When I met you

Maybe It Works

Adam Melchior

Isia occupied every part of my head, slipping into every thought I dared to have.

I wanted to run to her room and kiss her until she was breathless.

She isn’t the kind of girl I would choose to get involved with if I had any control over what I feel, because the two of us are very different. But every day by her side is a day in which I learn something new about her and her life. Every day, I realize just how captivating she is.

But I had to be careful. Isia wasn’t like other girls, and I was completely new to this monogamy thing. Akermisia deserved flowers and declarations, and I was trying very hard to at least not be an asshole. I had never spent so much time thinking about ridiculously romantic gestures the way I had lately. It was even shocking how I was destroying my reputation over one girl. But she wasn’t just any girl after all. Isia was worth it.

After all the classes end, I head to the field where the guys are finishing practice. I talk to everyone on the team. They adore me. Even the coach himself offered to talk to my father so I could join the team, but it’s useless. I know convincing him is out of the question.

After saying goodbye to the group, Leonardo, Rick, and I head to the stadium parking lot where the games take place. We sit on the open tailgate of Rick’s truck to drink a few beers while carrying on the routine we’ve had since freshman year: watching the cheerleaders leave practice.

— I love this spot. It has a great view. — Rick comments, staring at the girls in uniform. Three years had passed, but he still had the same excitement as when we first started doing this.

— You’re disgusting. — Leo grumbles while grabbing another can from the cooler and pouring its contents into his red cup.

— Says the guy who’s already looking for more horns to put on his head. What Taylor did to you wasn’t enough??

— What are you talking about?

— Don’t play innocent now… — The lustful smile on the lips of one of the cheerleaders walking by says much more than I’d like to know. It’s obvious she’s already slept with Rick, and by the way she looks at my friend and waves, it’s easy to tell she’s dying for a repeat. — Tell the truth, Adam. I kind of lost focus.

Rick nudges me, ignoring us to flirt with the girl using only his eyes.

— It’s Livia. Last night you were with her again. Do you like her or something?

— She’s hot, I know, but you should take it slow… — Rick points out before taking another gulp of beer.

— Can’t you talk about anything else? — Izabel approaches. — Ew, you guys are sweaty!!

Rick and Leo exchange a knowing look, and I start laughing as I imagine what they’re about to do.

— Ahhhhhh no, no. — She glares at both of them, but it’s already too late. A few seconds later, they join forces to hug Iza in a mix of sweat and brute strength. — I hate you guys! — she says, suffocated.

— Don’t be dramatic. — Leo grins at her while tightening the hug, and Rick makes a point of rubbing his shirt against her arm.

She sighs in resignation. After freeing herself from the embrace of the two players and brushing at her clothes in an attempt to undo the damage, Iza eventually gives up, grabs a cup of beer, and sits beside me.

— Back to the redhead. — Rick says, referring to Livia.

As the only girl in our group, Iza has to endure plenty of conversations where the guys and I talk about women. Let’s just say it isn’t her favorite subject. But for the first time, I see her get excited at the mention of a girl.

— Oh, I like the girls. They’re the most decent girls these two have ever gotten involved with. Don’t ruin everything just because you’re jealous, R. — Izabel scolds him with a wise look.

— I don’t like her… — Leo finally speaks, his blue eyes shifting. — Sure, she’s hot as hell, and sure, it was great being with her, but I just got out of a messed-up relationship, and part of me still likes Taylor despite everything she did. I don’t want to get involved with Livia. We’d never work out, and right now, the way I am, I’d only end up hurting her. Last night she threw up and looked pale. I just saw the state she was in and offered to take her home because I’m not some heartless bastard either. We stopped at a pharmacy, she got out and bought some medicine, and then I helped her get back to her room. That’s all.

— You’re right, man. You need to figure out who you are outside of a relationship before jumping into another one. — Rick pats our friend on the shoulder, and for once, I agree.

— That’s stupid. Livia is amazing, and you used to be too before that b***h destroyed your heart and made you as insensitive as these two. — Iza points at me and Rick.

— Hey! Don’t put me in the same boat as Mackenzie. That’s offensive. — I protest, while Rick shrugs without concern.

— It’s not offensive if it’s true. Damn, but R. is right in the end… — she admits. — I guess I was just excited about the idea. Is it too much to ask for a little more estrogen? I’m tired of being the only woman around you guys.

— And Akermisia? How was the night, by the way? — The sudden interest in Rick’s voice and the mischief in his eyes make me scowl.

— Good. She’s amazing.

— I noticed. — Leo says, almost offended. — You two slept all cuddled up while I had to crash at Elliot’s dorm.

— She’s hot, smart, and has personality. If I were you, I’d try to make things work with her. — Iza comments. — Don’t break that girl’s heart, Melchior. I know being an asshole is your specialty, but I honestly think you two could work…

Deep down, Iza was right. If I was going to try, I’d want to try with Akermisia.

— Maybe we will. — I shrug.

Elliot spots us from a distance. He has more afternoon classes than most of us because he’s studying law, so we’re always waiting for him. Bennign approaches, and Iza hops off the truck bed to meet him. Smiling, he drapes an arm over her shoulders and kisses her temple.

— My love, haven’t you heard these guys are a bad influence? You shouldn’t be hanging around them. — he comments with an ironic smile.

— We heard that, you i***t. — Rick shouts, and Leo and I burst out laughing.

We put away the beer, and Elliot, being the only sober one, became the designated driver.

✶

When we get back to campus, I go looking for Akermisia. It’s ten at night, and she’ll probably be furious, but I can’t help myself. I knock three times on her dorm room door, whose location I know thanks to Leo. She opens it exactly ten seconds later.

Yeah, I’m counting.

She’s beautiful. Don’t even get me started on her body. Her breasts are small, though exactly the size I know fit perfectly in my hand. Her waist is slim, her ass round and perky. Her endless smooth legs are an extra distraction since they’re exposed right now.

— Adam? — She’s obviously surprised, but she seems more serious than angry, and I’m not used to dealing with this version of Akermisia. Quickly, she closes the door behind her and steps into the hallway. Was she hiding something from me?

— Hi. — I try to remain impassive while her golden eyes scan over me. — I thought I’d stop by and wish you goodnight…

— You could have warned me, Adam. I’m in pajamas. — she points out, though there isn’t much humor in her voice. Something had happened.

— You’re beautiful no matter what.

She can’t stop a smile.

— And you’re good at making me believe that.

— I’m being sincere. — I smile as I watch her blush. — What’s wrong?

— Why? — Her eyes widen. I try not to be suspicious of her reaction, but it’s impossible.

I look straight into her daring eyes. I can see the haze and concern.

— Is there another guy in there? — In a sudden burst, I blurt out what’s been running through my head.

— What? — She gives me a mocking little smile. — Do you really think that?

— I really don’t know, Akermisia.

Isia shoots me a sharp look.

— Whatever it is that we are, you’re going to have to trust me. — she snaps.

— And me? Do you trust me?

Silence.

— Great. — I give her one final emotionless smile and turn away. I didn’t want to act arrogant. I was trying to control myself, but it was hard when it felt like she was lying.

— Adam… — Her voice softens. Her hands pull me back, forcing me to face her. I stay attentive as she steps closer. I lift my gaze to hers. They’re still watching me carefully, but now I can see desire hidden within the brown tones. — There’s no guy. It’s just… a friend is having problems, and I can’t drag anyone else into it.

I take a deep breath. That made more sense, and damn it, Akermisia was trying. She had lowered her guard and taken the time to explain herself.

— Okay. — I say, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek.

The simple touch of my lips against her skin makes me hard.

I hear a muffled moan and realize it came from her. Just one touch in the right place and she’d lose control. Akermisia pulls my face toward the place she really wants: her lips. But I’m in no rush. I explore the kiss with dedication, and her lips move against mine, slow and delicious. She wants to deepen it, and from her breathing I know she’s very turned on, and I love that. I love knowing I’m the one who makes her feel that way, but I’m still nervous, which means I’m going to leave her wanting more.

— Damn it, Akermisia, you’re going to be the death of me. — I wet my lips deliberately, both hands framing her face, and she looks visibly stunned.

— Touché. — she laughs, our lips still dangerously close. — Ruining Adam Melchior has always been part of my plan. Don’t worry. By the time I’m done, you’ll be destroyed.

I place a hand beneath her chin and lift her face so she looks at me.

— Then let’s go to ruin together.

Akermisia flashes a breathtaking smile and rises onto her toes to give me one final kiss that seals that promise. When she pulls away and turns around, my eyes inevitably land on her ass. She notices and gives me a disapproving look. I shrug.

— Too damn sexy. Not my fault.

— Goodnight to you too, Adam.

The door closes, and I’m left alone in the hallway. My feet carry me back to my dorm, but my mind keeps replaying her words.

“A friend is having problems, and I can’t drag anyone else into it.”

When I get to my room, Leo isn’t there, so I type out a message.

Man, something happened

to Livia.