Sunsets and Vegas Bombs

☼ Chapter 5

I don't miss the look Teagan throws my way as I walk out the door. He gives a subtle wave of his phone in my direction as I walk out and I respond with a barely there nod. I walk down the hall and to the only other room I see on this side of the hallway. Entering, I see that it's set up is almost identical to that of the boys room. Five beds, a walk-in closet, and a big bathroom.

    It's hardly thirty seconds after I open my bag that Teagan comes in and crash lands on the bed beside the one my things are on. I shake my head at him as I pull a pair of shorts, underwear, and an oversized shirt out of the bag along with my makeup bag.

    "So what was that about?" Teeg asks, taking the hint that I'm not speaking first.
    "He's being himself and so am I. We flirt. I get ahead of myself. He makes out with another girl at the bar. I'm brought back to reality." I reply, stepping into the bathroom and out of sight.
    "Harley, you know that's not fair to either of you. Denial ain't just a river in Egypt, you know."
    "You didn't just make that joke." I laugh, pulling my damp clothes off and replacing them with the fresh ones.
    "Oh, but I did. And I'm being serious. That guy likes you and you can't tell me you don't see it too."
    "I never said I didn't see it, but I will own that I'm ignoring it for my benefit."
    "Further explanation is needed there."
    I sigh, "I'm not naive enough to think he would actually be faithful in a relationship. He shouldn't have to be either, because I also understand that he's a college guy. An attractive one at that, so he's gonna pull females. I want him to have fun with that, but I don't want to be on the other end of it. Maybe when he settles down a bit it could happen, but I'm not risking a friendship because I caught feelings."

Teagan nods thoughtfully, "That makes sense. I don't want you to get hurt, but I also don't want him to think you aren't interested and move on."
"Believe me, I'm pretty sure he knows that we're on a casual flirting level. I don't overdo it, but I'm not really shy about it either."
    "As long as you're happy, I'm happy. Plus, he did ask you to sleep in his bed tonight, so that's interesting."

I laugh at his expression; one eyebrow raised and a crooked smirk, before throwing one of the little decorative pillows at his face. He ducks it and laughs, retaliating with my stuffed alligator, whipping it at my back as I try to duck into the closet. When he takes a moment to search for something else to throw, I duck out of the room and race down the hall, Teagan not far behind.

Shrieking with laughter, I fly into the guys room just as Jax is walking out of the bathroom, drying his face with a...shirt? I don't take time to investigate, only grab his waist and fling myself behind him.

"Hide me, Jax! Teagan is being mean." I giggle.
He half turns in surprise before bending down and grabbing the backs of my thighs, hoisting me up onto his back. I laugh even harder as I throw my arms around his shoulders, listening to Teagan complain as Jax twirls the shirt in his hands.

"Wait, wait, I don't want to play this game anymore, Harley. You've got the jolly Italian giant and I've got a stuffed alligator. WHat's wrong with this picture?"
"Absolutely nothing." Jax replies before I can, snapping the shirt at Teagan and hitting him just under his shirt sleeve.
Teagan jumps back, rubbing his arm, "Tap out! Tap out!" He whines.
"Okay okay, that wasn't really fair. I did kinda start this whole thing." I confess, slipping down from Jax's back.

Tossing Teagan the shirt Jax used, I turn towards him and clasp my hands at my waist.
"Free hit, Teegs, go for it." I say, bracing for the stinging pain in my future.
Teagan laughs as he twists the shirt up, then it makes contact with my thigh.
"Ow, I forgot how much that hurt." I gasp, then laugh, watching the spot turn bright red.

"Could y'all shut up? We're trying to sleep." Devon suddenly groans from his bed, his voice muffled by pillows.
"Sorry, Dev. We're going now." I speak up, snatching the shirt from Teagan and tossing it to Jax.

Walking to Devon's bed, I lightly punch his shoulder, "Night, Dev. I love you."
    "Love you too, Harls." He mumbles, reaching out to pat my arm.

    I repeat this with all my other friends before giving Teagan a hug and shove towards his bed. After flipping off the light, I walk over to Jax's bed, uncertainties swirling around my brain.
   
    "This bed's kinda small, Jax. Are you sure? It's really not a problem for me to sleep in my own room."
"Don't be stupid, Harley. I know how bad it gets when you're in a new place, and the last thing we need is you sleepwalking and falling down the stairs. And the bed is no smaller than the one I have at home. Are you implying that you don't want to cuddle with me?" He asks, a crooked smirk slowly taking over his face.
    "I'm implying that you probably don't want to wake up with me sprawled halfway across you, but suit yourself."
    He leans closer to me, whispering lower than we were before, "Harley, nothing would make me happier. Now let's get some sleep. It's supposed to be beautiful tomorrow."
   
I blush at his first statement, glad it's too dark for him to see my face. He kicks his sweatpant off, opting for a pair of basketball shorts instead before pulling the covers back and laying down. I toss my pillow to the head of the bed, then do the same.

    "Goodnight, Harley. I'm looking forward to our time here." He whispers, turning to slide his arm around my waist.
    "Goodnight, Jax. I am as well." I shift to rest my hand on his arm, closing my eyes.

    I'm lulled to sleep by the gentle sound of even breathing, and the safety offered by Jax's strong arms around me, his warmth behind me. For tonight, my demons will cease to haunt me.