12. Twelve
Twelve
Jude
“ Y ou sure I look okay?”
Morgan looks over my shoulder, glancing at my reflection in the mirror along with me. The tight jeans aren’t my typical style, and I’d be more at ease with an unbuttoned flannel and T-shirt than the muscle tank I’m currently wearing. “You look great,” my cousin reassures me. “Trust me, Tae is going to love it. These clothes totally show off your assets.”
I can’t argue with that. The shirt shows off my biceps and with how tight the pants are, they aren’t hiding my thick thighs or anything else. If I get excited while dancing, it’s going to be obvious, and I’m not sure how I feel about that. “If you say so. Are you sure that you don’t want to join us? You can bring Zach.”
Her eyes meet mine in the mirror. “Zach and I have plans. Besides, it’s not like we’d get to enjoy it. Neither of us is old enough to drink legally. Go have fun with your new boyfriend. We’ll hang out another time. Zach was talking about the baseball team getting together soon for a bonfire party. I’m sure Tae will want to go to that, and you could tag along.”
The doorbell rings, and my heart beats faster, knowing Tae is here. I’m still wondering why I talked myself into this, but as I open the door, the way Tae’s eyes sweep over me appreciatively is a definite plus. “Damn, you look great.”
“Not bad yourself,” I answer. He’s wearing a button-down shirt with a loose pair of dark wash jeans.
“And that’s my cue to get out of here,” Morgan pipes in. “Hello and goodbye, Tae. Have fun tonight, and don’t let him get too drunk.” She pushes past us and out the door as Tae calls out a goodbye.
“What was that about?” he asks.
“Nothing, just wanted a second opinion on my outfit. I’m a little out of my depth, and Morgan offered to help.”
“You know you don’t have to go, right? Though you do look amazing.”
“I know. I want to,” I insist. “It should be fun. Plus, I’m now officially old enough to order a drink.”
“And I’ll be the designated driver. We’re picking up Austin, so he can drink too.”
We pile into my car with Tae taking the driver’s seat. When it comes to places to hang out in town, there isn’t much to do in Cascade Falls. It’s a small town, and we’re lucky to even have the university. To get to the club after we pick up Austin, it’s a twenty-minute drive to the next town over. Austin breaks the silence, chatting with Tae as he drives, which leaves me to my nerves. Rubbing my palms on my too tight jeans, I wonder why I agreed to this. I’m not the club type, or even the party type, most days. I’m going because of Tae.
The car pulls up in front of the club, and Tae kills the engine. “Ready?”
“Let’s hit it,” Austin answers for both of us.
I open the car door. I guess we’re doing this. Following them to the front door, we get in the line at the entrance. It’s not too bad of a wait. It feels like only seconds go by before we’re standing in front of the bouncer, then we’re inside, and the music is blasting, overwhelming my thoughts.
“Want a drink?” Tae asks me.
I’m not sure if alcohol will help. It might take the edge off my nerves, but it might do the opposite and make me feel less in control. “I’m good for now.”
“Well, I’m grabbing one,” Austin announces. “I’ll catch you two in a bit.”
Tae looks me over, then takes my hand in his. “Do you wanna dance, or do you need a moment? I can get you water or soda. You don’t have to drink if you don’t want.”
Leave it to Tae to clue in on my nervousness without me having to say it. “I’m okay. Just give me a minute.” I focus on my breathing, taking a deep breath, and Tae takes my hand in his. The touch helps me along with the way Tae is standing there patiently waiting for me to get my bearings. “I’m good,” I tell him.
My eyes scan the room, finding Austin at the bar talking to a guy who seems a little familiar, but I can’t place it. I turn my attention back to Tae. He leads me by my hand and pulls me to the edge of the dance floor. “This good?” Tae doesn’t wait for me to answer before he moves his hands to my waist and starts dancing.
That’s when it hits me that I don’t know where to put my hands. I’m used to dancing with girls and usually my hands would go at their waist, but that’s where Tae’s hands are on me. Noticing my problem, Tae takes my hands in his and leads me to wrap them around his neck. He pulls me closer to him, rubbing our crotches together, and my dick jumps. This feels new. My body doesn’t usually get this excited just over dancing. But I guess I’ll keep being surprised at how much I’m attracted to Tae. It doesn’t make sense, but it takes the edge off my nerves all the same.
Tae moves his head into the crook of my neck and places a kiss on the skin there, kissing his way up to my ear. “Thank you for coming tonight. I know this isn’t your usual thing, but seeing you here dancing with me is hot as hell. Wish I could take you home with me after this.” He presses his hips into mine with the last words, making his meaning more obvious.
As tempting as it is to go to Tae’s house, a little voice is nagging at me. Sure, having sleepovers is pretty typical for us, but what if we’re not quiet enough? That thought is enough to kill the whole idea. It’s gonna be a long summer at this rate.
I pull back, needing the space to clear my head for a moment as the song ends. “Think I could use that drink now,” I call to Tae over the noise. He nods, leading the way through the crowd until we’re next to Austin at the bar. Now that we’re closer, I can place the guy next to him. It’s Cooper, another guy on the baseball team. His long curly hair is pulled up into a man bun, and he’s wearing khaki pants with a short-sleeve dark green button-down. From the tone of his voice as he talks with Austin, it’s hard to tell if they’re flirting or just talking.
Tae waves down the bartender, “Can I get a water and ...” he looks at me waiting for my order.
“A screwdriver.” I go to pull out my wallet, but Tae beats me to it, slipping the bartender money. He’s bought my drink, or vice versa, in the past, but this feels different. It makes this feel more like an official date. Except that’s when Austin and Cooper see us and walk over, ruining the moment. The bartender comes back with our drinks, and I take a large sip of mine, feeling the burn from the vodka hit my throat even as the taste of orange juice does little to hide it.