Sexual Frustrations

14. Negotiations.

Standing there with his hands rested on the bar either side of me, pinning me between the bar and his chest brought back some intense memories. My stomach fluttered and I felt him move closer so my back was gently pressed against his front. I couldn't help the smirk on my face and I'm sure it matched his.

"Why don't you wanna go to the lake again?" He asked, his mouth so close to my hear I could feel his breath fanning over my neck. Goosebumps rose but I tried to play it as cool as possible.

"Doesn't really seem like my thing anymore." I shrugged settling for the best excuse I could even though it was pathetic. I decided I was brave enough to face him so I turned but he didn't back away.

"Not your thing anymore?" He rose an eyebrow clearly not believing my answer.

"Just seems like things could get a little messy." I answered and he had to of known that would be true. It had been a long time but I didn't trust either of us to be alone in a house together. It would either end in fights or something completely different.

"You suddenly scared of a little messy?" He was challenging me. He was taunting me and it was working.

"No."

"Sounds like you might be." He shrugged with a confidence and cockiness written all over his face. This was the Carl I knew.

"I dunno if I really fancy watching my 'best friend' act like a dumb slut for two weeks." I said bluntly and I saw him tense up again. He didn't like the fact that I knew about Emma I could tell by his expression.

"Ava-" he softened a bit but I didn't want things to go gentle. I was kind of enjoying seeing this Carl.

"You don't have to explain yourselves. You're free to do whoever you want. I just hoped you would've had higher standards." I shrugged before grabbing my two drinks and pushing past him. His face was a little shocked but he quickly gained composure. As I was walking back to the table he grabbed my arm and turned me around to face him again.

"Let's just go for a weekend?" He suggested and I knew he wouldn't be giving up anytime soon.

"I don-"

"Australia hasn't made you weak has it?" He teased.

"Fine." I snapped and a big shit eating grin spread across his face which was slightly contagious.
"I'll come to the lake house for a weekend." I announced at the table and heard a small group cheer. Apart from Emma, her face looked like a slapped ass when she saw Carl following me over to the table. I had to admit that felt pretty good.

...

We sat for a little while longer and finally we all decided it was time to leave. I was so so proud of myself for making it through the whole night with Emma and keeping my mouth shut and my emotions in. Maybe I really was more mature. Maddy and I were saying our goodbyes to everyone and then I got to Carl.

"Are you coming to mine?" He asked taking me completely by surprise. Only last week he was glad I wasn't staying there.

"Aren't I coming to yours?" Emma butted in. I felt my stomach drop but it was somewhat eased by Carl's lack of acknowledgement to her.

"Not enough room." He answered bluntly before turning back to me. Her face dropped and I was afraid I couldn't keep the smile off mine.

"That's okay Lips picking up me and Maddy." I answered and he nodded slowly. I could tell he wasn't too happy about that but I couldn't figure out why? I'd been staying with Lip since I'd been here why is he wanting me at his place now? I had to shake it off and not overthink so much.

"I'll see you tomorrow." He said. He quickly gave me a hug and I relished in the feel and the smell of him for a brief moment before he quickly pulled away and walked off. He'd left me with Maddy and Emma but i was too focused on his strange behaviour to feel uncomfortable.

"Look hunny, about Carl..." Emma began but her voice was so patronising I didn't think I could actually stand listening to her.

"Don't worry about it." I cut her off. "Want the rest of my drink too now I'm done with it?" I asked sweetly before handing her my empty glass and leaving her stood there, mouth wide open.

....

"Do you think it's stupid of me to go to the lake house for a weekend?" As soon as we got back to Lips house I completely unloaded on him. Explaining the whole night and sharing my regrets for agreeing to fucking to there again.

"No I don't think you're stupid but I definitely think there's unfinished business between the two of you." He answered honestly and I groaned flopping on the couch not wanting to confirm nor deny his accusation. Mostly because I didn't know how I felt. I knew there was something there but what was it? Was it lust? Friendship? resentment?

"Am I just taking a giant step back if I do this?" I sighed as he sat next to me.

"Maybe but can you stand having Emma and him there without you being there?" He asked and that sure struck a nerve. I sure as hell didn't want them there without me, I'd go insane not knowing what was going on between them.

"Yeah but can I really watch them together?" I groaned. That thought twisted my stomach just as much as not knowing what was going on. I was a mess.

"You said Carl didn't even really acknowledge her tonight right?" He asked and i nodded. "What makes you think that he's going to be all over her at the lake house then?"

Lip had a point.

...

We both went to bed and I tossed and turned for what felt like the whole night. I couldn't get this messed up situation out of my head. Lip and I decided that I would go for the weekend but I still had my fair share of doubts. He promised that if things were really bad that he would come and pick me up whenever I needed. Honestly I don't know what I'd do without him.