One Hot Summer

Chapter 7: Party Foul

RILEY

Brynn stood behind me in her shimmery blue skin tight dress curling my hair.

“I swear Riles, you look drop dead gorgeous. You will turn heads tonight” she says spraying hairspray before running her fingers through my curls.

I smile and admire myself in the mirror before putting on my dress.

“Make sure you put on no show panties tonight or if you’re really feeling yourself, go commando!” Brynn says giggling.

“Ha. Ha. I’m already going bra less. I’ll wear my no show panties” I laugh pulling the dress over my hips. Pulling out my silver sling back heels, I slip them on and stand about four inches taller.

“Let’s go get this party started” Brynn says grabbing my hand.

Music blasts through the house as people start to arrive. Brynn and I walk hand in hand down the steps of the house. My confidence is through the roof as heads snap in our direction.

My eyes search over the crowd of people already gathered and my heart drops when I don’t see James. The party hasn’t been going on for very long so he may just be coming later. Or at least that’s what I keep telling myself.

As my eyes continue searching I do see a handful of familiar faces.

“Olivia!” I screech, running as well as I can in heels. Olivia is standing with Milo, Ben, Nick, and another lifeguard Heather. Bens arm is tightly wrapped around a petite brunette. They all turn toward me.

“Holy s**t, Riley!” Olivia gasps grabbing my waist. My eyes meet Bens who looks upset. His eyes burn into me and I can’t seem to read his expression.

“Damn, girl” Nick says grabbing my hand and spinning me around. Olivia smacks my ass.

“Let’s go get drinks” she yells pulling me with her.

The brunette in Bens arms in kissing all over his neck, rubbing herself all over him. I flash him a smile but his face remains unchanged as he continues to stare at me with furrowed brows.

Olivia and I throw back a few shots. The clear liquid burns going down my throat.

“Let’s do more!” Olivia shouts. I nod as we take down three more. I’m starting to feel the warm buzz now.

Out of the corner of my eye I see Brynn and John making out. If John is here then James should be too.

“I’ll be back” I yell to Olivia. I make my way through the living room which is now full of half drunk guys and girls dancing. I climb a few stairs and look over the sea of people. My eyes settle on Ben, whose got his tongue down the small brunettes throat now.

“Baby!” James yells. My heart jumps, he made it. Running down the stairs I jump into his arms. I press my lips against his in a heated kiss, no doubt fueled by the alcohol in my system.

“Damn, baby. You look sexy as hell” James says rubbing his hands down my body before cupping my ass.

“Let’s get a drink” I yell to him before pulling him through the crowd. Olivia, Milo, and Heather are now dancing. I take a beer and pop the top before taking a big swig. Not wanting to put my beer down I look around and see that Ben and his girl are taking a breather.

“I’m going to dance. Hold this” I yell handing him my beer. He has yet to speak to or even smile at me but right now I’m too buzzed to even care.

His girl tugs on his arm, “Baby I wanna dance. Let’s go dance” she pleads. Ben shakes his head before taking a swig of my beer.

“No, I’m not dancing. Go dance if you want” he says. She pouts, standing beside him with her arms crossed.

Grabbing James by the hand I pull him onto the dance floor next to Olivia. She hands me another shot which I throw back without a second thought.

My eyes stare into James as I grind my hips against his. I turn around and press my ass against the front of him, moving my hips to the music. Olivia takes her place in front of me. She grinds on me as I grind on James. It’s been so long since I’ve let loose like this and it feels great.

James snakes his arms around my waist pulling me against him harder. His erection is evident as he moves against my backside. Pressing kisses along my shoulders he leans close to my ear.

“I want you baby. Let’s go find a private space” James says pulling me with him.

“No baby, I don’t want to right now” I protest pulling out of his grasp. He pulls me against him kissing me hard. I indulge for a moment before pulling away again.

“Baby, not right now” I say.

“Whatever” James says letting go of me and storming away.

Why is he such an asshole?

“Don’t let him get to you. Let’s just have fun” Olivia says, having watched the whole thing.

“You’re right. I’ll be right back” I yell.

Pushing through the crowd I find Ben on the couch with his fling hanging all over him. His eyes move slowly up my body as I approach him. I grab the beer out of his hands and drink the entire thing down.

“You okay?” He asks. I shake my head.

“Maybe you should slow down” he says. I flip him the bird before going to get another drink. Ben jumps to his feet, he grabs me by the wrist and pulls me toward him. Stumbling over my heels I fall against his body. Our faces our close, his breath feathers across my lips.

“Please be careful” he says holding me tight.

For a moment my heartbeat quickens until I remember who I’m talking to.

“Save it for a girl who’s your type..” I say pulling away from him and toward the drinks.

Grabbing another beer, I pop the top and take a big drink. Part of me starts to feel guilty for blowing James off so quickly. I decide to go look for him.

Making my way toward the back sliding door I see Brynn and John still making out. Olivia, Milo, and Nick are all standing together. I give Olivia a look before heading outside.

The lights outside light up the backyard. There are people in the pool and spread across the yard. My eyes scan the groups of people looking for James, since this was the direction he stormed off in.

Mac approaches me, placing his hands on my shoulders.

“Hey! Riley, how’s it going?” He asks. I give him a confused look.

“I don’t have time right now, Mac. I’m looking for James. Have you seen him?” I ask looking around him.

“Uhm, yeah. I think he went inside. Here I’ll go in with you and look” he says wrapping an arm around my waist. I nod as we start to make our way back to the doors.

“James, stop” I hear a girl voice giggling. My head whips in the direction of the voice and there before my eyes is my boyfriend, being straddled by some bimbo. His hands are up her dress and she’s grinding against his lap.

My heart feels like it’s going to stop. A sick feeling grows in the pit of my stomach. Mac tries to pull me away but I shove him off of me. My eyes are glued to James and this girl who are making out and all over each other.

“You goddamn asshole!” I yell, tears slowly slipping down my face. James shoves the poor girl off of him forcefully and runs to me. I shake my head and turn to go inside.

“Baby, baby, baby! Please, let me explain” he pleads grabbing my wrist.

I yank my arm away from him and storm inside. Tears free falling down my face. Brynn is the first to see me crying. She runs to my side.

“What happened?” Her words seething.

James grabs my waist trying to stop me.

“I’m sorry, Riley! I was horny and you weren’t putting..” he starts. I turn around and slap him hard, drawing the attention of people around us.

“f**k you, James! I’m done with you” I scream.

“Baby!” He calls. My gaze moves from him to the eyes around the room that seem to be watching. Looking over I see Ben whose standing, like he’s ready to jump in if needed.

I walk straight up to him and grab him by the shirt, pulling him down to me and pressing my lips against his. He resists at first. Embarrassment starts to fill my chest but then I feel his arms wrap around my waist tightly as he starts to return the kiss. His tongue pushes past my lips as he nips and sucks on my bottom lip. My entire body fills with warmth. Tingles spread through me as we continue to make out.

“What the hell!” James yells. He starts to move toward us but is held back by Milo and Nick.

I pull away, breathless. My eyes meet Bens for another moment until I pull away completely before running up the stairs crying.

Slamming my bedroom door behind me I slump to the floor and bawl. My heart is shattered as images of James and that girl circle my brain. Had I really been that blind? Brynn warned me. Why didn’t I listen?

Knock knock

“Riles?” Brynn says quietly on the other side. I stand up and slowly open the door. Brynn and Olivia stand there and I instantly embrace them. I cry harder.

“Shhh, it’s okay babe” Olivia says trying to comfort me. Brynn holds me tighter.

“Are you okay, honey?” she asks.

“I’ll be fine. I just wanna be left alone right now” I say weeping.

“I’m so sorry Riles” Brynn says.

“We love you” Olivia adds. I nod and turn to go back into the room.

I lock the bedroom door as well as the door in the bathroom that leads to the hall and the door that leads to bens room.

My dress falls to the floor as I kick it away. Using a wipe, I clean the makeup off of my face. I debate on sleeping in just my panties but decide to pull a T-shirt over incase I get cold. I crawl into bed and close my eyes, letting my tears soak into my pillow

My phone buzzes with messages and calls.. I look at my messages.

Baby, please talk to me (James)

Riley I’m sorry. I love you so much (James)

Come on baby. Let me up to see you. They won’t let me upstairs. (James)

You okay little Jax? (Nick)

I love you baby. I’m sorry. She meant nothing to me. Please talk to me (James)

I lock my phone and push it away as I hear a knock at the door.

“Riley?” A deep voice says.

“Please go away Ben. I just want to be alone” I say.

After a few moments I no longer hear anything.

I curl up and try to calm down but my thoughts are interrupted as I hear the lock on my door being messed with, it suddenly opens. The door closes again and I hear the lock resume.

I don’t move from my position.

The only words I seem to make out are, “I swear to god if that’s you James”.

“It’s just me” Ben says quietly. I feel the other side of the bed dip.

“What are you doing?” I ask trying to hide my tear soaked face.

“Just let me be here right now” Ben says scooting behind me.

Turning to face him, “Ben, I only kissed you in the heat of the moment. It meant nothing” I say. Ben smirks at me like he doesn’t believe me.

“I know, Riley. Just let me be here for you” he says. I nod at him.

“Can I hold you?” He asks. I look at him for a moment, my mind racing.

“I promise, I’ll behave” he says. I sigh.

“Okay” I say quietly.

“Would you rather me keep my clothes on?” He asks.

“No, that’s okay” I tell him, my heart beating faster. Ben slides off the bed. I hear his belt slipping out of his jeans and hitting the floor.

The next thing I know, Ben slides under the covers and pulls me back to him. My body fits perfectly with his. His strong arm wraps around my waist, holding me securely. His chest is pressed against my back and I feel his breath on my neck.

“Riley..” he whispers.

“Hmmm” I mumble.

“I’m sorry” he says running his fingers through my hair. My eyes start to close and I vaguely feel his lips press against the back of my head before falling asleep for good.