Needed You

Chapter Five

Mature themes
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Somehow, the time away from home on a Friday night becomes all too familiar. Too comfortable. Each week, I would relieve Addison, pack a sleep bag for Freya and I, and be over at their house before seven. I'd message my father, not exactly where I was, but that Freya and I were having a girl's night sleepover at her friends. What I didn't mention was that actually, there were four men there too, and they were who were keeping me company while Jas and Freya played.

It's the fourth week since I first stayed over. Six since Levi found me. I was determined to hold a grudge, but somehow I couldn't hold myself to it, and while things are still a little terse, we're fine. So he's quick to anger, to get defensive. A little hot headedness isn't something to dwell on, unless it evolves into something more than that. With my history of angry men, I should worry more, but the desperate lonely girl in me isn't willing to give up the first taste of friendship I've had in over two years just yet.

Jacques winks each night before bed, a small smirk to accompany, as if we're sharing a little secret that only we know. I still haven't caved to the offer he initially made, though I found myself wondering what it might be like when he arrived one day covered in engine oil, and stripped his top off in the living room before disappearing upstairs, dirty and sheened with sweat. I quickly shut down my wandering imagination, blaming it, once more, on the lack of company and companionship over the years. Friendship was one thing, but I also hadn't had any sort of romantic, intimate involvement with anyone for well over that. Time spent with my ex was also rather questionable, and I did wonder if sex improved with age. I just had to remind myself not to answer that question with Jacques, who'd drop me like hot coal the minute he pulled his pants back up.

Austin is... Austin. Somehow kinder, even though he still sees fit to softly insult me at any given opportunity. It's more of a shock when he doesn't, and I scold myself for ever doubting Levi's assumption. Part of me gets a kick off the attention, especially when he grins at me afterwards.

I don't see much of Kade. It's like he's avoiding being around at all, now he knows I'm here. He comes home late, skirting past Austin and I on the sofa when we're watching our last movie, disappearing upstairs without so much as a nod of acknowledgement. Brooding about the little Eastbridger and her younger sister sullying his home, no doubt. He hangs around on a Saturday morning only to make the pancakes that the girls pester for, but he disappears as soon as they're plated up. Freya and I leave not long after.

In the bathroom, I lay out the contents of my wash bag, preparing for bed. Not that there is one. Levi offered to trade for the sofa, but that felt like a liberty, given this turning into a weekly occurrence. Besides, since I discovered Levi slept in the done up basement, I declined solely on the premise that I want to be as close as possible to Freya, in case she needs me in the night. Of course, the closest would be in Jacques room, but I'm not prepared to open that can of worms.

Just as I drop my skirt to pull on my sleep shorts, the door opens.

"Jesus, Levi!" I clutch the minimal clothing to my front, hiding my underwear.

He laughs, turning to face away despite not leaving the room. "Sorry. Forgot the rules."

"Three fucking knocks, dude. Get out!" He doesn't, just closes the door behind him and starts the shower.

"I'm not looking."

"I don't care. Leave!" He scoffs, holding his hand beneath the spray.

"My house. Get your kit off."

"I'm not getting naked in front of you."

"If I see anything I haven't seen before, I'll throw money at it."