My Forever

Chapter 9

I flung it open and there stood Luke. He looked good. He had on a button-up dress shirt and it was unbuttoned at the top. His pants looked like they had been made just for him and my eyes lingered just a minute too long.

“Like what you see beautiful.”

Like always, my face burned with embarrassment.

“I know I like what I see. Dang Harper, you look sexy as hell.”

He stepped into the house and pulled me flush to him. “Are you ready to have a good time?”

I nodded and we went out of the door.

“Good cause your best friend is going to show you a great night.”

He pulled up in front of a very busy club in the center of downtown.

“Luke, I can’t get in here. I’m only 17.”

He smiled over at me. “Don’t worry about a thing. And, baby, in that outfit you don’t look 17.”

After parking his car, we walked hand in hand toward the door that already had a line wrapped around the building.

Luke walked right up to the bouncer and they gave each other a manly hug. Before I knew it, we were walking into the club.

The air was thick and hot. Luke took my jacket and checked it in.

“Do you want something to drink or right to the dance floor?”

I had never had a drink before, so I wasn’t sure what to say. He could feel my hesitation and pulled me towards the bar.

He slipped me a glass that looked like it was just a coke, but when I took a sip it had a slight burn but had a hint of vanilla.

“Vanilla vodka and coke.”

He kept feeding me drinks and before I knew it, I was swaying my hips to the music. I felt free and all my worries about my Mom and now Declan were pushed to the back of my mind.

Luke pulled me to him as his hands fell on my hips. He leaned in and whispered in my ear. “You are so f*****g beautiful. Don’t get upset over a man that doesn’t give you the attention you deserve.”

I knew he was talking about Declan. We had become close enough for him to tell without me saying anything.

The evening continued with more dancing and more drinks. At some point, I realized I was way too drunk and so did Luke.

“Do you want to get out of here?” He said with a smirk.

Feeling the effects of the drinks, all I could do was nod my head yes.

He took my hand and after grabbing our jackets, we grabbed an Uber. He gave the driver my address and we were on our way home.

The drive home was blurred and I found myself holding onto Luke as we walked in the house.

I felt like everything was spinning and all of a sudden I didn’t feel so good. Luke helped me to my room and grabbed me a shirt to sleep in. He helped me get changed and tucked me into bed.

The spinning got worse and I jumped from the bed and ran across the hall to the bathroom, slamming the door behind me.

I pulled my hair back and barely made it to the toilet to expel tonight's beverages and my dinner.

I didn’t hear Luke enter but I felt him rubbing my back and holding back my hair. Had I not been so sick, I probably would have died of embarrassment. I was sitting in nothing but a tiny pair of cotton panties and a shirt as he held my hair back as I puked.

I felt him leave and realized I must have grossed him out. He would be gone before I had a chance to clean myself up. On shaky legs, I stood up and splashed some water on my face. Despite getting sick and being way too drunk, I didn’t look as terrible as I felt.

I closed my eyes and began to replay today's events through my head. I didn’t get far before a warm hand ran across my back.

“Here, drink some water.” Luke said, handing me a bottled water and some ibuprofen. He must have left me to get me something to drink.

He led me back to my room and grabbed his shirt and pulled it on me and helped me into bed. I expected him to leave but instead he slid in next to me and wrapped his arms around me.

“Sleep doll and tomorrow I will take you for the best breakfast you have ever had.” He kissed me softly on the top of my head and I allowed the darkness to encompass me.

The next morning, I woke to find myself still wrapped in Luke’s arms. I shifted so I could look at his handsome face. He was handsome. But when I looked at him I saw a friend and not…. Not Declan.

I slipped out of his arms and quietly made my way to the bathroom. I had a slight headache and my makeup was now running down my face. I brushed my teeth and washed my face before pulling my hair into a messy bun.

I walked back into my room to see Luke still asleep on my bed. I started to head toward my closet when his voice stopped me.

“How are you feeling?” He asked.

“Better…..I have a little headache but OK.”

“Good. I am so sorry for letting you drink so much. I just thought you might need to let loose and have some fun.”

“I should have told you it was my first time drinking and I was trying to forget. I didn’t realize how easy alcohol makes to forget.

“F&ck I am so sorry.”

“That’s ok. I should have told you.”

“Let’s get going. I did promise you the best breakfast ever.”

Not long after we ordered breakfast, Luke’s phone started ringing.

“Hey Boss!” How’s the family?”

I had managed to forget about Declan while drinking the night away with Luke. As he continued to talk to Declan, thoughts of last night began to run through my head.

Chase has always been amazing to me, but we aren’t a couple. Could we even be a couple? Declan left without even saying goodbye. I know it was only for a few weeks but it hurt. Did he really think that little of me?