James (Resisting Love #3)(13)

As the night wore on, I was a little on the drunk side. I think everyone was, damn open bar. I giggled when I saw James get yelled at by his date. I wondered what that was about, maybe the bastard cheated on her, too. She left, stomping the whole way out. I shrugged to myself, ordering a few more drinks. My cousin Tee was there and the both of us are known to get a little wild. Hell, even our parents tried to keep us apart as much as possible. An hour or so later, when I stood up off the chair and wobbled, I knew it was time for me to get my drunk ass home. I headed out of the reception, pulling my phone out of my bra so I could call a cab. I was trying to dial when a firm, strong hand wrapped around my arm.

“Where do you think you’re going?” a deep husky voice purred. That voice, shit. I stilled for a second before I turned around and opened my mouth to say something, but before I got the chance James’ lips were on mine. His hands gripped my hips possessively as he kissed me hungrily, nipping at my lips before he pulled away and started to kiss down my jaw. My breath came out in fast pants, and I stopped thinking about anything except what I was feeling right then. I could have one more night with him; maybe that would be my closure. Right?

***

I woke up groggily, with the worst headache ever. How much did I drink the night before? When I felt someone make a movement next to me I cringed. Then when the flashbacks of the night before hit me all at once, I inwardly groaned. What was I thinking? I mentally called myself all kinds of interesting and creative names. You never learn, Sasha! I opened one eye and peaked around. I slowly turned my head and looked over at James who was fast asleep. Time for operation ‘sneak out after a one night stand’.

I quietly got out of the bed and found my dress and bra thrown haphazardly on the floor. I put my bra on, and then the green bridesmaid dress. Walk of shame in a bridesmaid dress, that wasn't suspicious at all. I stifled another groan, and looked around for my panties. When I saw the black satin scrap on top of the television I quickly grabbed them. I was about to shove them on, when I realised they were ripped in half. Typical James! I threw my hands in the air in exasperation and scrunched the panties in my hand. When I spotted the rest of my belongings on the floor, I quickly grabbed them and started to tip toe out of the room. I was almost at the door when I accidentally tripped over James’ shoe.

“Fuck,” I heard James mumble.

Fucking shoe! I was so close!

I hesitantly glanced over at him. “I don’t know why the f*ck I let you touch me, but it won’t be happening again,” I told him.

“Fuck!” he repeated, yelling it out this time. He got out of bed, and started getting his clothes on.

“I don’t regret being with you, Sasha,” he said in a steady voice.

“That makes one of us,” I hissed back at him, storming out. I called a cab, jumped in, and finally allowed the tears to fall. I’d wasted so many tears on him, and there I was once again. As the cab took off I saw James standing there, watching it drive away. His face looked strained, and his eyes were sad. Part of me wanted to run to Ryder, and have him protect me, have him go and kick James’ ass. Ryder would have said just the right thing, too, he always does. But I didn’t do that. This was something I had to bear on my own.

“Sasha?” James says, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Sorry,” I say, picking up my drink and stirring the ice in it with my straw.

“Where did you go?” he asks curiously.

“Was just thinking,” I say.

“About?" He takes a seat on the chair next to me that Layla had vacated for him. I throw her a look but she just smiles.

I sigh and turn to look James in the eye. “About us. What happened the night of the wedding.”

“I know you don’t regret it anymore,” he says as he leans forward to play with a lock of my hair.

“No, of course not. I love Jye more than anything,” I tell him.

“And so do I,” he says earnestly. I skull the rest of my drink, and place it down on the counter. My fingers are ice cold from the glass.

“We still have a lot to talk about, Sasha,” he continues.

“I know, but tonight is about fun. We can talk tomorrow, okay?” I tell him.

“Okay,” he agrees, kissing me gently on my forehead. “You look cute, by the way,” he adds casually. I instantly narrow my eyes at him, and he bursts out laughing. He remembers, oh, he definitely remembers.

“You’re mean,” I state.

“No, I’m not. You’re the only one in the world who thinks that cute means something other than what it does,” he says, his eyes twinkling.

“Cute means ugly but interesting!” I exclaim.

“I can’t believe you’re still on about that,” he chuckles.

“It does! It’s what people say about babies that aren’t that cute,” I whisper so no one else can hear.

James mouth gapes wide open. “All babies are cute!”

I roll my eyes. “If someone’s baby isn’t that cute, the person will say ‘Ohhhh, he’s so... cute.’ which really doesn’t mean cute!” I ramble. The drinks are definitely getting to me now.

“What does it mean then?” he asks me, trying to contain his mirth.

“Ugly but interesting,” I whisper back, looking around to make sure no one can hear me.