Head Over Leather #Wattys2017

VII. Partners

"So you hooked up with Derek?" I yell in disbelief into the phone, as I brush through the knots in my hair. It's safe to say waking up this morning was nothing similar to that of a Disney princess. My mascara and eyeliner was smudged along the bottom of my eyes, while my hair suffered the most from last night tangled with knots and oddly enough crumbs. That paired with a pounding headache and little to no memory of last night really made for a shitty morning.

After showering and pulling on my comfy weekends clothes, I was starting to look somewhat better, with a fresh face and washed hair.

"Yeah and we're hanging out today, but I just don't want to start any drama with Eva. I mean you're already boning her ex boyfriend and now me and Derek." Jess mutters unsurely in response and I can't help but roll my eyes at her reasoning.

"If he says him and Eva aren't exclusive, then there's nothing wrong with you guys at least hanging out. So you hooked up with him. It might have been a one time thing." I advice her, reassurance lacing my voice, as I finish off the last of my hair, before tossing the brush onto the dresser.

Tap. Tap.

Glancing up, I see Ethan tapping against my window, a small grin spread across his lips. Holding the phone in between my ear and shoulder, I quickly walk over to the window, sliding it open for him. He climbs in and I point to the phone, to which he nods in response. For once, he's replaced his signature leather jacket with a denim one instead with a white t shirt underneath and black ripped jeans. His hair is slightly disheveled, reminding me of the day he came into the newsroom to yell at me, but I try to focus on Jess rather than him.

"I don't know. Maybe I don't want it to be. I've been on a dry spy for like my entire high school existence, so.." I let out a laugh at her remark, watching as Ethan makes himself comfortable on my bed, his body stretching, which causes his shirt to rise, giving me a quick view of his skin. I take in how his lips seem to be extra pink today and his eyes a shade lighter and cheekbones so high and-

"You seem distracted. Lover boy there?"

"Sorry. Yeah. Look, if you want him, go for it. Just be careful, okay? I'll call you back later." She responds with an 'okay' and I hang up the phone, feeling slightly guilty that I had to cut out girl talk short.

"Hi." I smile awkwardly, rubbing my hands against my sweatpants. He offers me a smirk in return and moves to sit beside me instead of on the edge.

"How you feeling?" He asks, nudging his shoulder against mine.

"A little hungover, but I had a good time, so can't complain." I shrug, pushing my hair behind my shoulder. He chuckles in response, nodding, as he shifts on the bed.

"Well most of that good time was spent trying to kiss me." Ethan teases, leaning closer to me, his denim clad arm brushing against my bare one.

"Shut up, Andrews. I was drunk." I pout, pushing him away from me. He lets out a throaty laugh and turns his body to me, arm bracing against the bed head.

"I actually didn't come here to make fun of you, but to ask you on a date." Ethan states, licking his lips as he watches me waiting for my answer.

"Sure." I manage to get out, taking note of how his eyes search my face, lingering a few seconds too long on my lips.

"So you and Derek made up?" I question, running a hand through my hair and standing up to avoid any tension between us.