and it was perfect

Chapter 15

It was Friday night, and we were ready to go out. The day before, I indeed had been punished with an awful hangover and missed most of my classes. But it had been worth it. I hadn't seen Aiden since that evening and couldn't wait to see him tonight. His internship was over, and I knew he was coming. This time I put more effort into my look. After a long, intense shower, I put on a black high-neck bodysuit that didn't require a bra and a black pair of dress shorts. I brushed through my lengths, put on a hint of mascara, and added some white eyeshadow in my inner crease to make the grey pop. Then I headed over to Zoe's room.

Once again, we had decided to pre-drink, and I was more than ready for some alcohol to calm my nerves. I had no idea when or where Aiden would take the next step, but after our moment two days before, I just wanted to rip off his shirt and do it anywhere. I still couldn't believe he was attracted to me, and just the thought of his slow grin set my skin on fire. "Please tell me we have some gin?" I asked Zoe as soon as I walked in. She was putting on some mascara and whistled when she saw me. "I'd die for your legs Jenna, seriously." - "I'd trade them with your boobs anytime." We put on some music and danced around while she finished, and I couldn't keep a smile from my face. "What's up?" Zoe grinned. "Nothing." I said and tried to wipe it off. It was useless. "Alright, I'm not gonna torture you now. But you owe me some details soon." she threatened. I nodded. "Will do."

We headed over shortly after. This time it was at Dylan's and Finn's house again. I hadn't been here since I made out with Gene, and the thought of our wicked game back then made me grin. Inside we joined the others, and I poured myself another drink. It was way too hot, so soon, we went outside to play a round of beer pong. I played with Alice, who was just as bad as me, but it made it even funnier. She had filled me in about her first night with Duke in all details and was over the moon. It made me happy. Sometimes things could be so easy.
Aiden didn't seem to be here yet and I did my best to distract myself. We decided to go dancing, and it took my mind off him for while. I went inside to grab a drink when a song came on I didn't like. That's when I finally saw him leaning against a wall wearing a plain grey shirt. Looking as good as ever. The thought of his hot lips against my skin made my toes curl. I took in his sight for a moment until I recognised the girl standing in front of him.

It was ... Reed. They were just talking, and she only touched his arm for a second, which he didn't react to, but it still made my blood freeze. He looked up and saw me staring at them, and I saw a hint of guilt in his eyes. Wow. I turned around and walked to the dance floor, trying to keep my breath under control. So much for us becoming a thing. As soon as Reed showed up, he was all hers again. I was so stupid. I finished my drink and joined the others. Then I wrapped my arms around Taylor and started dancing with him, giving my best to think about anything but Aiden. The phone in my pocket vibrated. I knew it must be Aiden texting me, but I didn't want to read it. Instead, I closed my eyes and tried to get lost in the beat. My phone vibrated again, and I grabbed into my pocket without looking up and pressed the off button. Fuck you, Aiden. I knew he wouldn't dare coming over and talk to me. Why would he stop me from dancing with another guy. I knew he didn't want anyone to know, and neither did I. That's why I stuck to my friends all evening. I danced, even flirted a little with some guys Matt introduced me to, and finished another drink. I could feel myself getting dizzy, and it helped. I didn't want to look in his direction, too scared to see him making out with Reed or, even worse, already being gone with her. But at some point, I couldn't resist no more and quickly scanned the room. He was gone.

I felt the typical sting coming back, and I stoically accepted it. Of course, he had left with her. I felt sick and told the others I was heading to the bathroom. But on my way to the door, I felt a hand lightly touching my elbows. It was him. "We need to talk." he simply said. I scoffed and looked up. A part of me was incredibly relieved that he hadn't left with Reed, the other part of me wanted to kill him. "That won't be necessary." I said and continued walking. He followed me. "Would you just hold on for a second before judging me?" he sighed, and my anger got even worse. Instead of going to the bathroom, I changed direction and started walking toward the front door. "I'm going home now. Leave me alone. Enjoy your night." I squeezed out and walked outside. Aiden continued following me. "Fine, let's talk at home." I shot him an angry look. "That was no invitation." He rolled his eyes. "Would you please calm down? Nothing happened. So what, we talked - big deal." I was too angry to talk. We had nearly reached our front door now. "Jen ..." he started again. I unlocked the door, kicked off my shoes, and walked up the stairs. "I'm not anyone's second choice, Aiden. While yes – we're just talking about sex here, but I still have some pride." He let out another frustrated breath and followed me. I was heading to the bathroom where I could lock myself in and take a long hot shower to wash this awful evening off me.

I opened the door, but a hand above my head pressed it back into the lock. "You're not my second choice, Jenna." he slowly answered, and I turned around to face him and shoot him some angry looks. He looked just as angry now, and I could see he was a little drunk, just like I was. "Well, you sure as hell make me think I am." I hissed back and tried to open the door again. His hand didn't move. "I. Want. You." he simply said, and his look was angry, confused, and longing all at once. I was still pissed, but his words' effect on my whole body was undeniable. My heart beat like crazy. Was he telling the truth? Or just make things up so I wouldn't be mad, and he'd get the both of us? His eyes denied it. "Stop messing with my head." was all I could answer; it came out as a whisper. "But that's exactly what I want." he whispered back, let go of the door, and touched my lips. And I was all his.