Hanging With The Bad Boys (Edited)

Chapter 43- Are We There Yet?

Brandon's POV

I wake up in an unfamiliar room with a pounding headache. The last thing I remember is drinking with Jack, where I won by five bottles. I realize I'm not wearing any clothes and notice a familiar figure beside me. When the person turns to face me, I gasp—it's Nikki, and she's naked too. Oh no, what have I done?

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Anastasia's POV

I wake up on the theater couch to find all the guys asleep after our prank last night. Arlene was a bit drunk, so I let her stay in my bedroom. I check my phone—it's 8:30 am, and I haven't heard from Brandon since the party.

Curious about his night, I text him:

Me: Hi baby, just checking in. I had fun last night; how about you?

Thirty minutes pass with no reply.

Me: When you get a chance, let me know you're okay, alright?

I head upstairs to my bedroom, where Arlene is already up and dressed.

"I have to leave. See you later," she says.

I nod, take a shower, and dry my hair. I choose sweatpants and a shirt, tying my hair in a ponytail. My stomach growls.

Just as I'm about to leave my room, my phone vibrates. It's a message from Brandon:

Brandy: I had a good night but went home early due to a headache. Trying to shake off my hangover.

Me: Glad to hear. When can we start the geography project?

Brandy: This weekend. I'll pick you up at 4 pm; wear a bikini just in case.

Me: Sounds good, see you later, xoxo.

Brandy: I love you too, xoxo.

I feel butterflies in my stomach, followed by another grumble. In the kitchen, I find the guys eating pancakes.

"Morning, guys," I greet, smiling as they mumble back with mouths full.

Jordan chokes on his pancake, and Kyle smacks his back, causing him to spit pancake on the floor.

Freddie sighs and rubs his forehead. "Not again, I swear I'm feeding kindergartners."

I giggle and take my plate of pancakes to the dining room. Freddie brings me tea, and I thank him with a smile.

I finish eating just as the guys are leaving. Justin says, "We'll see you tomorrow. Call us if you need anything."

I nod, and Freddie adds, "You're lucky to have friends who care." I wholeheartedly agree.

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4:00 pm

Dressed in shorts and a tank top with my bikini underneath, I wait for Brandon in my front yard. Freddie has gone for a walk, leaving me alone.

While playing on my phone, I hear a car horn and see Brandon smiling at me. I grab my bag with my towel and sunblock and kiss him before fastening my seatbelt. We drive in silence for twenty minutes, stopping at Burger King.

I order, "Two double cheeseburger combos, please," handing the cashier the money. Brandon is distracted by his phone. The cashier slips a note in my bag, which I don't notice at first.

Brandon barely speaks as I eat my burger. I glance at the note:

"Your boyfriend looks like he's having some problems. If things don't work out, contact me, Jeremy."

Sighing, I crumple the note and toss it in the bag.

Brandon says, "I'm not ignoring you, Ana; a lot's been happening with my step-dad and the business." I nod in understanding.

His phone vibrates, but he ignores it, focusing on driving.

"Are we there yet?" I ask.

"Almost, baby girl. Be patient," he chuckles.

I put on my headphones and close my eyes, listening to music. Brandon taps my shoulder, signaling me to remove them.

"We're here, Ana," he says as I look out at the stunning blue ocean.

I step out and stretch as Brandon exits the other side. I pull him toward the sand and sit down; he positions himself behind me so I'm between his legs.

I take out my camera for a picture of us together—it's perfect.

"I really love you, Ana. I wouldn't hurt you," he whispers.

"I hope so," I reply, truly hoping he means it.

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