Is It To Your Liking?

  Nicole..

  

  

  I couldn't sleep that night when I eventually got to my room because of two things; First I was now the topic of discussion in my group chat, and probably the whole school by now, and that was not how I intended to start the semester, secondly, the stranger I barely knew in the jacuzzi.

  

  The next morning came in a slow agonizing way, I lost count of the number of times I rolled over and checked the time. I thought I had managed to sleep for at least an hour before waking up in a cold sweat with fear and dread crawling up my neck to choke me. 

  

  I checked the group chat again and it was still the same old news, me. I felt ashamed of myself, of how fast I had given in, it shouldn't have been that easy right? 

  

  Why was it always this hard to get out from under other people's expectations of someone else? Wasn't it enough that I'd just had the messiest week? Yet the universe brought me another trap.

  

  I finally dragged myself out of bed, took a shower and proceeded to look for an outfit. For the first time in a while, I was worried about my look, and I had no doubt it had everything to do with Zach. 

  

  After staring at the closet for a while— which I had arranged my clothes in last night, during my futile attempt to sleep, I finally settled for a simple sun dress. 

  

  The dress was blue in color and stopped right above my knees. The back was really low, which I took the liberty to cover with my curls. I put on some light make up, by light make up, I mean a lipgloss and a mascara. I had thick lashes, so a little mascara on it made it look like I had a total make over. 

  

  I went for a black sandals, it wasn’t really something fancy, but it would do. Satisfied with my look, I headed downstairs to meet Leah.

  

  She introduced me to her husband, Jack, and a couple more people. Jack had a strange aura and his eye color was something I had never seen before. Sometimes, I could even swear his eyes were glowing. 

  

  Either way, I decided to mind my business. If Leah was happy with him, it wasn’t  in my place to judge him. 

  

  I helped Leah to handle the decorations, the balloons, and the seating arrangements.

  I wasn't happy but I didn't want to ruin one of her big days, I was better than that.

  

  So I plastered a fake smile on my face that was as bright as neon lights, hoping she’d never notice. My phone vibrated in the pocket of my jeans and the caller ID said Bella. Shit! How did I forget about her?

  

  I moved away from the music that was already playing in the background and the chatter of  “a few guests” In Leah's voice only that there were more than a few.

  

  “Hi!” I eventually said, trying to sound cheerful but instead I sounded croaky and

  nervous.

  

  “Nicole? Where the hell are you? I called so many times, I texted like a hundred times, are you okay? Why aren't you at home? Do I need to come get you?” She asked all in  one breath, panic and worry in her tone. And that scared me. She always sounded so calm and collected. 

  

  “No, no, I'm fine! I will explain everything to you later”

  

  “Nicole, the last time you said that it didn't end well. Shit I shouldn't have said that.”

  

  “That's okay”, I tried to act like her words meant nothing.  “I met the sexiest man alive,  he's fine as hell. There is just something about him. From his messy black hair, green eyes to muscular…”

  

  “Body?” Another voice said and no it wasn't Bella.

  

  I turned to see Zach staring at me with an amused expression. 

  

  “Shit Bella, I’d have to call you back.” I hung up without waiting for her to say something. 

  

  “How much of my conversation did you listen to? It's not funny to sneak up on people.”

  I scoffed. 

  

  “I listened enough to know that you find me sexy and not everyone sneaks up on people, like you.” He said, sauntering towards me in the most elegant way.

  

  Heat rushed through my body as I realized he was talking about last night, my face was Scarlett red, I felt my knees go weak. 

  

  Before he could get to me, I ran past him into the bathroom. And when I looked at myself in the mirror, my face was still flushed from that little encounter. What was I expecting? Of course, he would bring it up.

  

  After splashing enough water on my face to calm my nerves, I returned to the party.

  I grabbed a glass and emptied its whole content into my mouth, I did the same to the second and third glasses, even the fourth.

  

  “Damn girl, you need to slow down!”  Leah said as she approached me. “You sure you’re good?” Her eyes scrutinized me, like she was looking for something that told otherwise.

  

  The effect from the wine was already starting to show. My head felt fuzzy, the world around me grew hazy until the walls became blurry outlines and the sounds were fading away until they didn't register at all, but only a little because I was fast to snap back into reality.

  

  “I am fine, trust me,” I smiled. “Do you need help with anything? It is a wonderful party by the way.” I quickly changed the subject.

  

  “I know right? Can you help me get Zach? I haven't seen him anywhere.” She asked with a pout.

  

  I almost puked, it wasn't from the alcohol in my system, but from my nerves that were going wild.

  

  “Sure.”

  

  I cursed myself for being at that spot, I should have just snuck into my room or something.

  I moved towards every room because I didn't know which one belonged to Zach.

  

  When I eventually got to the last room, I could hear moans, they sounded almost muffled, and without thinking, I pushed the door open.

  

  I shouldn't have because Zach was naked, his right hand was working against his erected cock and he looked extremely aroused.

  

  On his other hand was a bottle of lube, and he didn't flinch when his gaze met mine, instead he let out a groan as he came while watching me with those intense green eyes.

  

  “Are you just gonna stare?” He raised his brows.

  

  “Sorry, Leah is asking of you.” I blurted out. My face was red, extremely red, and I ran off even though my insides danced with a strange excitement.

  

  Was I cursed with the wrong timing? 

  

  “He’ll be down soon,” I told Leah before pouring down another glass of wine down my throat. 

  

  I continued to down more glasses when Leah’s voice suddenly disrupted my thoughts. 

  

  “My best friend who flew all the way here will give us a toast now” I didn't know Leah was giving a speech, I didn't even know I was supposed to give a damn toast.

  

  What was I going to do? It was at that moment Leah walked up to me. “They are waiting for you”

  

  “I…I want to say a big thank you for making time to celebrate with us…” I trailed off as Zach appeared at the corner at the same time, messing with my brain as my eyes locked with his. “I think it's beautiful and hot, also extremely attractive that uhm…” I couldn't find words, I didn't even realize people were mumbling. 

  

  “And hot…” I continued but soon, I saw Zach moving towards me, smiling at everyone who stared. “All we’re trying to say is we’re glad you’re both having a baby, congratulations, Leah and Jack.” Zach said before pulling me away.

  

  “What are you doing?” I protested.

  

  “Saving your drunk ass.”

  

  When we get to the Kitchen, I rushed towards the sink to wash my face with water. I started coughing and when he tried to pat my back, I flinched from him.

  

  Not because I was scared but because his touch sent a burning sensation down my spine.

  

  “So what did you think of it?” He asked. 

  

  “It?” I repeated confusedly, wondering what he was talking about.

  

  “My cock. Is it to your liking?” He questioned, and I immediately spat out the water in my mouth. 

  

  “Wh..wha…what?” I stuttered, speechless. But Zach wasn’t fazed by my inability to compose a reply. Instead, he stared at me like he was trying to read my mind or something. 

  

  Shut up, Nicole. How many glasses of wine have you had?

  

  “It’s okay for the average man.” I finally managed to say, swallowing hard as he gazed into my soul. 

  

  “Oh, lady, my cock is no average,” he retorted, closing the distance between us. His hot breath fanned my neck, and I felt my insides burn with desire for a man I barely knew.

  

  “Hmmm.” I whispered, staring at my feet, avoiding his haunting gaze.

  

         He lifted my chin up so I could look at him, and shot me a devilish smile. “I can hear your thoughts, you know? You’re like an open book.” He chuckled as if it was some sort of joke. Maybe it was a harmless act or one full of intention, but he bit his lower lip and all I wanted to do at that point was kiss him.

  

  He leaned in closer, his body pressed to mine. “I know you want me, all you have to do is ask and I’d be willing to…

  

  He suddenly stopped like something else had his attention and immediately pulled away from me. I was sure he could see the goosebumps on my neck and just when I opened my mouth to speak, I heard Leah’s voice.