Love Beyond The Party Lights

Chapter 1: A Night To Remember

 There's never anything good on Netflix. I'm tired of watching romance movies where everyone ends up in perfect relationships. And don't even get me started on the fake love plastered all over Instagram—the same people who post about being single one day and flood their stories with thirst traps the next. I've often wondered what it would feel like to be cuffed up during winter, snuggled up with someone special. I never imagined I'd experience it until I met Elias. He completely swept me off my feet—tall like an NBA player, with skin that's the perfect blend of chocolate and caramel, and curly hair so soft it almost matches the softness of his lips when they meet mine.

It all began on Halloween. My friends insisted on dragging me to a house party, even though I'd much rather have stayed in, ordered some takeout, and binged Netflix. But thank goodness I went because that's where I saw him, standing in the corner, talking to the host. Our eyes met several times throughout the night, and I couldn't believe this model-like guy was actually looking at me. I wanted to approach him, but I was too nervous. Four cups of alcohol deep, the fear of rejection was overwhelming. Or maybe it was the overly sweet mixed drink making me queasy. I glanced at my friend, ready to leave, and explained how I was feeling. She encouraged me to seize the moment, but I just couldn't muster the courage, especially feeling the way I did.

I decided to step outside for some fresh air, hoping it would help clear my head. As I sat on the steps trying to psych myself up, I heard footsteps behind me. Without looking, I shifted aside, only to realize the person had stopped right in front of me. His cologne filled the air, and I looked up to see him, staring down at me with a smirk. I couldn't make out his words at first; I was in shock that he had actually followed me outside. I questioned if the drink was spiked or if I was hallucinating from the secondhand smoke. But no, it was real, and he was there, asking if I was okay.

I told him I just needed some fresh air and that parties weren't really my scene. He confessed they weren't his either and that he was just there to support the host. We spent that short time on the steps getting to know each other, the sexual tension between us making the cold night air feel warm. I knew then it wasn't just the alcohol; it was our chemistry driving the heat. His body inched closer to mine, and for a moment, it felt like the world had shrunk down to just the two of us. But before anything more could happen, the door opened, and the noise of people leaving the party broke our moment.

We exchanged numbers before heading back inside. As I led the way, I returned with a wide grin, catching my friend's eye. She quipped, "Looks like we're sticking around," with a laugh. I nodded, feeling much better. We both chuckled as we watched him enter the room shortly after me. I glanced at my phone as it vibrated in my hand, and saw a notification with a heart eyes emoji on the screen. I looked up, catching him trying to play it cool, but still stealing glances at me. In that moment, I knew my night had been made. I had what I came for and was eager to relieve my tired feet.

After a quick farewell to my friend and a thank you to the host, I made my way down the steps to my car. Just as I reached it, I got a message from him, wondering why I hadn't said goodbye. I replied with a smirk, teasingly suggesting his place as an option, but ultimately opting for the comfort of my own bed and a hot shower. He shot back with an invitation to use his shower, but I declined, preferring the chilly weather and the idea of cozying up to watch TV afterwards.

I started the car, making sure I was sober enough to drive after a night of drinking. Another text arrived, this time with a question mark. I responded casually, asking if I should follow him. His quick reply informed me he was already ahead of me, instructing me to look up. Sure enough, there he was, pulling out of the driveway, and suddenly, my mind was racing as I followed his car. Should I trust my instincts and take a detour, or should I redirect my GPS, unsure of what might happen next?

The drive was a blur, the city lights reflecting off the wet streets as I followed him through unfamiliar neighborhoods. My heart pounded with anticipation, a mix of excitement and nervousness building with each turn. When he finally pulled into a driveway and parked, I hesitated for a moment before following suit. I turned off the engine and sat there, gripping the steering wheel as I tried to steady my breath. What was I doing? I didn't even know this guy, yet here I was, about to walk into his home. But something about him—about us—felt right. And so, with a deep breath, I grabbed my bag and stepped out of the car.

He was waiting by the front door, his face lit up with a smile that made my heart skip a beat. "Glad you decided to join me," he said, holding the door open as I approached.

"Yeah, well, I figured why not?" I replied, trying to sound casual, though my pulse was racing.

His place was cozy, with a lived-in feel that put me at ease. We kicked off our shoes, and he led me to the living room, where he offered me a drink. I declined, still feeling the effects of the earlier cocktails, and instead, we settled on the couch with a movie playing in the background. But the tension between us was palpable, and it wasn't long before the movie became just background noise.

He reached for my hand, and I let him, his fingers intertwining with mine as we inched closer together. The moment felt inevitable, like gravity pulling us toward each other. When our lips finally met, it was electric, sending a jolt through my entire body. His kiss was soft yet insistent, as if he'd been waiting for this moment just as much as I had. Everything else faded away—the party, the doubts, the outside world—until there was nothing but the two of us, lost in each other.

I don't remember how long we stayed like that, wrapped up in each other's arms, exploring the depths of this newfound connection. Time seemed to stand still, and by the time we pulled away, both of us were breathless, our hearts pounding in sync. We sat there in silence for a moment, just gazing at each other, before he broke the tension with a smile.

"Stay," he whispered, his voice husky with desire.

I hesitated, torn between the pull of this undeniable chemistry and the part of me that knew I should probably go home. But as I looked into his eyes, the decision was made for me. "Okay," I whispered back, and that single word seemed to seal our fate.

We spent the rest of the night together, losing ourselves in the heat of the moment, exploring every inch of each other until the first light of dawn began to creep through the windows. When we finally drifted off to sleep, tangled up in each other's arms, I knew that whatever happened next, this night would be one to remember.