One to Hold (One to Hold 1)

His laugh tickled my lips and even in the dark basement I could see his blue eyes sparkling. “My older sister was really into them so we always had this on in my mom’s minivan on the way to school.”

“Rocking out in a minivan, I didn’t take you to be that type of guy.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Red, and a lot I’d be willing to show you.” Before I co

uld respond his hands slid behind my head and he tilted my chin up, putting his mouth to mine. I parted my lips slightly and his tongue slipped in and out teasingly, twirling with mine. He didn’t taste like alcohol, like I would have expected. His kisses were sweet like strawberry bubblegum and I wanted to taste him over and over. His hands slid down to my lower back, his tongue continuing to explore my mouth. His teeth nipped at my bottom lip and I felt a low moan gather in my throat. I craved more of him, slipping my fingers into his hair and pulling him closer, trying to deepen our kiss, but he didn’t budge.

He broke the kiss, placing a peck on my forehead before leaning down so his lips were on my ear. “Not here, Red, but if you want to go up to my room to continue this, I’d be happy to accommodate you.”

Did I want to? He was a damn good kisser, probably the best I’d ever had. And his body looked like something Photoshopped out of 300. But I didn’t think I wanted to just be another notch on his bedpost. Luckily Monica came to my rescue as usual.

Her hand was on my shoulder and she turned me around. She stood there with her eyebrows furrowed and Trey was right at her back with his arms around her waist. “Hey, are you ready to go, Mel?”

“Now? But it’s so early.” And I wanted to keep dancing with John Boy, no matter how stupid his nickname was and even if I didn’t go back up to his bedroom, I could still deal with just making out and whatever else we were doing.

“Early?” Her eyes bugged out. “It’s 2 am?”

“Seriously?” When did I lose track of time? I swore we had just left my apartment.

John Boy’s arm slinked around my waist. “You two can go have your fun and I can bring Red home later.”

“Uh, no, I don’t think so.” Monica yanked me forward until John Boy let go of me.

“I’m fine, really, my apartment isn’t that far.”

“Which is why me and Trey can walk you.”

John Boy leaned in over my shoulder. “I can walk her home when she needs it.”

“Watch it, loincloth, I’m not afraid to spork your eyes out.”

“Hey, let’s be reasonable here,” Trey spoke up. “I’m sure Melanie would be perfectly fine with having John Boy take her home.”

Monica whipped her head in Trey’s direction. “Are you serious right now? I am NOT just leaving my friend at a party.”

“She’ll be fine. He’s not going to do anything to her.”

Before Monica and Trey could continue their argument I groaned and yelled over them. “I’m right here, you don’t need to talk about me like I’m not.”

They both snapped their attention to me. “Sorry, Mel,” Monica grumbled.

I sighed. “And I’m ready to go.”

I glanced over my shoulder at John Boy. “I guess I’ll see you around.”

He grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips, grazing my knuckles. “I wish you’d stay, Red, but I understand if you have to leave.”

Locking my eyes with his, I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to trace the lines of his tattoos and get tangled in his sheets. But that wasn’t what a girl like me did. That’s why I didn’t have a boyfriend. I didn’t just jump in bed with random guys, no matter how hot they were.

“I do, though.” I peeled my hand away. “Goodbye, John.”

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