my yellow dress and sway back and forth like a giddy schoolgirl.
“Em, you look hot!” She makes me blush for what feels like the hundredth time today.
“Can we go? I’m nervous and I just want to get there.” I throw on a pair of white wedges.
We make our way down the narrow hall, giggling. I almost forget we have a guest but it’s hard to forget Aiden. I’ve learned in a short period of time that he takes all the attention in a room.
He lounges on the couch, a well-worn out book in his hands. He creases a corner and slowly closes it as he looks over at us. His gaze meets my eyes, then down my body. I turn to look towards Ashley, who is messing with her skirt. When I look back towards Aiden, I see his lips are slightly parted.
“Hey, Ash. Can I go to that party?” His tone is nicer, calmer than the discussion they had earlier.
She
