Chapter 12 #3
Obviously, he has a point. There’s only so much that can be accomplished online. Although, meeting up with him in person would be batshit crazy. Wouldn’t it?
My inner Jasmine screams do it, bitch!
I’ve done my fair share of hook ups in the past, but this feels different. We have a connection. I’m borderline hooked on this guy and I’m already awkward enough on the phone. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other last.
Even though it’s friends with benefits, a part of me is nervous. We haven’t seen each other in years. Things are different in person versus online. It’s fun right now. A crazy, fun long-distance fantasy. What if meeting up with him ruins everything?
“You’re quiet,” he observes. “You’re in your head, aren’t you?”
“A little bit,” I say softly.
“Maybe I got too ahead of myself. I’m sorry. Just know that I’m down to hop on a plane whenever you’re ready.”
“You’re willing to get on a plane within the hour just to spend a night with me?” I ask.
“I ache for you, baby,” he says sharply. “I’m willing to do anything. It doesn’t even need to be sexual. I just want you in my arms.”
Damn.
That does it. Seals the deal, so to speak.
Although I know once we’re together, I won’t be able to keep my hands off him.
“Listen,” I start off, my entire body yearning for his touch. “Of course I’d love that, but you’d have to be back home by tomorrow afternoon. That’s a lot of money, time and effort on your part just to spend one night with me. I don’t know if all of that would be worth it.”
“The flight is booked.”
My heart nearly leaps into my throat with excitement.
“You’re worth it, baby girl,” he tells me. “I have to take care of a few things. I’ll text you when I get to the airport.”
“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” I say through nervous laughter. “You’re literally insane.”
“Only in the best ways. Talk soon, love.”
“Talk soon.”
The second the call disconnects, I scream into my pillow. Nervous and excited, I pull on some shorts then bolt out of my room and down the hall, finding Jasmine sprawled out on the couch in the living room.
Noticing my panicked excitement, she eyes me suspiciously. “Update, now,” she urges impatiently.
“I’m about to get my back blown out,” I announce.
“Like literally or figuratively?” she jokes, eyes wide with suspense.
“Literally.”
“You’re being dead ass right now?”
“Dead ass.”
“Oh my fucking god!” she screeches loudly. “Hot. So fucking hot! Are you excited?”
“The initial shock hasn’t worn off yet,” I admit jokingly, sitting beside her. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen him in person. I’m kind of nervous.”
“I get it. I think it’ll be a bit easier since you’ve already met him, though,” she explains. “It’s not like you’re meeting up with a stranger you met online. We went to college with him.”
“True.”
“Does Kaelum know?”
“I haven’t told him. Maybe Lucien will.”
She playfully wiggles her eyebrows. “Maybe he’ll hop on a fight, next,” she teases. “Now you get to find out whether or not your feelings for Lucien are real. If you still want more after you hook up, then you can go from there.”
“Do you think we’re going too fast?”
“Not at all,” she answers honestly. “You’re having fun for the first time in years. Don’t get into your head.”
“I have to do laundry. I have to clean my giant disaster of a room. I have to exfoliate and shave,” I rush out, slightly panicked. “This is the first time a guy will be in there.”
“I gotchu! Go shower and start getting ready!”
“Should I be rushing, though? He won’t even be here for another seven hours or so,” I press.
“You’ll be happy you did it all in advance, trust me, that way you can relax a bit before he gets here,” she explains. “I’ll clean your room and do your laundry for you. Don’t worry.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure,” she reassures me. “Also, do you want me here tonight? I can stay in my room and be really quiet. I’ll even wear headphones.”
Widening my eyes, I snort. “Thanks for the offer, but I’d actually rather you go out,” I tell her. “That way I don’t have to worry about volume.”
“Okay, okay. Very good point,” she says in agreement. “That guy I hooked up with last weekend just texted me earlier, anyways.”
“Do you like him?”
“Eh. He’s a decent ride,” she says nonchalantly. “Go shower. You look and smell like shit.”
“Thanks. Appreciate the honesty.”
“No prob, babe. I’ll pick out an outfit for you, too.”
“Some cute pajamas?”
“I have a new silk pajama set you can borrow,” she offers.
“Ugh. I fucking love you.”
11:28 PM
Ping.
An anxious, excited smile spreads across my face.
Lucien
I land pretty soon, love
Can’t wait to see you
Me
I’m so excited
Also kind of nervous
Lucien
Aww
You blushing?
Me
Definitely
I have butterflies
Lucien
I do too
Me
That’s cute
Lucien
Going to finish watching this anime
Need a distraction
Me
Can’t stop thinking about me?
Lucien
You have no idea
Thank fuck for FlyFi
Me
I’ve been in bed doomscrolling
Bored out of my mind
Lucien
Not for long, baby
I’m coming
1:23 AM
Ping.
Lucien
You ready?
Me
You have no idea
Lucien
Be right up