Surviving for Us Read online

  Me: If I’m done at my dad’s by then, you can count me in.

  I’m more excited now because I know Angie will be there. Let’s hope I get everything done tomorrow. I finally crawl into bed and fall asleep with thoughts of Angie on my mind.

  *

  The next morning I wake before my alarm and head to my dad’s early. I want to get a head start on the work so I can make it to Chris’s party tomorrow night. On the drive out there I am still debating if I should text her or just hang back and see how it goes at the party. She is still on my mind, even after a full night of sleep. I just need to see where these thoughts are taking me. Going with my gut, I pull out my phone and text her at the next turnoff.

  Me: Hey, beautiful, have a great day at work. :)

  I leave out who the message is from and hit the interstate again. By the time I pull up to my dad’s she has yet to respond, although I wasn’t expecting her to with it being so early. With everything that needs to be done around here, I don’t have time to sit and wait for a response, so I leave my phone on the seat.

  My dad comes out of the house when I get out of the car. “Damn, son, you’re early. I didn’t expect you for another hour or so.”

  I just shrug and get to work. I don’t tell him about this beauty with auburn hair that has my mind all twisted. I grab the shovel and start digging into the dirt for the new poles we have to put in. About two hours later I am completely drenched in sweat and dirt, I yank off my shirt in an attempt to cool down. The sun is blaring down relentlessly, so I take a little break to look at my phone and see that Angie has texted back.

  Angie: Umm, who is this?

  I chuckle to myself and text her back.

  Me: Chase.

  I immediately get a response.

  Angie: How did you get my number? You lost the bet, remember?

  I burst out laughing when I read this.

  My dad looks over at me. “What’s so funny, son?”

  “Just this girl I met. Jenn gave me her number, and she can’t figure out how I got it.”

  Shaking his head, he makes his way inside for a drink. I smirk as I look back down at my phone.

  Me: I have my ways. ;)

  The smile stays plastered on my face while I continue to work hard for the next several hours—just so I can make it to that party tomorrow night. Maybe then I can make some leeway with her and get to know her better. By the time I crawl into bed that night it’s well after ten. Leaning over, I grab my phone and see that she returned my text.

  Angie: Sure you do.

  Not bothering to text her back, I set my alarm and close my eyes as I think about the party. I’m excited for tomorrow and am having trouble falling asleep despite the laborious day. Finally, after about twenty minutes, I fall into a deep sleep.

  Chapter 3

  Angie

  Saturday morning arrives in no time. I stretch out in my comfy bed then roll over to look at my clock and see it’s ten. Wow, I never sleep this late. As I’m lying in bed I think back to yesterday and the messages from Chase. How did he get my phone number? My only guess would be Jenn gave it to him. I should be mad at her, but I’m not. I kind of like that he texted me. I won’t tell him, of course, but I am secretly hoping he comes to the party tonight. Just the thought of seeing him again brings butterflies to my stomach.

  Getting out of bed, I throw on some yoga pants and a shirt and pull my hair into a messy bun. I need to get my place cleaned up a little bit before Jenn gets here and we head to the mall. I grab my laundry and start a load. Luckily, it doesn’t take me long to get the small place cleaned, leaving me some time to watch TV. About an hour later Jenn is knocking on my door.

  “Hey, you ready to go?” she says when I open the door.

  “Yep, let me just grab my purse.” Locking up my house, we head to her car. On the way over to the mall we talk about what to wear that night. I’m still hoping I can find a hot pink dress but if not, black will do. Right as we pull up to the mall my phone goes off with a text message. I look down and see it’s from Chase.

  Chase: Have fun at the party tonight. :)

  While I’m thrilled he texted me, part of me is disappointed because it sounds like he won’t be there.

  Jenn looks over at me. “What are you smiling about over there?”

  “Um, nothing.” I try to play it off, but I know she can see right through me. So I decide to tell her. “Fine, it’s Chase, and I know you gave him my number, bitch.”

  She just throws her head back and laughs, which causes me to laugh with her.

  “He’s a really good guy, trust me. He just needs to find the right woman to set him straight,” Jenn says as we park the car.

  As we head into the mall I say, “Well it won’t be me!” But while my words say one thing, my heart is telling me another. I decide to text him back.

  Me: Thanks. Any plans yourself?

  “Oh come on, Angie, he’s not that bad. Yes, he may seem like a man-whore sometimes, but he is a really sweet and caring guy. Just be friends and see what happens.”

  I think about what she said. Of course we can be friends, I just won’t be the next notch on his bedpost. He can find another female to satisfy his needs. Although, the thought of another woman in his arms and bed does not settle well with me. I have only hung out with him once and he has my mind all screwed up. This is not good! My phone begins to vibrate in my pocket. Pulling it out, I see Chase has once again texted me.

  Chase: Just hanging out with some friends.

  I decide to put some distance between us and don’t answer him right away. It’s time for me to focus on finding a dress.

  Jenn and I luck out right away and find a dress store that has some cute dresses. I know I said I wanted a pink dress but there is this little black number that has caught my eye. Let’s hope it looks as good on me as it does on the hanger.

  “Wow, that dress is hot. Is that what you’re getting?” Jenn asks, holding up a dress of her own.

  “I don’t know, let’s go try it on.” Once inside the dressing room I slip the dress on, and damn does it looks good. The neckline comes all the way up to the base of my neck and the back is completely open, stopping right above my butt. It is long-sleeved and stops about mid-thigh. It hugs every one of my curves.

  As I’m looking at myself in the mirror I hear Jenn say, “Girl, get your ass out here so I can see!” As soon as I step out of the dressing room her mouth falls open. “Holy shit, that looks fabulous on you.”

  I just smile. “It does, doesn’t it? This will look great with my hot pink heels.”

  Jenn tries on a couple of dresses until she finds one she loves. We decide to complete our outfits with new accessories; I find a long silver necklace and drop earrings. Then, before heading home, we decide to have dinner at a local restaurant.

  “So what’s going on with you and Chris?” I ask Jenn.

  She looks at me and gets a big smile on her face. “I’m not too sure. He says he wants to try again, but I don’t know. I love him, but I just don’t think he feels the same about me or he just doesn’t want to be tied down.”

  “Well, he obviously feels something if he invited you over. You know, I’ve always liked you two together. Your time will come, trust me,” I tell her as we finish up eating. I glance at my phone and see it’s almost seven. “Oh gosh, we need to leave so we have time to get ready, if we want to make this party at a decent time.” She agrees and we head back to my place.

  Two hours later and we are ready to go. I have straightened my hair and pulled it to the side so that my bare back is on display. I kept my makeup light because I know it will just sweat off by the end of the night. The heels end up being perfect for the dress. I look damn good, if I say so myself.

  Jenn found almost the exact same dress, just in a teal blue. She looks killer in it. “Damn, girl, we are going to be turning heads tonight!” Jenn yells excitedly. I just laugh at her.

  We take a pre-shot of vodka. “Here’s to a fun n
ight,” I say, before we slam our shots down. As we head out I grab my overnight bag since we normally just stay at Chris’s house to avoid having to worry about making it back home.

  We pull up to the house and park in the driveway—Chris always makes sure we have this spot. The house is already getting packed and we have to push past people to make our way to the kitchen. I can feel somebody watching me, but I don’t think anything about it since I’m sure it’s just because of the dress I’m wearing.

  As I reach for a beer I feel two strong hands on my hips, making me jump at the contact. A tingling feeling goes all the way to my feet. A warm breath next to my ear has my pulse racing, as a deep voice whispers: “Damn, you look beautiful, Angie.”

  Holy shit. Chase is here.

  Chapter 4

  Chase

  I arrive at Chris’s house before anyone gets here. “Hey, man, what do you need help with?”

  “Hey, bro, let’s get this furniture moved and the bar ready,” Chris replies.

  We get to work to make sure everything is ready for tonight. Chris’s parties are always a good time. I’m excited to see Angie. I haven’t been able to get her off my mind since I last saw her. Hopefully, I can talk with her more tonight.

  “Can I put my stuff upstairs?” I ask him once everything is done.

  “Put it in the bedroom downstairs. Angie is using the room upstairs and Jenn will be in my room,” he says.

  “Wait, what? Angie is staying here also? I know Jenn stays occasionally at the parties.”

  I must have said it out loud because Chris looks over to me. “Well, yes, I don’t want them to drink then have to drive home. They always stay here. Why? Is there a problem?”

  “Um, no, not at all,” I stammer out. Now I am really stoked about tonight.

  About an hour later people start to arrive. I stay back because I don’t want the girls to see me just yet. The house is starting to get packed by now and the girls haven’t arrived yet. I begin to worry that they have changed their minds. I’m about to leave my spot when the door opens and they walk in. My eyes immediately find Angie, and I about swallow my tongue. Holy shit, she looks gorgeous. I can feel my jeans getting tighter by just looking at her. I run my eyes all down her body from head to toe and just about lose my shit when I catch sight of the back of her dress—there is nothing there. Great, now I’m going to have to keep these horn dogs off of her all night. Out of the corner of my eye I see a guy checking her out and begin to make his way over to her. Fuck no. Over my dead body. I pick up speed to reach her first.

  I get an overwhelming need to touch her. When my hands make contact with her hips, a jolt of electricity fires through my body. I lean in close and tell her how beautiful she looks.

  “Wh-What are you doing here, Chase?”

  I can’t help but think how adorable she looks in this moment. “I’m here to party. Chris invited me. Remember?”

  Before she can reply, Jenn speaks up. “Hey, guys, come play beer pong with us. You and Chris are against Angie and me.” As we make our way to the table, I put my hand on the small of her back, the heat from her skin races through my hand and down my spine. Never before have I touched a female and reacted like that. I can only imagine what kissing her would be like.

  The four of us start playing the game and are having a great time. The girls end up beating us. After the game Angie heads off toward the bathroom. “So what’s up with you and Angie?” Chris asks me once Jenn goes to grab another beer.

  “Nothing. I like her, but I don’t know how she feels about me. So I’m just taking it slow,” I say.

  Chris just shakes his head. “She’s a good girl, been through a rough time with that jackass Justin.”

  It doesn’t surprise me to hear that, I can tell she is closed off. I can’t help but wonder how he hurt her. Realizing Angie has been gone a long time, I start to worry so I head toward the bathroom to find her. What I see when I round the corner makes me see red. Angie is pinned up against the wall, trying to push the freaking douche bag from earlier, off of her.

  I walk up behind him and grab his neck. “I suggest you back the fuck up now, asshole.”

  He backs away instantly. “No harm, man.”

  I shove him away from her. “I suggest you stay away from her, if you know what’s good for you.” How dare he try and hurt my girl. Wait, my girl? Wow, the thought makes me happy.

  I turn my back on him, dismissing the asshole, and turn my attention back to Angie. She’s staring intently at the floor. I lift her chin with my fingers and run my knuckles down her cheek. “You okay, beautiful?” I ask her in a quiet, calm voice.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Nothing I couldn’t handle on my own.”

  I can see the worry in her eyes, knowing that she isn’t fine. I pull her into me and place my lips on her forehead.

  “Come on, gorgeous, let’s go take a shot.” She smiles and nods. I grab her hand and lead the way.

  “Let’s do a fireball,” she says in my ear. If that’s what she wants then that’s what she gets.

  After we do the shot I grab us another beer. Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything” begins to blare through the house. I grab her hand and lead her to the makeshift dance floor. I turn and place my hand on her stomach, bringing her back to my front. Her body fits perfectly against mine, just as if they were made for each other. Damn, this girl can dance. I’m sure she can feel what she is doing to me. I can’t help it, she’s got a body like a goddess and she grinds her ass into my crotch. This is making me painfully hard. I wish I could take her home tonight as the lyrics say, but I know that won’t happen. It’s becoming clear that I don’t want her for just one night. No, I want her for as long as she wants me. I just have to make her realize that I am worth the chance.

  The song finishes and Luke Bryan’s “Roller Coaster” begins. I spin her around to face me. We continue to dance, just in a slower motion. I look down at her and find her staring at me.

  I lean in close to her ear and whisper, “What are you thinking?”

  She just smiles and shrugs her shoulder. I continue to listen to the song and how true it is. This girl has my emotions all twisted up.

  Our eyes are still connected, and I want to kiss her so bad. I decide to go for the kill. I lower my head to hers, our lips inches apart. I look into her eyes, making my intent clear. She pushes forward and our lips meet. I feel a jolt of electricity with the simple touch. I nip her lip, causing her to gasp and open for me. Our tongues dance like they have done this a thousand times. I move one hand behind her neck and the other on the small of her back. I deepen the kiss and pull her closer. She moans into my mouth. If that isn’t the sweetest sound I don’t know what is. I have never had a kiss feel like this before.

  Jenn yells from the kitchen, bringing us back to the present. “Chase and Angie, come on, time to drink up!”

  I slowly pull away from her. Her eyes are still closed and she looks fucking beautiful. Her cheeks are flushed and that smile on her lips makes me happy. “Come on, pretty girl, let’s go join them.” She just nods her head. I grab her hand and lead the way there.

  Chapter 5

  Angie

  My mind is still in a daze from that kiss as we make our way to the kitchen. Never have I been kissed like that or even affected like that. When that guy had me trapped against the wall I was scared at first, but then anger took over. I was about to bring my knee up between his legs but then Chase stepped in. I am thankful he showed up. When he led me onto the dance floor, I was excited I’d get to be close to him. I could feel his erection the entire time we danced. It didn’t bother me like it should have, but I am still not going to sleep with him.

  And then he kissed me. It felt like fireworks were going off across my skin. If just a simple kiss can do this to my body, what would sleeping with him be like? I was disappointed when Jenn yelled at us and Chase broke the kiss. Although, it was probably for the best. Who knows how far we would have gone.

  Once we enter th
e kitchen, Jenn already has our shots lined up. I quickly grab it and throw it back before she can get a word out. She looks over at me and raises her eyebrow in question, as if asking what that was just about. I shake my head slightly and mouth “later” at her. Thankfully, she takes that as an answer and turns toward the guys.

  “So, who wants to play another game of beer pong?”

  All at once we say, “I’m game.”

  We make our way to the table but as we wait for our turn to play I decide I better use the restroom before beginning our game. “Hey, guys, I’ll be right back, just going to run to the bathroom.” Surprisingly, there isn’t a line up so I’m able to enter right away, but before I can shut the door Chase makes his way inside. “Um, can I help you?”

  He looks slightly embarrassed before he speaks. “I just want to make sure that you’re okay after what happened out there with us.”

  Is he serious right now? Why does he want to know if I’m okay? I’m sure he was never worried about all the other women he has kissed senseless in the middle of a party.

  Putting him out of his misery, I answer him. “Yes, Chase, I’m good, more than good.” I swear his smile lights up the room. He grabs the side of my face and plants a soft kiss at the corner of my mouth then turns away and exits the bathroom. Well, okay then, that was weird. Upon exiting I find Chase leaning against the wall next to the door. Chase winks at me, as I get closer to him. Oh hell, I won’t last much longer if he keeps this up.

  Without saying anything to each other we make our way back, his hand on the small of my back the entire time. During the game he is always finding ways to touch me. And each time I immediately miss the warmth from his body when he moves away. When I get ready to shoot the ball I feel his hands on my hip, he leans in next to my ear. “Don’t miss.” He nips at my ear and moves away.

  Damn it, now my mind is all screwed up. I find myself gravitating toward him whenever he’s close to me, it’s like I am drawn to him in some weird sort of way. I shake my head and remind myself yet again that I’m supposed to be staying far away from him. With my mind now back in the game, I throw the ball. Of course I miss it. Chase just chuckles next to me, and I jab him with my elbow.