Chapter 14
It’s okay. It’s okay. It’s okay. It doesn”t…
“Don”t hesitate to tell me what you thought of?—”
I stop the video, feeling desperate. I admire this YouTuber, but attempting to replicate her techniques consistently ends in failure. I”m quite clumsy. The sight of my disastrous reflection prompts a sigh. I toss my brush into the sink, where it adds to the pile of used cotton.
I look awful!
The door slams and I hear the girls chanting my name. I inform them I”m in the bathroom, and they come to join me.
“You”ve got to explain to us where you”ve gone. You took off like a rocket.”
“Yes, I”ll explain everything, but first I have to finish my make-up.”
“Leave it, I”ll do it for you. Dakota has given me so many makeup sessions, I can handle it without a problem.”
Manille takes control of my face as I explain about Lucas. A glint of pride shines in their eyes, and I even think I see a spark of mischief in Manille”s gaze. I have to admit, I”m not proud of using Lucas as a pawn. He”s nice to me, and I asked him out on a date to show off to Corentin like a little girl.
Shameful.
“That”s it, I”m done,” Manille warns me.
I flash a small smile and turn to the mirror. The remnants of the disaster are concealed as best as possible with foundation. My eyes are adorned with eyeshadow in various shades of pink, creating a stunning gradient. My eyebrows are impeccable, and carmine red lipstick adorns my lips.
“Thank you, Manille. You”re the best!”
“I know, honey. Anyway, your story is crazy. Your lucky stars have been good to you.”
I nod while gathering my chestnut hair into a high ponytail, letting the curls cascade down my back. For the outfit, I”ve slipped into a high-waisted pleated skirt, paired with a basic crop top, and white sneakers for a balanced and comfortable ensemble.
This time, it works.
I turn around and inspect myself, checking my clothes for dog hair. Nothing to report. Suddenly, the doorbell rang, triggering Lola”s bark.
“I”m going,” says Manille, rushing out of the room.
My eyebrows furrow as I hear Corentin”s voice. I grab Charlotte”s arm before she leaves.
“What”s he doing here?”
“We offered to replace you for your weekly evening. Does it bother you? We didn”t want to leave him alone, especially since he”s not as unapproachable as we thought.”
“No, on the contrary.”
She winks at me before going out to join them. I”m about to do the same when the intercom buzzes, causing Lola to bark again.
It”s Lucas.
“Calm down,” I say, bending down to stroke her. “It”s only Lucas.”
My dog responds with a lick on the face, and I gently push her away.
“Lola, don”t screw up all Manille”s efforts.”
I stand up and answer.
“Hi, it”s me. Lucas, in case you hadn”t guessed,” he says in a cheerful voice.
“Hi, I”ll let you in. I”m on the fourth floor, on the left.”
“Noted, I look forward to kidnapping you for the evening.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “It”s not kidnapping if I agree to follow you.”
“Shh, don”t tell anyone. I”ve got a bad boy image to maintain.”
I giggle even louder. “In this case, you”d better hurry up, Mr. Bad Boy, or your prisoner might get impatient.”
I press the button and enter my room. I”m filling my bag when Manille bursts in, accompanied by Charlotte.
“He has a flat screen! You were going to keep it to yourself? Shame on you, Florence.”
I watch as my friend”s disappointed expression registers, my eyebrows arching in surprise.
“What are you talking about?”
“I asked Corentin if he had a good screen, unlike us with our Ice Age TV.”
“You”re tough, my TV”s fine.”
“Sure, it”s nice, Charlotte, but it”s got nothing to do with a flat screen. Florence, I understand why you”re squatting in his apartment. I intend to do the same, from now on. Thomas, did you hear me? Your apartment is mine too.”
“Noted, Bernard.”
I burst out laughing as the two of them went back to Corentin to get his house keys. They wave a thin good-bye before rushing down the stairs, making a tremendous noise. But I don”t lose my smile, delighted they”re letting my friend into their lives. If I didn”t have my lie to keep, I”d have joined them without hesitation.
Seeing Corentin become more sociable is the most beautiful development. Especially with my roommates. They”re slowly taking their place in his life, and I”m delighted to see he welcomes them. Even if he”s not particularly sociable, he”s given them a chance, as he did with me. They have generous hearts and will do anything to make him feel at ease, despite their divergent personalities. On our initial meeting, they went out of their way to make me feel appreciated. I couldn”t have wished for better, either for myself or for Corentin.
“I hope you”re ready for these two,” I warn, heading for the living room.
Corentin suggests an answer, but instead, I”m met with his piercing gaze. He scrutinizes me from head to toe. An electric shock courses through my skin as his eyes connect with mine. His footsteps draw me closer to him, and his woody scent envelops me.
“I think everything is in order.”
His electrifying attention takes me back to the moment when it was us, dancing so close together. The intensity he exudes destabilizes me, sending a shiver down my spine. I attempt to ignore the desire in his eyes, and maybe in mine. Trying to turn away, I find myself hypnotized by the magnificent green of his eyes.
“Are you wearing makeup?”
“It seems so. Why, doesn”t it suit me?”
Instead of answering, he tucks a lock of hair back behind my shoulder. A deep sigh escapes me.
“I think you don”t need me to remind you, you”re stunning. Makeup or not.”
“Flatterer.”
“Do you think so?” he asks, placing his hand on my waist to pull me closer to him. “I think you”re mistaken. I”m being honest.”
His touch burns my skin, fueling the flames of a desire I shouldn”t be feeling.
“Florence, are you there?”
We come to our senses at the sound of Lucas”s voice waiting in the corridor. The consternation on Corentin”s face would almost make me smile, if I didn”t feel so lost by the moment we”ve shared.
This time, I can”t pretend alcohol has influenced our behavior, we”re sober and in full possession of our means. So how come things almost got out of hand again? In a year of friendship, nothing ambiguous has ever happened, but since the bar, it”s been non-stop!
“So, it wasn”t a fabrication, your date story?”
If I were honest, I would tell him yes, two hours ago, I wasn”t planning to enjoy my evening with anyone but him, the girls, and Lola. But I can”t do that, especially as the reaction he”s had annoys me even more than the last time.
He”s obviously amazed at my finding someone.
“No, it wasn”t.,” I answer then turn my attention to Lucas. “I”m here, Lucas! I”m coming.”
I establish a safe distance between myself and Corentin, who still hasn”t uttered a word. Staring at the door, he waits for Lucas to appear.
“Are you surprised? What am I to you, some hideous monster? I can be attractive, you know?”
With my arms pressed tightly against my chest, I pivot away from him, my jaw set and eyes narrowed in determination. Haut du formulaire
He”s about to answer, but I cut him off as I walk off down the hall. Lucas faces me with a big smile on his face.
I move aside and let him in, while a sullen shadow now surrounds my best friend, who stares at my coach with obvious contempt. And as if fate hadn”t had enough of this already heavy tension, Lola starts snarling at Lucas.
What? Since when does he behave like that?
Great, after Corentin, it”s now my dog”s turn to sulk, disapproving of my date tonight. Unlike Corentin”s reaction, which I can easily ignore, my four-legged partner”s is so noisy it”s harder to ignore. Lola must sense my friend”s undeserved inhospitality toward my date.
I”ll ignore my dog”s opinion and give Lucas the benefit of the doubt, anyway, it”s only for one evening. Unless there”s a match between us, which part of me hopes is true. He”s someone I could give a chance. I give Corentin an imploring glance, convincing him to help me. He approaches me to pick up Lola, who calms down slowly.
“Come here, baby. Stop traumatizing Florence”s date. Otherwise, you”ll get lightning bolts too.”
“Shut up,” I whisper as he passes me.
Lucas shifts his gaze between us, his discomfort evident in the way he fidgets and avoids direct eye contact.
“Your boyfriend”s a real piece of work,” he finally bellows.
“He”s not my boyfriend, but rather a friend.”
Lucas furrows his brow as he glances toward where Corentin has gone, then a smile spreads across his lips.
“Yeah, I can see that. Anyway, he doesn”t seem to like me much. Do I have to fight him to prove my worth?”
I laugh, genuinely amused. “Don”t bother.”
Suddenly, Lucas”s features become more worried as he sneezes.
“Is something wrong?”
“I don”t like dogs.”
“Really?”
“I”m allergic to it. I”d rather wait outside for you to finish if you don”t mind. I might as well not have a seizure.”
I nod understandingly as he returns to the balcony and sneezes.
“Are you sure you”re okay?”
He nods, but sneezes again, making me anxious. He”s not going to snap at me.
“Don”t worry about me, but I”ll get my medicine from my car.”
He leaves and with my fists on my hips, I approach my best friend.
“What”s the matter with you?”
“I don”t have any. I wasn”t expecting it,” he replies cheekily.
I sigh. “Corentin, give him a chance. He”s a nice boy.”
“If you say so. I still think you should stay with us tonight. I”m better company and at least Lola doesn”t bark at me.”
“You’re my favorite person, but I need to meet people, socialize, you know? As for Lola, she probably reacted the way she did because you were hostile toward Lucas.”
I try to sound convincing, but my voice goes off the rails. What I dreaded is happening. My hands tremble slightly, and the lump in my stomach becomes heavier. Corentin can hear what”s happening, but before he can speak, I head for the kitchen to pour myself a glass of wine. It”s a pity I don”t have any vodka, it might have relaxed me. I”m well aware alcohol shouldn”t be used as a solution, but I”d rather avoid having anxiety attack. I pour myself a second glass, but Corentin gently takes it from my hands.
“Why are you panicking?”
Contrary to what I might have thought, his voice isn”t at all mocking; he”s genuinely concerned by what I”m feeling.
I take a deep breath and launch myself. “Everything. Lucas, the date. My last date was four years ago.”
“You”re dramatizing the situation.”
I drop my forehead against his chest. I admit he”s right, but I don”t know what to do about it.
“The last time I kissed a guy, I head-butted him and broke his nose. I broke his nose, Corentin. Imagine if my ninja apprentice reflexes reappeared and I did the same thing if he approached me to kiss me.” I feel his hands firmly on my shoulders. He straightens me and I continue. “Well, I admit, it”s not exactly a ninja reflex to break someone”s nose, but you know what I mean.”
I glance in his direction and instantly sense he”s itching to tease me. He tries to conceal it, but I can tell he”s curious about why I acted that way.
“Florence, you”re being dramatic.”
“No, I”m realistic. I”m going to hit him, he”s going to push me brutally away from him, I”m going to fall slamming headfirst into the corner of a table and die like an idiot.”
“My little Florence, you”ll continue to surprise me,” he announces in a firm but mocking tone.
Corentin grabs my chin to lift it up, his palm sliding slowly over the nape of my neck as he brings his face closer, and it”s then his lips land gently on mine.
Oh my God!
He kisses me.
I don”t push him away violently as I”d feared, but this is Corentin after all. However, even if this isn”t my first kiss, it”s the first we”ve shared and I”m not at all sure what to make of it, of us. I”m frozen like a statue, not moving a muscle, waiting for my brain to finally react. Fortunately, Corentin seems to have the right reflexes as he takes possession of my lips and tongue. Immediately, a shiver runs through my entire body, at his mercy.
What”s going on? Why is Corentin kissing me?
It”s true, the next logical step after everything we”ve intimately shared, especially the night in the bar, but then why? Why do I feel so different with him? Why is his mouth softer, warmer? Why do his hands arouse in me an irrepressible desire?
I’m.
Going.
To die!
Corentin takes my face in his hands and deepens our already intense kiss. Naturally, I move closer to him, pressing my chest against his, thirsting for his warmth. His palms move down to my lower back, and my body reacts so well to his touch, my nipples harden against his shirt. His full lips press against mine again and our tongues intertwine in a soft, sensual dance. The blood rushing to my temples forces me to pull away from him to regain my breath. He gives me enough time to take a breath before grabbing my mouth with his teeth and starting a second, even wilder waltz.
My fingers entwine with his hair before gripping it firmly, eliciting a moan of pleasure from him. I feel on the verge of exploding as I sense his hands trailing up along my top, leaving an invisible and scorching imprint on my inflamed skin. I am on the brink of boiling over. My legs threaten to give way, but Corentin holds me firmly against him, preventing me from losing my footing. Time seems to stand still, but we abruptly stop when the intercom starts ringing.
Lucas!
Completely escaped my awareness, I had arrangements with the man I was intended to go out with when I unexpectedly found myself kissing my best friend as if my life depended on it. Corentin”s gaze is ablaze with an intensity I haven”t witnessed before. I might faint if he continues with this intensity! I strive to regain my composure, feeling confused and suddenly uneasy in the midst of his silence.
“It seems your Lucas is getting impatient. You should go and find him,” he says with a certain disdain.
Corentin grabs my handbag and takes out a lip gloss, handing it to me. I take it automatically, and in a complete daze, I apply the glossy contents to my lips still swollen from our kisses. He then straightens out my crumpled clothes under my gaze filled with confusion.
“Seems like you”re about to faint, everything okay?” he asks as if he didn”t give me the best kiss of my life.
“We kissed!”
The only thing coming to mind at the moment. My brain is off tonight. It will take several hours before it decides to function again.
“It seems so. And you see, everything went well.”
Corentin acts as if everything is normal while I notice a few glitters of my lip gloss on his soft lips.
“That”s it? Don”t you think we should talk about what happened?”
I see in his eyes he”s in a dilemma and appears as disturbed as I am, but when he”s about to speak, the intercom rings again.
“I think you should go, Florence.”
I lower my gaze to my shoes. A hint of anger takes over me, and my attempts to make it disappear prove futile. Why kiss me and then act like nothing happened? What”s going on in his head? And why now?
These questions are only the first, and quickly, I find myself overwhelmed by many more. I suddenly feel tears welling up in my eyes as memories I thought were buried reappear. I move quickly away from the one I thought was my friend. Corentin notices the trouble I”m in because of him and tries to get closer to me, but I stop him.
“That”s enough! I have a date with Lucas, okay? And I want you to stay away from me, at least for tonight.”
“I—Listen,” he begins, but I cut him off.
“If you have even the slightest consideration for me and our friendship, stop right there. Please.”
The pleading in my voice seems to bring him back to earth because he stops abruptly. The expression he gives me makes it feel like I hit him in the stomach, but I don”t care. For once, I”m going to think of myself instead of putting him first.
I swing the door open, my gaze fixed ahead, and catch sight of Lucas, his brow furrowed in concern.
“Are you okay?”
I give him a small smile to hide my discomfort.
“Yes, I”m fine. Shall we go? I need some fresh air.”