Loving Her Was Never Planned

1. Thayer

Chapter One

Thayer

Why did I agree to do this? Christy’s my best friend, but I just got back into town, and I haven’t even seen my family. My brother is gonna be pissed. Mother will think it’s inexcusable. Yet, here I am. Sitting in the corner of the hottest club at Myrtle Beach, Froggy Bottomz.

My head pounds with the rhythm of the music-making me squint as the club’s lights flash.

What the hell was I thinking coming out tonight after the day I’ve had?

Packing my apartment and getting it moved gave me a migraine from hell this morning.

The drive itself wasn’t so bad, but I haven’t been able to shake it all day.

I need to unpack and make sure I have a bed to sink into. Yet, here I sit, nursing my drink and watching my phone. That’s all I’ve done lately, protect this damn phone. He isn’t going to call; he never does. But still, I wait.

Christy’s on the floor, dancing her ass off. I’m rooted to the spot nursing my Mai Tai. She’s going to have a hangover from hell in the morning. My phone buzzes with a text from my youngest brother, Chord. About the time I click it, Christy grabs it from my hand.

“What the fuck are you doing? We’re here to celebrate your graduation, and you’re in the corner on your phone. I demand you get drunk, now,” she says as she downs her fourth drink. She then waves at a waitress for another round.

Christy’s right: I deserve to celebrate and unwind. I’ve kicked ass at Clemson, graduating at the top of my class. Before I even graduated, I had my business set up and ready to roll.

Some would say I’ve been given all I have, but I know I worked very hard to get here. Yes, my family helped me get established. Nevertheless, I busted my ass to graduate at the top of my class.

I’ve spent the last four years at college earning degrees in business and horticulture. No, most women wouldn’t find a job in landscaping design their dream job, but it’s what I wanted.

My oldest brother, One, owns the largest construction company in North Carolina. I thought a landscaping company would do well. He also did.

I love being outdoors, working with the land. Watching things grow that I nurtured makes me proud. It was a natural fit; I really can’t wait to get started.

But here I sit, waiting on an asshole to call or text me. I keep waiting. Hoping that whatever his reason for walking away is a good one. That it’s the right choice.

One more check of my phone helps me decide. Nothing. He hasn’t even looked at my last two texts. So let’s drink him away. Maybe J.T. will help.

“Damn straight! It’s time I let loose and let go. Let me get another round, girl; it’s time to get fucked up.” I practically yell across the table at my best friend. The music is louder than my voice, but Christy nods and goes with the flow. It’s her way.

Taking my drink in hand, I down it as I look for that same waitress. I order a Bottle Cap and a Pink Panty Pull Down, secretly hoping my panties stay up. Once the drinks are back, I drink one immediately. I slam the glass down on the bar as I grab the other and head to the dance floor.

We dance our asses off to the beat of club music meant for nothing but dancing. It’s loud and thrums in my eardrums, reminding me I no longer have a headache. Just my heart that’s still hurting.

“Hey, I gotta pee,” Christy yells.

“Just tell everyone, dude. Let’s go.” Laughing as we dance off the floor, we stand for what feels like forever in line. So I check my phone for the hundredth time tonight.

“Still no word?” Christy nods at my phone.

“No. I don’t even know what I’m doing anymore. It’s like I’m a stalker. What the fuck?” I bemoan my response to her.

“You’ve got it bad. Move on already. It’s obvious he’s not into you. Besides, when do you ever chase a man?” She’s looking at me like I have a horn growing outta my head.

“I’m not chasing a damn thing,” I huff my answer as I take the first stall.

I’ve never waited on a man in my life; why am I waiting around on this one? It’s not like we’ve had some long-term relationship. We haven’t even dated. Why do I feel such a connection to him?

She’s right, damn it. Since when do I chase anyone? Constantly waiting for him to look at my texts. Never answering, never a flicker of interest since the first night. It’s like I’m obsessed.

Christy’s right; I need to unwind and forget about him for the night. It’s time to let my hair down and have some fun for a change. To hell with him.

“You’re right. He’s not interested. I’m over it,” I determine as I wash my hands, deciding to wash my hands of him too. “I’m done.”

Christy bumps her hip into mine with a smile on her face. “There’s my girl. Screw him. If he doesn’t see what he’s losing, he doesn’t deserve you.”

Dancing the night away was the plan. We made our way back to the bar and grabbed a couple of drinks. Downing those to get back to the dance floor, my buzz begins to kick in.

Dancing and drinking the night away was on tap, and after a few dances, sweat dripped from our hair. I was parched, so we made our way back to the table and hailed our waitress.

Two Green Fairies later, I’m feeling nothing but the beat of the music as I grind up against the hot-assed guy behind me, while Rihanna’s S I know it. The pull I feel in my soul tells me we’re meant to be together.

A tingle runs up my back, and immediately I begin to scan the room. Flashing lights and bodies hamper my efforts. Until our eyes lock. The want in his eyes mirrors mine.

Every time I grind my ass into the crotch of the gladiator I’m currently humping a leg on, his nostrils flare. He stands over in the corner, staring. Fuck that.

Turning my back on the mammoth of a man I’m dancing with, I touch my toes as I allow him to ride my ass as if he’s fucking me. By God, if he doesn’t make a move now, I’m done.

Fuck his ‘man-made. He needs to dial back the bullshit and man the fuck up because I’m getting tired of his games.

Why in the hell come watch me if you can’t speak?

Or even answer a fucking text? I’m mad as hell and do the unthinkable.

Marching straight from the dance floor, I walk over to the darkened corner where he stands.

Facing him, I stare him down, waiting. Hoping.

Imploring him to take me. Here. Now. Something.

Nothing. He just stares at me. Through me. Looking into the depths of my soul as I stand there, baring it to him. Silently begging him to take me.

He doesn’t.

As a matter of fact, he doesn’t even move. He stands there, staring at me. Tears fill my eyes as his rejection fills my soul. I’m burning for a man who refuses to talk to me. Want me. Make love to me.

Why am I still standing here? Backing away, I shake my head ever so slightly. He sees it before I do. I know he does, and I don’t care. I’m about to make a huge mistake.

His back comes off the wall where he stands. Tilting his head as if to assess if I’m about to do something stupid. We both know I am, but I can’t stop myself.

Spinning on my heels, I tilt but right myself. The alcohol making my head spin. My emotions making my decisions. I walk a straight-ish line to my gladiator and wrap myself around him.

His hands find my ass as I climb him in the middle of the dance floor. Seizing his mouth as I go. I let his mouth assault mine. All the while, wishing they were his lips.

My dancing gladiator carries me away, where to, I don’t give a fuck. All I know is, my soul, burns for a man I can’t have, and I’ll be damned if I ask again.