Hypnotized by Lacey Wolfe Page B

asshole?”
    I giggled. “You have, but its okay, really. We’ve got plenty of time, and I’m here to talk whenever you need it.”
    He kissed me once more, just a quick light peck. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
    I smiled. “Okay. Maybe we can even take a ride.”
    “You’re turning into a real biker babe.”
    I winked. “Only for you.”
    Gabe smirked, shook his head, and then started to walk away. I stood and watched him as he left. Once he was out of my vision, I headed up to my apartment. I was disappointed to be alone again, when I wanted him with me. Instead, he had to help his dad and Leah would be there.
    I picked up my cell and dialed my mom.
    “Hey, sweetie.”
    “Hey.” It was good to hear her voice. I’d been trying to not call her daily, it had been harder than I expected.
    “You sound down? Everything okay?”
    “Yeah, just overwhelmed with school and living on my own. It gets lonely, and I’m missing you and Dad.” Which wasn’t a complete lie.
    She snickered. “Maybe we should’ve gotten you a unit without a washer and dryer so you had a reason to come home once a week.”
    Maybe. Plopping down on the couch, I got comfortable as I prepared to spend the evening on the phone with my mom.
    * * *
    Friday arrived quickly. I sat waiting on Evan. He and Pete were having a party and he insisted I come. Going wasn’t my ideal night, but at the same time, letting back and “chilling” as Evan called it, sounded cool. I was eighteen. This was supposed to be my thing.
    I pulled my phone out and sent a text to Gabe. Going to a party at Pete and Evan’s. Wish you could come.
    Though I knew Evan would kill me if I invited Gabe. My phone dinged.
    I could come crash it. I’m a bad boy, after all.
    I giggled and responded. Maybe another time, Evan and I haven’t been getting along. Don’t want to piss him off more.
    I hadn’t told Gabe about Evan and me. Not that there was an Evan and me , but that we were butting heads about him. I didn’t want him to feel like he was coming between us, because he wasn’t, was he?
    A new text came. Not getting along? Why?
    I smiled. We’ll talk about it later.
    I heard the pounding of footsteps coming up the stairs outside my apartment. Evan was here. He knocked just as a text came in. I opened the door and read the text. Breakfast tomorrow morning?
    Hell yes! I’d love to. Pick me up at nine.
    “Hey, Evan.” His strong cologne welcomed me—again. I really needed to talk to him about easing up on it; the whole less is more approach.
    “Tonight is gonna rock.” He put an arm around me. “Pack a bag and stay the night.”
    I shook my head, but didn’t want to tell him I was meeting Gabe in the morning. “You know me. I’m not getting drunk.”
    He leaned close to my ear. “Never say never.”
    I playfully pushed him away. Grabbing my things, I walked toward my door. “Let’s go. You going to feed me first?”
    “Of course.”
     
    An hour and a half later, I sat on the couch at Evan and Pete’s place. I couldn’t help but wonder how many women Pete had done on this couch. Ick!
    “Hey.” An older girl approached me. “I’m Kelly.”
    “Paisley.”
    She smirked like she knew something I didn’t. “Oh, Evan and Pete were telling me about you.”
    “Good, I hope.”
    “For the most part.” She sat down next to me.
    Didn’t people usually say yes when asked if what they’d heard had been good? “How do you know Pete and Evan?”
    She was about to speak when Evan appeared, out of nowhere, and plopped down between us. “It’s my two favorite women.” He glanced at me. “You’ve only taken a few sips of that drink. You promised me at dinner you’d at least drink one.”
    I had made a stupid promise. “I’ve only been here a short time.”
    Kelly giggled. “I’m about to start on my second. The sooner I begin feeling buzzed, the better.”
    “You see, Pais. Some people like to have fun.”
    I bit my bottom lip to avoid snapping at him.