Unexpected Love (Unexpected Series) (12 page)

    
I unload the items from the car and set up my computer next to the cash register. I start to make a web page for the store, as well as some flyers. I had this great idea; there is a park across from the side of the bookstore. I think I could have a movie in the park thing. I have to find out how to get it approved, and find the equipment, but that would be a great way to get families together. Of course, it would have to be movies that were based on books. Like ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. I also ordered a new window decal that says, “A Page Away”, and then under it says, “Where books come to life.”

    
I close up shop and grab some food. I talked to Mrs. Jones and she agrees that I can start painting the store tonight. Therefore, I bring my take out back to the store and stay all night painting. I manage to get the blue paint done on two walls. About one in the morning, I call it a night. I am beat after being up since five yesterday morning. Luckily, I don’t have to go to work tomorrow. She gave me the next few days off so I could paint the store at night.

    
It isn’t until Friday that I get the store complete. I managed to paint all the walls and I hung the curtains and even got the new decal on the window. The place has really lightened up a lot. It is very warm and inviting. Mrs. Jones is very pleased by it and when I get my paycheck that Friday afternoon, I noticed that she was very generous with it. She paid me five hundred dollars for the week.

    
“Mrs. Jones, I can’t accept this,” as I try to hand it back to her.

    
She pushes it back at me, “Don’t worry dear. I know you spent a lot and you didn’t have to.”

    
“Yes, but I did it out of the kindness of my heart and I can afford it.”

    
“Do you think that I can’t afford it dear?”

    
“Well yes,” I express.

    
“Oh dear I can afford it, I just didn’t care if the store made money. I just loved my books. I enjoyed the smell of the books as I walked into the store. This place has been my great escape from life. I used to come here and just spend all day lost in a book. It has never been about making money, I bought this store so I could have a place to keep all the books I fell in love with. If I sell one, I usually purchase one to replace it.”

    
Laughing, I agree to keep the money graciously. What she doesn’t know is I will just spend it on marketing. 

    
I get home and notice everyone is setting up for Friday party night. I am in no mood to party so; I take a quick shower and climb into bed early. I place some earplugs in my ears and fall fast asleep. It feels like it’s been forever since I have slept well. With staying up late to paint the store and all then trying to sleep during the day it was a mess.

    
Lying there, I feel my body being to relax it isn’t long before I feel that pull. Then everything comes into view, immediately my pulse quickens as I am aware of where I am, I am in a hot tub, with a very tiny bikini.

    
Across from me is Mr. Sex god himself. His hair is wet with steam and his skin is glistening with water droplets. His feet are playing with mine, stirring emotions within me. I stare into his eyes, feeling so exposed, as if he knows exactly how I am feeling. He flashes his pearly whites and his dimples appear. I stiffen a little from the sensation that runs through me.

    
My sex craves his touch. He pushes off his seat and moves in front of me, never taking his eyes off mine. When he touches my thighs with his masculine hands, it sends me into shivers. I suck in a deep breath and close my eyes. It is not until I feel his lips touch mine that I open my eyes. When I do, I am transfixed by what I find there. This man’s eyes are so stunning. They are this emerald green with flecks of light green in them, but more than that, I see yearning.

    
He wants me and I sure as hell want him. He grabs me around my waist and pulls me into his lap. I feel his cock growing hard under me. He pushes my hair behind my neck and sucks on my neck. His tongue runs down my collarbone and I feel him begin to suck lightly on my ear. As his hot breath flows into my ear, I start to move my hips across his erection.

    
He begins to massage my breast, my nipples harden and I push into him needing to feel him more. He pulls my breast free from the top, leans down, and pulls my taught nipple into his mouth. My head falls back in response. I grasp his hair and pull him closer while still rubbing against his hard cock. I want to feel him in me and I cannot wait anymore. I let go of his hair and run my hands down his sides to his swimsuit trunks trying to wiggle them off. He catches my hands and says, no not this way. I awake pissed as hell and sexually frustrated to no end.  

    
I awake late Saturday afternoon; I slept really well with the earplugs. I feel rested and relaxed. I get dressed and see what I can get into today. I have worked my butt off with unpacking and redecorating not only my own place, but the book store as well.  Pulling on some jeans and a tee shirt, then grabbing my Nikes from the closet, I make my way to the kitchen. I look around and then think, I don’t want anything here to eat. I will just grab lunch while I am out.

    
When I open my door and begin to walk down the stairs, I see that everyone has gathered for an early party or well may be the party never really ended. I see some people sleeping on chairs in the courtyard. I notice red solo cups lying everywhere. It reminds me of Toby Keith’s song, ‘Red Solo Cup.’ I laugh a little and make my way to my car. Just before I get to the car, I hear someone calling my name, its Tim.

    
“Arissa, hey we are going to have another party tonight, do you want to come and meet a few of the others in the complex?”

    
Thinking on it and realizing that I really didn’t have anything better to do. I answer, “Um, yea sure, I will come after dinner.”

    
“That’s awesome, I have told everyone about you and they all want to meet you.”

     “Oh you didn’t!”

     “Well, yea I did. We are all kind of a family around here. We hold study sessions; we have a buddy system when it comes to parties and late night campus classes. You could really benefit from meeting everyone and hanging out.”

    
“Alright, I just really hate being the center of attention like that. I really like to keep to myself.”

    
“I can understand that, but you really need to get out of your shell sometime. You are in college now, it’s ok to have fun and make mistakes.”

    
“I guess so, feeling a little more excited about it I really commit this time. I will defiantly be there and if I am not, come drag me out of my apartment.”

    
Laughing a little he says, “I will be sure to do that, I can’t wait to hang out with you and get to know you.”

    
Smiling, “And I as well, see you later.”

    
I watch her from the other end of the courtyard. She looks so happy and carefree as she walks to her car, but then I notice that this guy is flirting with her. On one hand, I am happy for her, but I do not think I can sit on the sidelines and watch my only love be with someone else again. I want her to be with me, more than I want anything else.  What am I to do?

    
I get into my car a little giddy from the fact that Tim, seems to be interested in me. I know it hasn’t been but a few months since my last disaster of a relationship, but I think I am ready to get back out there.

    
I roll the windows down and rock out as I drive around this beautiful city. I notice that city life is so alive. I see families playing in the park and mothers walking their children down the streets. There seems to be a lot of bar and grills in New Jersey. Most of the time I shy away from places like that, but Tim thinks I need to experience new things, get out of my comfort zone. I pull into a sports bar, called O’Malley’s. They have televisions with every kind of sports imaginable on the walls; they have outdoor seating, pool tables, dartboards, and a bar. I take a seat at the bar looking over the menu.

    
They have some tasty choices from, burgers and fries to Philly cheese steak subs. The bartender pulls my attention from the menu when he asks, “What can I get you to drink?”

    
Looking at my watch to see the time I see it is a little after two. It is still a little too early to start drinking and I have to drive so really I shouldn’t. “I would just like a Dr Pepper or Coke if you don’t have that.”

    
“Coke it is.”

    
Looking back to the menu, I see some wings and I haven’t had them in a long time. When the bartender returns with my coke, I am quick to order. “I would like the garlic wings with some fries.”

    
“Will that be all?”

    
“Yes, thank you.”

    
The television directly in front of me is playing a football game.  The music is good in here, it sounds like eighty’s rock. I know its oldies, but some of them are classics and I had to listen to them with my parents, so I know most of the words. “Sweet Home Alabama” starts playing and I start to nod my head to it and lip sing. I feel someone come up beside me and I turn to look, I notice his dark hair and blue eyes and well he rather reminds me of Damon.

    
He turns to me and says, “How you doing?”

    
Trying to brush him off I reply, “I’m doing just fine.”

    
“Can I buy your next drink?”

    
Apparently it didn’t work. I hate to judge a book by its cover, but he reminds me too much of Damon and I have already been there done that. I don’t plan on reliving my past any time soon. Therefore, I am quick to answer, “No thank you, I am not drinking.”

    
He gets cocky with me, “What are you doing in a sports bar if you’re not going to drink?” Are you too good for us?”

    
I mean really, where did that came from? Consequently, I decide to give back to him what he was dishing out. “No I am not too good for this place, but I am however too good for you. I do not date rude immature asses. Now leave me alone, so I can enjoy my dinner in peace.”

    
I am surprised by his reaction, I was totally expecting him to yell at me or have a nasty come back, but I got nothing from him other than him storming off to the other end of the bar. Well serves him right, he was the one that got the nasty attitude with me first. Although I am not proud of the way I handled the situation, I am proud that I did stand up for myself.

     
After he received his drink, I didn’t see him again for quite some time, until he was exiting the bar with his arms around this tall, thin, bleached blonde. I hope she knows what she is getting into. Lord knows I have learned my lesson.

     
The wings at this place are scrumptious. I finish my lunch and head downtown to scope out some of the shops. I stop by “Style For Less” and find a cute sundress, white with tiny butterflies sporadically placed on it. I find a few club shirts like this tiny black corset style top, then a silver shiny tank top, and a pair of jeans that have rips in all the right places. I try on the jeans and they fit so tight, the rips are along the front of my thighs and they are low cut and so sexy. Looking into the dressing room mirror, I pull off my tee and pair it with the black corset and I really like the way it fits. Excited about it, I hurry to change and go check out.

      
I hurry back to the apartment to get showered and changed. I can’t wait to see Tim’s face when he sees me in this. I blow dry my hair and scrunch up the ends to make it wavier. I usually wear my makeup light, but I am living on the edge tonight so I lay it on a little heavier. I use some charcoal gray eye shadow and give my eye the Smoky eye look. I even put on the eyeliner to give it more of a dramatic look.

     
I finish up with my makeup and grab a belt that is black with silver rhinestones on it. Then I grab my black stilettos from the closet. Staring at myself in the floor length mirror I am pleased with what I look like. I look freaking hot and I can’t wait to see Tim’s face. I have on the new jeans and the black corset. I have painted my nails red. It’s a little after nine by the time I am done.

    
I step out my front door and notice that everyone is still hanging out in the courtyard, the music is blaring and I see a keg. I take a deep breath, here is to my first college party. I step inside Tim’s apartment when I notice that it is packed. There is a ton of guys sitting on his black leather couch and they are playing a video game, I think its Black Ops. There is alcohol lined up on his bar and it looks somewhat self-serve. Walking over to the bar area I grab one of those famous red solo cups and pour some ice in it, then I look at the liquors. I must look a little confused because this blonde hair cutie comes up and asks if I need help.

    
“Hi, my name is Brad and you look a little lost.”

    
“Yes I am, I’m not much of a drinker and I have no idea what I like.”

    
Chuckling he asks, “Strong or fruity?”

    
“Fruity.”

    
“Ok, next is clear or dark?”

    
I look at the bottles and see the vodka and Jim Beam. “Um, what is less likely to kill me?”

   
Brad burst into laughter, “I would say clear.”

    
“Clear it is then.”

    
I watch as he pours in the vodka. Then he points to the juices. “You have a choice, cranberry, orange juice or pineapple taste good with vodka. Pick your poison!”  

    
I like them all, “Um pineapple,” I say with a smile.

    
He mixes in the pineapple juice and then hands me the cup. It’s not that bad. It is sweet and tangy and I can hardly taste the liquor. I peer up from my cup and nod my head to him, “Mmm!” I lower my cup and point to the glass, “This is not that bad. I am quite surprised; I was expecting it to taste horrible.”

    
“You must be a virgin!”

    
I almost spit out my drink, “What?” I am taken aback by what he has just said. How can he tell that I am a virgin?

   
He looks at me strange, “I was talking about drinking. This must be your first time drinking.”

    
“Oh”, I say with relief. “I have tried beer and it’s not my thing. So I have been turned off by the whole alcohol thing.”

    
“Well, I tend to like liquor more than beer, because it can be a different experience every time you drink it. Listen I think that you should let me be your bartender tonight. I will mix up your drinks and give you an exciting new flavor every time you come back for a refill.”

    
“That sounds like fun. Ok, I am in.”

    
Brad smiles and he holds up his cup and toast, “To experiencing new things.”

    
While taking a big slug of my drink, I hear Tim call out to me. “Hey Arissa, how’s it going?”

    
I turn around answer him and I watch as his face changes. It is as if he has no control over his facial muscles. His mouth is wide open and his eyes are about to pop out of his head.

    
“What?” I say impatiently.

    
“Damn girl you look good. I just was not expecting to see you like that. You come off as a sweet innocent girl, and well, right now no offense, but you look like a porn star.”

    
“Um, I’m not sure I like that label. How about you call me a super model or something less slutty than a porn star?”

    
He stands there dumbfounded for a moment, “How about lingerie model?”

    
“Ok, I can live with that,” I smirk. “Now back to how I am doing, Brad here has deemed himself my personal bartender and I have to say that he can make a pretty good drink.”

    
Tim gives Brad a wave. “Hey Brad, I see you have met Arissa.”

    
“Yes, I have, but I didn’t get her name yet, but Arissa, that is such a lovely name.”

    
My cheeks blush and I smile. Here not one, but two smoking hot men are entertaining me. They seem almost to be fighting for my attention.

    
“Thank you, I just moved into the complex and I met Tim last week when he helped me to bring my bags in. I am attending Princeton in the fall.”

    
“That’s awesome. Most of us in the complex attend Princeton. A few attend a community college. I do not know if Tim has told you but we rally together and help one another out. So if you need any help feel free to ask. I am a sophomore and I am studying Business.”

    
“That would be great I am going for obstetrics. Both of my parents are in the medical field and I feel like that is where I could do the most good. I want to be a part of bringing a new life into this world.”

    
I can see that I have lost the men’s attention, they have this look on their faces like ‘Oh Lord, she is talking about kids, this is not good.’  I am quick to add, “Enough about school, I am here to party! I toss back the rest of my drink and tell Brad, I am ready for my next drink.”

    
Brad mixes me up another concoction and Tim begins to walk me around and introduce me to everyone. I move from one apartment to the next. Occasionally Brad will show up with a new drink, so far they have all been good. I seem to like the sweeter ones.

    
It isn’t until I meet this sweet girl named Bella that I ditch Tim and hang out with her on the patio. She is taking her prerequisite for nursing. We seem to hit it off right away. She is from a small town in Alabama; I am fascinated by her accent. She has long dark brown hair with blue eyes; she is very tall and thin with big boobs.