Chapter 4
REED
You know the feeling of being a kid in the candy store? Being in awe of all the different options, not knowing what to choose. That’s how I feel right now watching Lexie eat a slice of pizza high as a fucking kite.
I want to be sitting next to her on the couch sharing that slice of pizza and having one arm around her. I want her to be giggling at me and something I’ve said and not what Lainey is talking about right now.
For some reason though, I haven’t spoken. I don’t want to interrupt her moment.
Kalix kicks my foot from the chair beside mine and I glare at him.
He mouths, “Trip.” making me roll my eyes at him.
“Fuck off.” I mouth back and he smirks taking a bite of his slice.
Movement from the couch catches my eye and I track Lexie. She stands up with her empty paper plate and walks toward the kitchen.
My body is on auto pilot, forcing me to get up and follow.
I’ve been thinking about what I’m going to say or do over and over in my head.
I thought it would be easy and just come to me, but I can’t think of a fucking thing to say.
I’ve never been this way with a woman. It’s always just flowed so easily when it comes to talking to them but not with my sweet Honeybee.
I’m a fucking mess.
She drops her plate into the trash and turns around, almost knocking into me.
“Oh my gosh. “ She clutches a hand to her chest. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were behind me.”
I just smirk. “You should be more aware of your surroundings. Anyone could just sneak up on you.”
Her brows raise and she tilts her head slightly before smiling, “You’re right.
I’m just in the clouds right now. It’s been years since I’ve smoked.
” She pulls her phone out of her pocket, checking the time.
“Shit, I still need to study. I should probably get going.” She looks back up at me briefly before trying to pass me, but without thinking about it I jut my arm out, my hand landing on her stomach.
She stills looking down at our connection then at me with a questioning look.
“You really shouldn’t be walking home alone like this.”
Her brows raise, “How do you know I didn’t drive?” Her head slightly tilts.
Fuck. Think Reed.
“Well, I don’t know for sure, but I assumed since you go to college here and there are dorms and apartments on every corner.”
“Oh.” She says. “I’ll be okay. I’m not that far.”
Liar. Four blocks is too far to be walking at this time of night high as a kite.
“I’d feel better if you let me take you.”
She shakes her head, “No, you don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine.”
My hand is still splayed across her stomach and I bore my eyes into hers, “Lainey?” I say loud enough for her to hear me across the apartment.
“Yeah?” She yells back.
“Lexie needs to borrow your helmet.”
Lexie’s brows shoot to her hairline, “Why do I need a helmet?”
“I’m taking you home.”
She shakes her head. “I’m not getting on your bike.” As soon as the words leave her mouth, Lainey comes around the corner and I drop my hand from Lexie’s stomach.
Lainey tries to hand the helmet to Lexie but she gently shoves it back towards her. “I don’t need it. I’m going to walk.”
“Ohh kay.” Lainey says as she starts to back up.
“Hand me the helmet.” I hold my hand out and she places it in my hand hesitantly. Her eyes bounce between mine and Lexie’s wide ones.
“Grab your things, Honeybee.” I demand and her brows scrunch in confusion.
“I said I was going to walk and would be fine.”
“And I said for you to grab your things, I’m taking you home. You’re not walking by yourself this late at night while high. End of discussion. Let’s go.”
“I don’t even know you like that. So you can’t make me do anything.” She says and puts her hands on her hips like she’s ready to continue to argue with me.
“Wanna bet?”
Lainey giggles, “Oh this is great.” Smiling at her friend she continues, “Lex, he’s right. You shouldn’t be out late like this.”
Lexie purses her lips and closes her eyes briefly, “Fine.” She says as she opens her eyes.
For a moment I thought I was going to have to throw her over my shoulder and make her.
She grabs her things and hugs Lainey as she whispers something in her ear making her roll her eyes.
“Stop it.” She loudly whispers back to Lainey, making her giggle.
I smile to myself, opening the door for her.
She doesn’t speak or look at me as we make our way to my bike.
I lift the helmet to put it on her head and she snatches it from me.
Oh, she’s feisty.
With her other hand she tucks her hair behind both ears and then places the helmet on her head, clicking the strap under her chin.
“Have you rode before?” I say suddenly irritated at the thought of her riding with another man.
“Nope.” She says back, clipped and pissy.
“Oh good. No need to get blood on my hands today.” I say under my breath.
“Excuse me?” She says.
I ignore her and hop on the bike, putting my helmet on. “Get on and hold on tight.”
She slowly gets on the back of my bike and puts her hands on my hips.
I reach back and grab both of her wrists and tug them around my waist so she’s flush to my back and has a better grip on me.
“What’s the address?” I ask, already knowing the answer but not wanting to scare her just yet.
I put the address in the gps as she tells me then start the bike.
Her body hums against mine as we make our way to her apartment and I feel her tense as we make the last turn onto her street.
I don’t want to leave her just yet, but I have a feeling she’s not going to want me to walk to her door. Too bad, she has no other choice.