Chapter 25
It’s been a day since we returned from Ohio, and I flop down onto my couch with a sigh. My phone lights up and I grab it to see Carson has sent a flurry of messages, probably while I was washing up.
Carson: remember when you said you’d go to the club with me
Carson: don’t ignore me, come dance we gotta celebrate not being a loser team anymore
Carson: baby wyd
Me: I’m here Carson, I was showering.
Carson: always when i’m not there.
Me: Who’s fault is that?
Carson: so i should come over? ;)
Me: Absolutely not.
Carson: yeah you’re just trying to distract me from promises of a night out
Me: Ok ok I remember, I’ll go.
Carson: good can’t wait to see you in a sexy little outfit
Me: What are you talking about!?
Carson: you know what i’m talking about ;)
I stop responding because he’s actually ridiculous. I smile at my phone and roll over onto my stomach. Does this count as a date? Do people swamp spit with their friends? Probably?
I laugh just thinking about it, and honestly, I would rather not overthink whatever is happening with us right now. This is the first time in my life I’m just surrendering to control.
I can’t say I hate it.
But what I do have to overthink is what I should even wear for this horrible idea that is Carson taking me to the club. I open my phone and scroll around to find some ideas. Maybe I should try for something a bit cheeky. It is a club after all, isn’t that what we’re going there for?
You know who can help with this.
Me: What do you wear to the club?
Liam: Something sexy for your man to eat you up in ;P
Me: I figured.
Liam: Who’s going to the club?
Me: Me duh.
Liam: I had to check the number to make sure
Me: Oh shut up.
Liam: Going with your sexy hockey boyfriend?
Me: He’s not my boyfriend Liam!
Liam: Riigghhhtt! but anyways the conversation at hand. I’ll send you some stuff!
Me: Ok thanks! You’re the best!
Liam: I knoww I knowww
* * *
After going back and forth with Liam for hours. We finally met in the middle and decided on me wearing a black baby tee and black jeans that hang low on my hip. If I even raise my arms a tiny bit, my entire stomach will be exposed. But Liam said I looked edible.
Whatever that means.
“I can’t believe we’re doing this.”
“Live a little! It’s going to be fun, and you’ll be with me, nothing to worry about.” Carson grins.
We’re getting closer to the venue, my heart is pounding in my chest. Carson insists I shouldn’t waste my youth away, never having experienced it. And maybe I did want to know what it’s really like. It seems fun enough, I just never had any time for it or interest, rather.
“You’re the worst, you know.” I sigh.
“You’re gonna have so much fun.” He drawls.
We get put to the front of the line as soon as we arrive, Carson gets special treatment wherever he goes; pros of being a hockey player, I suppose. The moment we step through the glass doors, I know why we all need a drink for this. The place is top two most overstimulating environments.
There’s people dancing, drinking from wall to wall, and I can literally feel the music vibrating through my bones.
Carson grabs my hand and leads me to the bar, where he orders us both something.
He hands the small glass of tequila and a lime, “let’s have a good time.” He whispers, his breath hot against the shell of my ear.
It’s going to be a long night.
“Cheers.” He smirks and we both down our shots, Carson turning to order another round. We share a smile before downing those too.
I’m definitely feeling the drinks already as he takes my hand when he leads me into the sea of people, and I don’t protest, “Come on! I know you can dance, Julie.”
“When did I say I couldn’t?” I smirk, boldness peaking through my tone.
The music lulls me toward Carson’s body. We’re flush against each other now, his body is hot. I want to touch every inch of him, and this is my chance to act on it without overthinking it. His eyes are half-lidded as he looks down at me, arms wrapped around me as we sway to the music.
“You look so fucking good.” He nips at my ear, my body definitely giving him the reaction he was looking for.
“Carson…” I whine, the friction of his thigh against my erection sending shivers up through my body. I look up at him expectantly. He gives me a kiss, but it’s far too soft and quick for what I need right now.
“Julian…you’re drunk,” Carson says softly into my ear.
“I’m not.” I whine into his neck, our bodies still swaying, “Is it because I’m a virgin?” I ask, and his eyes are widened a bit when I pull away to see his face.
“Baby, no, why would you think that?” He asks, his brows pinched.
“I don’t know, you stopped coming on to me.”
“No love, I didn’t want to come on too strong or rush you into anything. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel that way. I was just teasing you.” He shakes his head.
“No, it’s ok. I don’t know why I thought…I don’t know. Never mind.” I say into his ear, the music feels even louder.
“Trust me, I love being your first,” Carson says, his voice dangerous and heavy.
“Who said you’d be my first?” I say, nipping at his bottom lip.
“Don’t fucking play.” He pulls me into him more, gripping my ass roughly. Carson chuckles when I let out a low whimper, my body shuddering against his solid and warm frame.
I love him being my first too.
I just need more of him. Everywhere.
“Don’t laugh at me.” I swat at him.
“Ok.” He does a motion of zipping his lips.
Carson keeps one arm wrapped around me while he threads his fingers into my hair, gripping lightly. My eyes flutter shut when he starts to press kisses into my neck. My body feels like it’s on fire. If we get any closer to each other, we’ll start to merge.
I’ve never been so hard in my life, “so cute.” He whispers.
“You’re teasing me. It’s embarrassing.” I say, my forehead to his chest. I need him to stop looking at me right now.
“Don’t worry, it’s always too dark. No one can see you whining for me.” He laughs.
“I am not!” I nudge him away lightly, but Carson pulls me back toward him.
“Let’s get another drink.” He says, leading me back to the bar where he orders me a mixed drink this time, “Having fun?” He grins.
“I suppose it’s not so bad.” I take a sip of my drink, it’s purple and kind of tastes medicinal. But nothing matters right now. Carson chuckles and leans back into the bar, watching me.
“Yo Carson!!” A voice yells from the other side of the room. We both look over, and it’s the guys making their way over to us. Dillan is already jumping up and down.
“I almost forgot I told the guys to meet us here.” He laughs.
He did tell me they would be coming out with us a little later. I think that’s great because it’ll stop me from losing my virginity in a bathroom stall tonight. Carson even invited Kane, begrudgingly. I think he just wants to prove he doesn’t dislike him.
But I do notice the way he grips me tighter as he moves closer to us, and gives me a little nod. Avery came out as well. I smile at him as the group gets settled in around us.
“Hey, man.” Sam nods toward me and fist bumps Carson.
“Hey, guys.” I smile lazily, feeling a little more than buzzed from the drinks. I don’t know when I became such a fucking lightweight. But I feel like I’m swimming, it’s a peaceful and dreamy swim though.
“You guys gotta catch up,” Carson yells over the music.
“Obviously. You got poor Julie fucked up already.” Avery laughs and moves in closer to me.
Carson pins him with a bit of glare, “Don’t call him that.” He says, voice clipped. Kane chuckles across from us.
“Oh my bad,” Avery says, putting his hands up in defense.
Carson pulls me closer to him as the guys all start towards the bar and order their drinks. I look at him over the rim of my glass, “So only you can call me that stupid nickname?” I laugh.
“Is that a problem?” He whispers into my ear, making me roll my eyes.
“Didn’t know you were the possessive type,” I say.
“Sorry,” Carson says, thinning his lips.
“No, I like it.” I reach for his hand, playing with his fingers.
We all get another round of drinks, the guys trying to catch up to us before heading back to the dance floor.
Some of them split off, the unmarried ones, definitely looking to get laid, probably.
And I mean it’s not like I’m not wishing I was getting laid tonight too, but by a certain someone. Carson’s phone buzzes against my thigh.
“Oh, I think that’s your surprise.” He says.
“My what!?” I shout.
“Your surprise, come on!” He says, dragging me away from the dance floor.
Carson brings me back to the bar where there’s a woman waiting for us. She waves at him, and I realize it’s Kelly, his friend I mistakenly thought was his girlfriend. I hope he hasn’t told her about that. It’s kind of embarrassing.
“Hey, dumbass!” She yells, smacking his chest.
“Kelly, look who I dragged out tonight.” Carson grins.
“Hi,” I say, giving her a small wave. I don’t know why I feel so shy. I guess meeting one of Carson’s friends, his closest friend, is a bit nerve-racking. This feels different than even meeting his team.
Maybe it’s because I just want her to like me.
“Hi! Oh my god, you’re Julian! You really are pretty. What are you doing with this guy!?” She says, pulling me into a warm hug.
“Hey!” Carson laughs.
“Thank you. And I don’t know, he buys me stuffed animals and flowers so he’s ok for now.” I tease.
“I should’ve never introduced you guys. It’s just going to be bully Carson night.” He says, shaking his head.
“That sounds like fun, actually,” I say, and Kelly laughs.
“So tell me about yourself, Julian! Carson showed me some of your skating, you’re so talented!”
“Oh, thank you! Honestly, I pretty much just skate. It’s Carson that’s been dragging me off the ice lately.”
“Hey, that’s not true. Julian started floral arrangements recently. He’s good at everything he does. They were beautiful.” Carson says, wiggling his brows in my direction. My cheeks burn at his compliment.
“Oh really!? I love flowers, maybe you could show me a thing or two!” She says excitedly. This is the first time I think I’ve been praised for anything other than figure skating. I don’t know, it’s kind of heartwarming to me, though it’s a small thing.
“Of course. I could try to make you something next class if you like.” I smile nervously.
“Oh, that would be sweet. You’re such a cutie.” She says, nudging my shoulder a bit.
“Hey, hey! Don’t get too excited.” Carson laughs.
“You know who the better choice is, Julian,” Kelly sticks out her tongue at him, making me laugh.
“How’s Sara?” She grins.
“Kelly, don’t even,” Carson replies, rolling his eyes.
“Damn, I’m just asking, don’t get a tude with me.” Kelly laughs.
“Text her yourself, I know you and her talk.”
“You’re so mad, Carson.” She shakes her head and turns to me, “Look how grumpy your man gets by a simple question.” I can’t help but laugh because he does look very annoyed right now.
They’re quite the duo. I watch as they bicker back and forth a bit. So, this is what it’s like to have someone who’s known you all your life.
We all make our way back onto the dance floor, the music is so intoxicating, and I feel so free as I sway my body.
Kelly pulls me away from Carson, and I giggle as she grinds her body against me.
She’s so stunning, the lights dance across her brown skin, her curly hair cascades around her face so beautifully as she dances.
I’m sandwiched in between the two of them for a while before Avery joins us again on the floor.
“Couldn’t find a lay?” Carson chuckles.
“Shut the fuck up.” He laughs, pushing him a little.
“May I?” Avery asks me, holding his hand out, and I turn to see Carson rolling his eyes.
“Sure,” I reply.
It’s time to get my revenge.
I give him a lopsided grin before he pulls me in for a dance. Avery wraps his arms around my waist, and we sway to the music. I turn my body away from him to face Carson.
“Enjoying yourself?” He growls in my ear, Avery still at my back.
“Yes, thank you for asking.” I giggle.
“You’re something else.” He laughs, shaking his head at me.
“Damn your ex and the boy you’re chasing getting sweaty and hot on the dance floor is kind of sexy.” Kelly laughs, dancing against Carson’s side.
“Yeah, it’s actually really turning me on just to let you know.” He smirks, and I roll my eyes. Because of course it is. I’m sure Carson would love to have both of us at the same time. But that will happen over my dead body.
I’m drunk, and I’m having fun.
But Carson is mine. Only.
We all dance together for a few more songs before taking a rest off the floor.
This might be one of the best nights of my life.
I’m having a lot of these since coming to New Jersey, and it makes me sad that it will eventually come to an end.
I’ve never felt so at peace, challenged? Sure. But it’s not unwelcome.
The night is coming to an end, most of the team have went off on their own way. We said goodbye to Avery before he disappeared into the darkness with Kane. Me, Carson and Kelly head outside as we wait for her ride to come.
“Well, it was nice meeting you, Julian. Such a sweet peach.” She says drunkenly.
We’re all pretty wasted.
“It was nice meeting you too. Let’s hang out again.” I giggle when she pinches my cheek.
“No touching! You!” Carson says, swatting her hand away.
“You’re so jealous. You’re just scared I’ll steal this cutie away.” She drawls.
“Unfortunately for you, I don’t think you have the equipment for that,” Carson smirks, and I laugh.
“There’s ways around that, ya know.” She banters, and we both laugh.
The car finally arrives, and she pulls both of us in for a hug. Kelly sways us back and forth before letting go, all of us a giggly mess.
“Get in the car, Kelly.” Carson laughs at her drunk antics.
“Alright, alright, I’m going! Don’t forget my flowers, Julian, I’ll see you!”
“I won’t, I promise.” I grin.
“Text me when you get back, ok?” Carson says. She nods, and he closes the door.
He turns to me, and I close the distance between us for a warm hug. It’s so cold out, his body always feels like a furnace. Nice and toasty.
“We should probably get going too.” I snuggle further into him while he calls a car for us above my head.
“Yeah, do you..Do you wanna sleep over?” I stammer.
“Mmhm.” He hums, wrapping his arms around me while we wait.