Despicable Desires

Episode 44

Adeline

As we leave the building, Jayden's jeep is illegally parked right in front of us. Cameron comes out first to greet the three of us. My eyes, however, are completely focused on what's happening behind him. I watch as Jayden gets out of the car, wearing a matching shirt under a beige wool sweater and dark pants that cling to his muscular thighs. The contrast in color accentuates the darkness of his hair. He looks even more beautiful than usual, which I didn't think was humanly possible. My legs have a hard time supporting me, and at that moment I wonder how I managed to go two months without jumping him.

Willpower, Adeline. Willpower!

This isn't the first time I've crossed paths with him since he unexpectedly showed up in my room to confess his feelings. Jayden was always there. First in the library, when he tried to take me back a little over fifteen days ago. Whenever we went to a party or dinner on campus afterwards. I saw him in the distance, with his buddies, with his brother, he seemed happy, and whenever our eyes met, his face lit up. Even a blind person couldn't miss it. I fell hopelessly in love with him. But I fought it. I made him wait. He owed me that much. He had pushed me away so many times that I needed time to trust him again.

And God knows how hard it was to wait.

But he understood. He kept his distance. A lot of distance. Then he began to come back to me. When he passed me in the hallways, he would come up and talk to me, sit at my table when he saw me in the library, and make sure he finished at the same time as me and gave me a ride back. He was kind and considerate.

And as he stands next to his car, I realize that this situation has gone on long enough. I want to be with him and he wants to be with me. But I have to find the courage to take the plunge.

I walk up to him to get down to his level; his smile melts me, but I try to appear natural and relaxed.

"Hello," I say, smiling like an idiot.

I have to work on my composure.

I feel like there is a flashing light on my forehead that says "I want you" in big letters.

"You look beautiful," he whispers in my ear and kisses my cheek. The sweetness of his lips and the musky scent emanating from him turn my stomach. It's the second time he's done this and my body's reaction remains the same.

"Thanks," I giggle. "You look very nice too!"

"All right, lovebirds, save the face eating for later! We have a turkey to eat and a Thanksgiving party to attend!" Cameron puts his arm around my shoulders, making me jump, and hurries us into the car. I blush at his comment and Jayden growls behind me.

"One of these days I'm really going to shut you up."

"It's okay bro, it was a joke."

The boys sit in the front of the car while the girls and I buckle up. The last time we went to the Epsilon house, we took the subway, and this trip seems ten times shorter. By the time Jayden parks in front of the dorm, dozens of cars have torn up the lawn, and noises emanate from outside.

"We're late!" Cameron complains.

"There's no start," Holly scoffs. "It's a meal, they won't start without us."

I ignore the verbal sparring between my half-brother and my best friend and look at the building materializing before my eyes. It feels like I came here just a few days ago, and a rush of heat spreads from the base of my neck to the inside of my legs as a memory hits me hard.

Jayden and I in the upstairs bathroom.

When I meet Jayden's gaze, he smiles at me as if he, too, had remembered before he led us into the driveway. He doesn't bother to ring the bell and just walks right in. A deafening commotion envelops us as we enter.

"There you are!"

A woman's voice rises and we don't have time to identify her before a brunette tornado leaps into Jayden's arms.

"They're just friends, Adeline," I swallow my jealousy as I see Jayden greet Lydia politely before gently pushing her away.

"Come on, everyone's waiting." She invites us into the living room, where there is a huge table in the middle with dozens of people gathered around it, either standing or sitting. They were engaged in animated conversation, and a few heads turned when we arrived.

"Finally, you're here, man!" A blond man I recognize as Peter greets Jayden and turns to us. "You didn't come alone! Hi, I think we know each other?" Peter leans over and gives me a quick peck on the cheek.

"Stop pretending," Jayden chuckles, slapping his friend's back before glancing in my direction with an amused sigh.

"Scott's waiting for you. He's with a beautiful blonde who seems to know you!" Peter continues his chatter. I frown, ignoring the second pang of jealousy that is stirring in me. With Esther and Holly behind me, I follow the boys to the table. We don't know many people here; some of them are familiar faces from Jayden's previous parties, while others are strangers to us. A little hesitant, I manage to find three seats together and sit down with the girls. Despite my best efforts to block out Peter's comments, they still manage to reach my ears and I feel myself tense up.

"Apparently she couldn't stop talking about you."

"She must be in my class," Jayden replies coolly.

"She's really hot, man," Peter says, addressing Jayden.

I stand in front of the table and watch Cameron go to greet another group. Annoyed, I try to find a place to sit and brood, but suddenly a hand grabs my wrist. I turn to see two dark eyes.

"Would you like to join me?" Jayden asks, watching my reaction and sensing my annoyance. He moves closer and gently pulls me towards him.

"I think your friends have a seat reserved for you," I reply with a hint of disdain. I know I only have myself to blame; I've been stringing him along for two months.

You deserve it if he goes off with the blonde, Adeline. You're just a fool!

"Hey, White, what are you doing?" Jayden looks in the direction of the voice calling out to him, and I feel his fingers slide against mine. He holds my hand in his, his warm palm encircling mine as he pulls me toward him. We move through the guests, Jayden greeting a few people along the way, all of whom can see our intertwined fingers. He tightens his grip as we round the table and reach his friends, his throaty voice rising slightly as he speaks.

"Adeline is with me."

His friends fall silent, their eyes shifting to our hands as they exchange knowing smiles full of meaning. I remain silent, completely overwhelmed by the sensations his touch evokes. However, I instinctively look around and notice that the blonde is no longer there.

He has just made a move.