More Than Friends

Part 97 (Hardin)

It's Friday after school and I drop Tessa off at home. "I can't believe I have to leave you. This will be the first time being away from you. Well, aside from when we were fighting," I say as I tuck Tessa's hair behind her ear.

"I know. I'm going to miss you so much," she says as she plays with my jacket.

"I shouldn't go."

"Yes, you should, Hardin. Your job is important, too. I'll be fine."

"Tess..."

"You'll do fine without me. It's only for a couple of nights."

"It will feel like an eternity."

"Don't be so dramatic." She cups my cheek and rubs her thumb across it.

"Okay, I better go before I change my mind. I love you, baby. Don't forget that."

"I love you, Hardin." She hugs me and squeezes me tightly.

I get into my car and pull out of the parking lot while I watch Tessa wave goodbye.

I drive to Seattle, which feels like it takes longer than it actually does. Time moves slower without Tessa by my side and I already miss her so much.

When I get to Seattle, I check into the hotel and leave my luggage in the room before going to the bar downstairs. I sit at a spot at the bar that's surrounded by empty seats. I'm not in the mood for company tonight. I order a burger and fries and watch the sports game they have playing on the television. I don't care much for sports, but it beats missing Tessa.

I'm minding my own business when I hear a voice whisper in my ear, "Care to buy me a drink?" followed by a hand caressing my arm.

I turn around to see a slightly older woman in very slutty clothing intended for a much younger woman. "Nope," I reply flatly.

"Why not? You looked lonely sitting over here all by yourself."

"I want to be alone," I snap.

"The name's Sasha."

"Don't care."

"Do you have a name?"

"Yeah. And it's none of your business."

"You know, any one of these guys would be dying to buy me a drink."

"Then go bug one of them."

"You don't know what you're missing," she says before she finally walks away.

It's strange to think how it wasn't that long ago that I probably would have taken her up on her offer. I would have had way too much to drink and then gone up to her room and fucked her brains out before stumbling back to the bar.

Just thinking of the person I used to be makes me realize how thankful I am that I found Tessa. She saved me and helped me become someone who is worthy of her love.

"Fuck this," I mumble. I pay my bill and get up from my seat to go back to my room. I want to talk to Tessa. I need to talk to Tessa.

When I get to my room, I dial Tessa.

She answers after a couple of rings. "Hardin?"

"Baby, I miss you."

"I miss you, too."

"You better be alone," I chuckle.

"Actually, there's a boy sleeping in the other room."

"What?" I gasp.

"Kimberly's son fell asleep not too long ago," she giggles.

"You almost gave me a heart attack, Tess."

"Sorry," she giggles again. "How was your drive to Seattle?"

"Lonely. I wanted to turn around and come home."

"It will be Sunday before you know it and then you can ravish me," she says seductively.

"I can ravish you, huh? What if I can't wait until Sunday? What if I want you right now?"

"I don't think that's possible, Hardin," she giggles.

"It's called phone sex, Tess."

"What?" she gasps.

"Come on, baby, it'll be fun."

"Hardin, I can't have phone sex with you," she whispers.

"Why not?" I whine.

"There's a child in the other room."

"Why hasn't Kimberly picked up the ankle-biter yet?"

"I thought you wanted a baby. Maybe having no sex life anymore will make you think twice!" she laughs.

"Tessa..." I whine.

"Sorry, Hardin. You're on your own tonight! I love you!" she giggles and hangs up.

After Tessa ditches me, I get into bed and spend the rest of the night thinking about what I would do to her if she were here with me.