THRUST(25)

Tossing down my red lipstick, I quickly smooth out my tight little black dress before hurrying up to answer the door. Hunter told me to dress sexy, so I chose this dress, threw my hair into a loose, playful bun and slipped into my red heels. I definitely feel sexy, sexier than I have in a long time.

Pulling together a straight face, I open the door and smile at Hunter standing there, dressed to impress. He’s wearing a black Henley shirt, a pair of black slacks, and some very slick dress shoes.

He whistles, as he looks my dress over. “Damn, Calla. You look incredibly sexy.” He tugs on a piece of my loose hair. “Your hair looks hot up.”

I hide my face, trying to avoid him noticing as it turns red. When I can gather myself, I turn back to him and let my cheesy grin take over. “Well, I’ve had this dress for a while and haven’t had a chance to wear it yet.” I point out his outfit. “And you look incredibly hot so . . . I guess we’re a good match for the party.”

“Absolutely,” he says while reaching for my hand. “I can’t wait to show off my date for the night. I’ll just have to let the other guys know that you’re off limits tonight.” He smiles. “Let’s go.”

I step out of the apartment and close it behind me, before following Hunter down the hall. He stops in front of room 619 and lifts a brow as I look up at him. “We’re here?” I ask with a slight laugh.

“Yup!” He pushes the door open and walks in first.

The first thing I spot is the blonde guy that I saw earlier leaving the elevator. He walks over and pounds fists with Hunter before walking over and grabbing my hand. “My new neighbor has arrived.” He pulls me behind him and over to the kitchen where there’s a crowd of people hanging out, drinking, and laughing. “Everyone!” The whole room gets quiet as he whistles. “This is my new neighbor and a friend of Hunter’s, Calla.”

I give an awkward wave as everyone says hi and starts to offer me drinks.

When I look behind me for Hunter, he’s in the living room smiling at me as if he thinks I’m the sexiest girl in this room. Looking around, I definitely don’t agree there.

The blonde guy smiles, looking me up and down, before passing me a drink. “Welcome to Ryder’s house party, baby; always the best. Enjoy.”



AFTER A COUPLE HOURS OF dancing and playing a few party games, Hunter and I find a quiet spot to relax. Somehow we end up getting on the subject of high school, so of course, Hunter brings up my little crush on him. I have to admit that it’s a little embarrassing having him ask me all these questions. I never thought that I’d ever be admitting this stuff to his face.

“So how long did you have a crush on me?” He pulls me down into his lap and wraps an arm around my waist. Being in Hunter James’ lap has me smiling like a kid again.

“Do you really want to know?” He brushes his fingertips over my neck before kissing it. I guess that’s a yes. “Since the end of junior year when I saw you playing catch in the cafeteria and the football accidently hit my friend Tori in the head. I crushed on you my whole senior year after that. ”

He runs his hand up my thigh, stopping just below my panty line. “Oh yeah. She was pretty pissed.” He kisses my neck again, but harder this time. “I remember you watching me. I smiled at you. You didn’t get the hint?”

I shake my head and moan as he slips a finger under my panties. He lightly brushes it over my clit before pulling it away. “No,” I say, my breathing erratic.

He pushes his hips into me, showing me that he’s hard. “Are you getting the hint now?”

I suck in a deep breath as he bites the back of my neck, completely turned on. “Mmm . . . very much so.”

“Good.” He grabs my arm and stands us both up. “We need to go. Now.”

Ryder throws his arms up when he notices us heading for the door. “Dude! Where are you guys going?”

Hunter opens the door and smiles back at him. “To have our own little party.” He closes the door behind us before Ryder can manage to say anything else. “Is your roommate home,” he asks impatiently.

I shake my head as he kisses my neck, leaving a tingling sensation as the air blows over the wet spots, giving me the chills. “No. She was leaving with Brad. She won’t be home for a couple hours.”

My heart is pounding so fast right now, and everything feels as if I’m in some sort of crazy fantasy. Kyan and now Hunter. I must be losing my mind.

Next thing I know, Hunter has my back pressed against my apartment door and he reaches into the front of my bra for my house key.