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  I turned to face Mel who was positively glowing with happiness. “You realize Layla that now you have absolutely no excuse not to come and pick me up for all those parties you’re going to be invited to.” She gave me a hug and we said our goodbyes. We both had to prepare for classes the next day, and Mel hated long goodbyes as much as I did.

  I was on cloud nine as dad and I headed back into the house but with a sudden bump, I crashed back down to earth. He had made a valid point about mom and a pang of guilt was creeping up my stomach. We’d spoken over the phone during the week but our work schedules made it hard to have any kind of real conversation. Now that I had the car, I really had no excuse not to drive to San Francisco and visit her. I had decided already that I would go and visit her for a week during winter break and she was over the moon about it. She started making all kinds of plans for us like spa days, shopping, dinner and a movie. It sounded wonderful and I couldn’t wait to have some quality mother/daughter time.

  By the time dad had given me a “tour” of the car and I’d packed my overnight bag again, it was almost 3 p.m. I knew I’d need to leave soon or risk hitting the weekend traffic. He walked out to the car with me and I hugged him tightly. “Thank you so much dad. You’re the best and I love you.”

  He opened the driver’s side door and indicated to me to slide in before he closed it behind me. I wound down the window and he leaned in to give me a kiss. “I love you too baby girl. Now, have a safe journey back. Call me when you’re in your room.” I nodded and pulled out of the driveway. Giving him a final wave I began my journey back to college. Back to coffee shops, singing in bars and most certainly another round of verbal boxing with Jared. That last thought had left me with a dangerous smirk on my face. Oh he really wasn’t going to know what hit him.

  Chapter 9

  Propositions

  I parked outside the dorm building and pulled out my cell, sending dad a quick text to let him know I'd arrived safely. It usually took an hour to drive from home to Long Beach but the roads had been fairly clear so it hadn’t taken me as long as I had anticipated getting back. I sat back in my seat and stared down at the phone. Jared still hadn't replied to my message and now I was the one wondering if he was offended. Had I taken it too far? Cursing myself I grabbed my overnight bag off the back seat and got out of the car. Letting out a satisfied sigh, I stood back to admire her one last time before turning and walking to my dorm.

  I was just putting my key in the door when a strong pair of arms wrapped around my waist. I froze and my body felt weak. I felt like I was going to faint. This was it. I was going be attacked just a few feet from the safety of my room. When he lowered his mouth to my ear and I felt the cool metal of a lip ring, my whole body relaxed in pure relief.

  “Hi superstar. How was your weekend?”

  I turned around and shoved him hard. “Oliver you scared the shit outta me! I thought you were some kind of attacker or something. What the hell!?”

  He frowned and his eyebrows pinched together on his forehead. “I’m sorry. I never meant to scare you. That’s the last thing I wanted to do. I’d never hurt you Layla.”

  The smell of his hair and the scent of peppermint on his breath swirled and intoxicated my senses as he spoke. Maintaining my ire, I rolled my eyes at him and took a deep calming breath. “It’s ok. I’m fine. Just don’t ever sneak up on me like that again. Ok?” He nodded and then gave a quick salute. “Yes ma’am.” I smiled raising an eyebrow as he pulled open the door to our building and held it for me to enter.

  Ducking under his arm, I gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Douche.”

  He shrugged and grinned at me. “Tease.”

  I swiveled my head around and poked my tongue out playfully.

  “So, Amy told me you spent the weekend back home with your pops.” We were walking through the long hallway towards our rooms. I gave him a satisfied smile.

  “It was great. I got to spend time with my best friend Mel and dad took me out for dinner. He got me a car you know. It’s parked out front, the sky blue Ford Focus. I had no idea, so it was a total surprise.”

  I was practically bouncing up and down as I filled him in on what had happened that weekend. I was gushing but he humored me, smiling and nodding as I spoke.

  “Yeah, I was doing some work on my motorcycle when I saw you get out of the car so I ran over to say hi and I couldn’t resist the urge to give you a hug.”

  He had a motorcycle? Ollie’s hotness rating shot up like a rocket. There was something about a guy on a motorcycle that really revved my engine. Maybe it was the idea of having some huge powerful machinery between his legs. Either way I could imagine Ollie looked smoking hot in his bike gear.

  “I didn’t know you had a bike. Where is it?” He pointed out of the window across the parking lot to a hot red motorcycle with a sparkling chrome finish. It was enormous and absolutely stunning.

  “It’s a Ducati Monster. When I got her she was junk, I bought her cheap and decided to fix her up. Took me two years to get her up to scratch but she’s a real hottie don’t you think?”

  I nodded in agreement, my cheeks beginning to heat as I imagined his firm thighs straddling the monster.

  Easy girl, you’re just getting to know each other.

  “We missed you around here. That party over at the frat house was a total snooze. Amy got real drunk on Cosmos so I ended up babysitting her all night. I didn’t want some boozed up man whore taking advantage so we left around eleven and I had to practically carry her back here.”

  Oliver was a real gentleman. He was the type you only heard of but never actually met. I wondered how the hell he was still single. I mean he was sweet, funny, caring and smoking hot. How could some girl not have snagged him by now?

  Biting my lip I let out a small snicker. “So Amy kept you busy then. Sorry I wasn’t around to help, or laugh at you. I’ll be there for the next one. I swear.”

  He draped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into his side as we walked. “I hope so. Coz I am not doing that again. She was totally out of it. She puked on the sidewalk just outside the frat house. If I hadn’t jumped out of her way at just the right moment my brand new converse would be covered with pink puke.”

  I couldn’t help it. I rolled my head back and laughed so hard that my ribs hurt. He laughed right along with me and we were still giggling when we got to our rooms.

  Stopping outside our doors he gazed at me and ran his fingers through his thick dark hair. “So I was thinking maybe we could catch a movie tomorrow after class, before you head off for work? I’m getting real shit sick of sitting around here. I’ll even buy the popcorn. What do you say Layla? Come hang out with me.”

  I pondered it for a moment before smiling at him. “Yeah. Sounds great. But I get to pick the movie.”

  “As long as it’s not some tear jerking chick flick then I’m cool with that.” He gave me a tight hug. I was sure he had inhaled my scent as he buried his face into my hair but I decided not to draw attention to it. Giving me a flirty wink he raised his hand to signal a goodbye and disappeared into his room.

  He really was wonderful. So then why didn’t I feel the urge to go for it with him? He was my type in every way possible. But he just didn’t get my blood boiling or excite me like...I gasped realizing exactly where that thought was going. Oh no. Mel was right. He didn’t make me feel like Jared did. That man was trouble for me with a capital T. And tomorrow trouble would be strolling straight through those coffee shop doors. I had to do something about this soon. This back and forth between us was making me feel things that I didn’t want to, or at least I thought I didn’t want to.

  I leaned back against my door and let out an exasperated sigh. Suddenly it flew open and I found myself staggering backwards before landing with a bump on my ass. Laying on the hard wood floor, lost for words, I looked up at a now grinning Amy. A breathless laugh escaped my lungs. “Well that’s twice now that I’ve ended up on my back around here”
/>   Amy let out a snort. “Nothing wrong with that honey, but next time, make sure there’s a warm blooded male on top of you first.”

  With a wicked smile she winked and held out her a hand to help me up. Grasping it tightly, I pulled myself to my feet and stood in front of her. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  * * *

  Sitting on my bed, the two of us swapped stories about our weekends. Amy filled me in on the frat house party I’d missed and all the hot guys she’d been flirting with. “It would have been perfect if not for my shadow. Ollie followed me around all night. I swear he thinks I’m a child or something. I don’t need babysitting; I was just a little inebriated.” I chuckled and patted her on the shoulder. “I’m sure he was just worried about you being taken advantage of. Think of him more as a concerned friend than your babysitter. And come on Amy, be honest, how many Cosmos did you actually have?”

  Her cheeks flushed and I realized that it was the first time I’d seen Amy blush. Covering her face with her hands she let out a long sigh. “About ten or twelve. But in my defense, they were delicious and the pink vomit I’d had to endure later was a small price to pay for an amazing night out.”

  I fell back on the bed and roared with laughter. I could almost picture Oliver trying to stop her from puking a colorful new pattern onto his shoes.

  Wiping the tears that had formed in my eyes, I sat up and shook my head at her. “Oh Amy. Don’t worry, next time I promise I’ll be there and I’ll be the perfect wing woman. Your new shadow can rest easy knowing I’ve got it covered. I’m pretty sure he and his shoes will be very relieved.” She nudged me with her shoulder and we both laughed.

  I had really missed her over the weekend. We’d only known each other a week but it felt like much longer.

  “Layla, you can tell me to mind my own business if you want but how do you feel about Ollie? I mean there’s obviously something between you; I can see it every time you’re near each other. You both look ready to jump the others bones.”

  I shifted awkwardly, not really knowing the answer to that question. “I don’t know Amy, he’s great. Sweet, funny, caring, unbelievably hot and definitely my type but I don’t know. He makes me hot and when he’s near me. Oh. My. God. He’s got lips I want to gnaw on and a smile that makes me weak in the knees. Don’t even get me started on his come to bed eyes. I bet he’s dynamite in bed but I guess apart from the physical and intense sexual attraction, he’s just…Ollie. My friend and the guy I goofed around with at orientation day.”

  She smiled and shrugged at me. “So basically he pushes all your buttons and gets your motor running. But you don’t think he could drive the car?”

  Laughing hard at her analogy of my sexual attraction to Ollie I shook my head at her. “Oh Amy, that’s exactly how I feel. He’s a great guy but I need excitement, fire and passion. Ollie’s like the guy next door and in this case he actually is the guy next door. He’s the guy you take home to your parents but I want the guy who’s so bad, he’s great.”

  Images of Jared flashed before my eyes. Fire? Check. Hot? Scorching hot! Passionate? He was certainly holding his own so far and as for excitement, considering the way my body reacted every time he was near me, I’d say he was very exciting.

  I glanced at Amy who was watching me with curiosity as I sat in silence drooling over my coffee shop antagonist. I hadn’t told her about Jared’s message at the restaurant. And I was too embarrassed to admit that I’d risen to it and texted back. I was just contemplating telling her when, as if on cue, my cell buzzed in my front pocket. She eyed me curiously as she rose from the bed and walked into the bathroom. I shrugged at her and pulled the phone out. There was a message from Jared. I glanced over at the bathroom but the sound of the shower could be heard even from the bedroom, so I gingerly read the text.

  Well I must say I was a little shocked to receive your message last night. I was just getting home when I got it. What were you doing up so late? Partying I suppose? I appreciated the thought anyway. However, pray tell, what have I said to deserve such comment? I was simply being honest. I never intended to upset you in any way. Forgive me?

  Received: 17.11

  From: The Asshole

  Forgive him? A small smile had begun to form on my lips and a shiver of anticipation rushed through me as I frantically typed my reply.

  First of all I was at home, in bed. Sorry to disappoint but I’m not much of a party girl. My comments may have appeared harsh but I was a little irritated at your previous message. $275 is a lot of money for a girl on a part time salary with college supplies to purchase. Food is a must and I really cannot go without my copy of Cosmo every month. I am willing to forgive and start a fresh if you are willing to admit you were an ass.

  Sent: 17.13

  To: The Asshole

  I hugged myself in triumph. I’d played the game. And I felt confident that I was winning. Almost a second later he replied.

  Oh Layla. I’m flattered and thrilled by the notion that you were in bed thinking of me last night. ;)

  I will admit that my behavior may have been less than gentlemanly however “ass” may be a little too strong. $275 is the going rate for a new shirt. Unfortunately the dry cleaners couldn’t remove the stain that is now permanently etched into my garment. As to the payment, I’m sure we can come to some sort of an arrangement. J

  Received: 17.16

  From: The Asshole

  Arrangement? Like a payment plan? My heart was pounding and I could hear it beating in my ears. A shiver of anticipation ran like electricity through my veins. Shaking slightly from the adrenaline pulsing through my veins, I responded.

  Arrangement? What did you have in mind?

  Sent: 17.20

  To: The Asshole

  My hands were sweating as they gripped the phone; I bit down on my lip waiting impatiently for his next message. This was crazy. I hardly knew him and he was turning me into a hot irrational mess without even being in the room. The phone buzzed and I stared at it. I was biting my lip so hard I could taste blood from the small incision my tooth had made in the flesh. Licking it into my mouth, I opened the message:

  Well I thought we could start with you letting me take you out to dinner.

  Received: 17.24

  From: The Asshole

  I gasped, my mouth falling open as my eyes read his words over and over again. Did I really want to do this? He was asking me out. I’d been thinking about him all weekend. My mind suddenly wandered back to the office that morning in the shop: his dimpled chin, penetrating blue eyes, wet shirt clinging to his hard abs and his heart stopping smile. The more I thought about it, the hotter I felt. My heart wasn’t just pounding anymore, it was trying to escape from my chest; thumping hard beneath my ribcage, which was rising and falling rapidly as my breathing quickened. Taking two long calming breaths, I sent him my reply.

  When?

  Sent: 17.28

  To: The Asshole

  There was no turning back. It was typed, sent and delivered. I imagined the look on his face when he read it, that sexy satisfied smirk. Thinking about it made me utter a girlish squeal of excitement. I glanced over at the bathroom door. Amy was still in the shower and I could hear her singing as she always did while she was in there. Waiting for what felt like an eternity, but was probably only moments, the phone finally buzzed in my hand. I took a deep breath and opened the message. Reading it I let out a loud squeal. “Oh my god!”

  Amy flew out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her chest and her hair still had the foam from her shampoo that she had obviously been rinsing from it when I’d yelled.

  “What!? What’s happened?” She was looking at me up and down I imagined, checking me for any injury or ailment.

  My mouth was gaping open and I shook my head.

  Pulling my gaze away from the screen, I looked over at her and she gawked at me waiting for a response.

  “I think I’m having dinner with Jared.”

  Amy held her han
d to her mouth and gasped. “Oh my gosh Layla. When?”

  I suddenly found myself grinning as I re-read his message.

  How about right now?

  Received: 17.32

  From: The Asshole

  I showed it to Amy and she threw her arms around my neck, getting residue shampoo bubbles on me in the process. Releasing me, she jumped up and down, clapping her hands. “First you have to tell him to pick you up in one hour. Then get your ass in the shower. I have the perfect outfit for you to wear. We’ll fix your hair into an up do and give you a little natural make up. He won’t know what’s hit him. You’re gonna knock his socks off girl! And I’m gonna help you do it.”

  This was going to be interesting and I couldn’t wait.

  Chapter 10

  You’ve Got A Friend

  “There. Finished. You look amazing.” Amy lowered the makeup brush and spun me around to face the mirror. I gingerly opened my eyes and gazed in astonishment at my reflection. My once lifeless and frizzy hair was now set into loose curls. Amy had taken a few ringlets and pinned them at the back to give me a beautiful retro beehive. The rest flowed down to sit on my shoulders. It was glossy and the hairspray made the blonde shade glisten as I moved. My eyes had a smoky effect and the lashes that framed them were long, thick and dark. Amy called them smoldering. My lips were shimmering from the light pink gloss she’d applied. Bringing my hand up to my mouth, but not covering the gloss, I gasped. “Amy. It’s amazing. I look gorgeous .Thank you so much.”