Present Perfect(42)

Brad’s megawatt smile appeared. “Beautiful, you have no idea.”

I wasn’t really a drinker. I had had wine before, but that was about the extent of my alcohol intake. Plus, with the strange effect Brad seemed to have on me, I thought it best to keep a clear head tonight.

Looking up, I shyly smiled, “A diet soda is fine. Thanks.”

“Diet soda, it is. I’ll be right back.” He kissed me softly on the cheek before he left. Yep, he was definitely a swooner.

Within minutes Brad returned carrying two red cups, both filled with soda. I was surprised that he wasn’t drinking something more potent. I asked curiously, “You’re not drinking the hard stuff?”

“Maybe later. I want to be completely alert while I get to know you.” Taking my elbow, he guided me to the sliding glass doors. “Let’s go out on the deck. It’s less crowded.”

It was a beautiful night. The sky was so clear the stars looked like tiny bright white Christmas lights twinkling. There was a warm breeze coming off the ocean and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks was soothing my nerves. We walked over to the railing of the deck facing the ocean. While I enjoyed the sea breeze and watched the waves, Brad watched me. I could feel my cheeks getting warm. The staring was making me feel a little uneasy.

I turned toward him, trying to sound playful and asked, “What is it with you and the staring?”

“I told you before, I’m admiring. Why do you have such a hard time with guys looking at you?”

I was in full blown red face now. “Well, first of all, I’ve never had guys look at me. Second, I’m not exactly the type of girl that gets stared at, at least not for the good reasons.”

He leaned down closer to me so we would be eye to eye. In a low voice he said, “You have no idea how hot you are. Do you?”

“Are you sure all you have in that cup is soda?”

Brad shook his head and smiled. “You’re awesome. I’m so glad you said yes.”

He gently pressed his lips to mine. My eyes automatically fluttered shut. A surge of electricity zipped through my entire body. He nipped at my bottom lip and then I felt his tongue glide over them. His lips were so soft and tasted like soda. Our lips moved slowly against each other’s, and then the tip of his tongue slipped between mine. I parted them slightly for him and his tongue slid into my mouth. Every movement he made was so slow, deliberate, and hot as hell. He wasn’t in a hurry to get through this kiss and neither was I.

Suddenly, Brad jerked away from me. I heard people shouting. My eyes shot open. I was so disoriented from the kiss, I didn’t immediately comprehend what was happening. Once my eyes focused, I saw Noah dragging Brad down the steps to the beach. Several people followed. By the time I got to the bottom of the steps, I heard flesh hit flesh.

“I FUCKING WARNED YOU ABOUT TOUCHING HER!” Noah screamed as he slammed his fist into Brad’s side.

Unlike yesterday, Brad fought back. He shoved Noah, and then brought his fist around connecting to the left side of Noah’s jaw. Noah stumbled back a few steps and shook it off. He came at Brad with full force, tackling him to the ground. Noah’s attack was relentless, punching Brad over and over again in rapid fire.

I ran up screaming, “NOAH, STOP IT! YOU’RE GOING TO KILL HIM!” Tears were streaming down my face.

Finally, Jeremy and two other guys went over and pulled Noah off Brad.

Walking over and kneeling at Brad’s side, I tried to help him sit up. “Oh god! Are you ok? We need to get you to the ER.”

He shook his head at me and whispered, “I’ll be ok. Just give me a sec.” He was gasping for air.

Looking up, my eyes pleaded with Noah to calm down. His chest was rapidly pumping as his breaths came fast and heavy. His jaw was clenched tight and his hands were still formed into fists. He didn’t make any move towards Brad, though. His eyes shot daggers right through me. I thought he was furious yesterday, but that was nothing compared to the rage coming off his body now. He had never directed this type of anger towards me before.

Sneering at me, he asked, “Is this what you want? Some mother f*cking son of a bitch who just wants to get into your pants?”

I didn’t know how to respond. I was completely embarrassed and he was to blame. I just looked at him with tears in my eyes. I didn’t understand what was going on. I knew he hated the idea of me going out with Brad. It was just one date. Noah was acting like I was going to marry the guy and be doomed to a life of hell. Without saying another word, he turned and bulldozed his way up the steps and into the house.

Jeremy, trying to get the party back on track said, “Now it’s a party! Okay folks, nothing more to see here. Move along.” The crowd started to break up and head back into the house.

I helped Brad up. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine,” he grunted.

He put his arm around my shoulders as I put mine around his waist. Letting him lean on me for support, we walked back up on to the deck. I steadied Brad as he lowered himself on to one of the loungers and leaned back. I felt terrible. It was my fault this happened to him. I sat next to him and kept apologizing. I didn’t know what else to say or do at that moment.

Looking sympathetically, I said, “I’m so sorry. Can I get you anything? Can I do anything for you?”