Chapter Fourteen

I wouldn't describe myself as a social person, so it's blatantly obvious to anyone that there's a plan unfolding. Emalyn crosses her arms and shoots me a glare as the third guy of the night leaves to get us drinks.

When he's out of sight, she shakes her head and exasperates a sigh.

"I know what you're doing."

"And what would that be?" I act innocent for the one who's wearing the devil costume.

"You're trying to set me up with boys."

"What?" I fake gasp. "I thought we were just making friends."

She raises a slender eyebrow, and by that look, I know she isn't falling for my excuses.

"I tried kissing random boys just to get over him and it didn't work. I felt worse about myself. So, I think it's best I focus on myself, my friends, and my studies."

"Fair enough." I nod.

"Why do you care now?" She raises an eyebrow.

"Oh, no reason." I grin.

"Is this about that guy? You don't have to babysit me, Willow. You can invite that guy to the party or go and hangout with him. You don't have to follow me around, I can take care of myself."

"But-"

"I have other friends here."

"It's not that." I nervously twist my fingers.

"Then what?"

"I'm sorry and you're right, you don't need a man."

"Let's have a fun night with no boy troubles."

"Sure." I smile.

"Let's grab a drink and dance."

Emalyn takes my hand and leads me to a makeshift bar, which is a trestle table with a red sheet tossed over it. Oh, the irony of the angel leading the devil astray...

I wonder if Maverick had the same setup in college or something better? I wish I could have known him in college, but I also like this version of Maverick. He's mature, knows what he wants in life and makes a tasty cocktail.

"Can I entice you with some shots ladies?" one of the guys asks, slightly slurring his words.

"Sure." I nod.

He places three plastic shot glasses on the table, then pours a mixture of alcohol into the tiny cup before gesturing to it. We all take one and clink them before downing the mix.

"Can we dance now?" Emalyn asks.

"Yes," I eagerly agree.

The dancefloor is in the lounge room, except the furniture is pushed aside and a random disco ball hangs from the ceiling. The music is pumping, and my head is buzzing but I feel the music and it makes me happy. I take Emalyn's hand and twirl her around, she drops and shakes her butt as she rises.

We dance to a couple of songs, then she spies some. Emalyn takes off into the crowd and I trail behind her. She gives the three of them a hug before introducing me to them.

"This is Mel, Vicky, and Pen," Emalyn introduces.

Her eyes linger on Pen and she sports a small blush. He's tall and lanky, the complete opposite to her ex-boyfriend which is probably a good thing. Vicky and Mel are dressed in angel costumes, while Pen is sporting a pair of devil horns.

"Hi." I wave.

"This is my bestie, Willow." Emalyn loops her arm through mine and hugs me.

"It's nice to meet you all."

"We were about to grab more drinks if you want to come?" Mel invites us.

"Sure." Emalyn bounces on her toes.

We return to the makeshift bar and the two very drunk guys mix up some random concoctions and pour them into plastic cups.

On the first sip, I get the sting of what's probably straight alcohol going down. By the end of the cup, I feel very merry and bubbly.

We return to dancing and Emalyn makes her way over to Pen.

Now her attitude makes sense. She's too social to be forgoing boys, especially in the prime years of college.

When the room sways as much as my dancing, I tackle Emalyn in a hug. We sway from side to side, but I let go and find my feet.

"I'm going home," I say.

"Already?"

"Yes." I nod.

"Do you want me to walk with you?" She offers.

"I'll be fine."

"Text me when you're home safe."

"Okay." I nod.

I say goodbye to Mel, Vicky, and Pen before heading off. I weave through the crowd and sigh with relief when I make it outside. A slight breeze ruffles through my hair and cools the sweat on my skin.

I adjust the skirt so it's covering more of my upper thighs before strolling onto the pathway and towards Maverick's bar.

Maverick is packing up the bar when I stumble through the door.

"We're closed," Mav calls out.

"I guess I'll just leave."

Mav spins around and his smile turns into a frown.

"Are you drunk?"

"Yes." I nod.

"Did you walk here by yourself?"

"The walk wasn't that far." I shrug.

Joey walks out of the staff room and looks between us and shakes his head.

"I'm going to pretend I didn't see you here," Joey comments before rushing out of the bar.

I look at Maverick and he laughs.

Maverick walks around the bar and closes the door before spinning me around and planting a kiss on my lips.

"Mm, you taste like tequila." He laughs.

"Someone made me a drink and it just tasted like alcohol." I wrinkle my nose. "We did ask two very drunk people to make us a drink, so I'm not sure what else I thought would happen." I chuckle.

"Sounds like a college party to me." He chuckles.

I close the space between us and plant my lips back on his. He grabs my waist and squeezes it. I deepen the kiss by nipping his lower lip and tangling my tongue with his. Mav's hands slide down my thighs, and then I'm hoisted up and my legs wrap around his torso.

"You look so good in this outfit," he pants.

"Let's go upstairs."

Mav's mouth drops.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." I nod.

I race to the apartment entrance and Mav is hot on my heels. I make it a step into the apartment, then I'm spun around and pressed against the door. His hands feverishly travel across my body. I pull on his t-shirt and he helps remove it.

I'm down to the thin material of my underwear by the time we reach his bed. I slide onto the bed, but he stands at the base with his hands on his sides.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes, I am."

"I can't do this while you're drunk." He shakes his head.

"We've had sex before when we've been drunk." I pout.

"But it's different this time." He wanders over to his dresser and fishes a t-shirt out. He tosses it to me and I glare at the fabric pooled by my thigh.

"What's different? We've done this countless times before."

He clasps my face with his hands and rubs my cheeks. His eyes bore into mine - I can almost see the thoughts racing through his mind.

"It's different because I'm falling in love with you."

The air is pulled from my lungs.

"I don't want to screw things up."

His hand slides down my face and he cups my chin.

"When you're sober in the morning and you still want this, I may not let you leave my bed." He chuckles.

"You're a tease," I moan.

"Says the one wearing lingerie in my bed." He winks.

Mav takes the t-shirt and helps me put it on. He strips down to his underwear and climbs into the bed with me. He opens his arms and I lay against his chest. His arms weave around me, holding me tight.

"I love sleeping next to you. It reminds me this isn't a dream, you're here."

"I feel so silly for pushing you away when all I've craved is this."

"You have me now," he whispers.

He kisses the top of my head before settling in for the night.