Free Man Up Party Boy by Danielle Sibarium Page B

doorframe of the bathroom with my arms folded across my chest listening to her rant as I take in her pale, pasty appearance. Baby powder covers the side of her face and hair. There's a foggy mist clouding the tiny room. I'd enjoy my revenge so much more if she had clothes on instead of the flimsy bath towel that's barely covering her. I know that's the only thing between me and her naked body; it's all I can think about.
    "Did you hear a word I said?"
    "Because turning my skin blue is the pinnacle of maturity."
    "I have to take another shower. Do you realize that? I'm not even sure this will come out. And Drake will be here any minute."
    I shake my head. "You don't have to worry about him, He just left."
    "What? Why? Because I wasn't ready?"
    "Something like that."
    "Did he say when he'd be back?"
    "He's not coming back"
    Her eyes leave mine and run over my body. It's as if she didn't actually see what I looked like until right this moment. Instead of seeing red, hot desire burn in her eyes, she looks horrified.
    "What did you do?"
    My lips curl up into a satisfied grin. "Nothing."
    "You answered the door like that?"
    My smirk grows into a smile.
    "You answering the door is bad enough, but come on, Noah. Your pants aren't even closed. They're barely even on."
    I shrug, as if it's no big deal.
    "He's going to think we're sleeping together."
    I take a step closer to her, curious to see her reaction. "Trust me, our sleeping arrangement was the last thing on his mind."
    "You had no right."
    I move further into the room, positioning myself so that I'm standing in front of her, leaning against the counter housing the sink. She takes a tiny step back.
    "I told you I wanted to talk. Now you have no excuse. Besides, you knew he was coming. If it meant that much you would've been ready. Maybe you wanted Drake and me to come face to face."
    "Why would I want that?"
    "I don't know? To see if any fireworks took off?"
    I reach out and swipe a bit of powder off her lips with my thumb. I'm struck with the memory of her lips on mine; how soft, how sweet they were. I want to cover her mouth and demand she succumb to me the way she did on the beach. I imagine backing her into the wall, lifting her up and wrapping her legs around my waist. It would be so easy to press my hardening cock against her opening so she can feel it, so she can know what she does to me. I want to give in to the urge I have to yank the towel off her and run my hands over her silky skin. They yearn to explore her body, touch her in ways that will make her blush. I fight the need to take her right here and now; to lift her up and fuck her until she screams my name so loud every person on the boardwalk, including the fucktard Drake, will hear it.
    I'm about to bring my mouth to hers and start acting out every scenario running through my head, when I see a tear fall from her eye. Just that tiny drop of salty wetness extinguishes the heat surging through my veins. I feel like I've been submerged in a pool of ice. I meet her eyes for a clue as to what she's thinking. They're watery and scared. She looks frightened, and it wrings my heart.
    I don't understand what went wrong? What did I do? I brush the streak of wetness off her cheek with my thumb, and back myself away, out of the bathroom.
    *
    I need to get out, to get away from Lexi. I don't know what the fuck I'm doing anymore. I thought she wanted me. I've seen it in her eyes, and in the moments she allowed herself to be vulnerable. Or is it that I want her so bad I'll convince myself I saw something I didn't? I hear the shower water running. I don't bother telling her I'm leaving. I don't know if it would upset or console her.
    I return an hour later with food, a veggie pizza and a Caesar salad. I knock at her door. I hear her in there, but she doesn't respond.
    "I know your dinner was ruined, so I bought you some food."
    I sit on the couch with a bottle of vodka and down shots while waiting for her to join me. She never