“I see.” I felt my stomach twisting and I looked at Sally. “You didn’t tell me you were looking.”
“You never really asked.” She shrugged nonchalantly and looked up at me with a faint smile. Her eyes gazed into mine with an innocent look and she reminded me of a doe, all wide-eyed and nervous. What was she thinking? Was she thinking about that night? Was she mad at me? Did she hate me? I wanted to tell her that I was sorry for taking her back to my place. I was sorry for kissing her and touching her. I wanted to tell her that I hoped she didn’t think I’d taken advantage of her, but more than that I wanted to tell her that I’d spent the last few nights restlessly thinking of her and reliving those moments, wishing things had gone differently. I wanted to tell her that I could still taste her on my lips and feel her nails on my back. I could still feel her silky strands of hair on my chest, teasing my nipples. And I could still feel her quivering body underneath mine. My mind was constantly on her, wishing I could hear her screaming out my name as I took her to heights she’d never known before. I thought that maybe, just maybe, she’d be thinking the same, but no, here she was out looking for a guy, just days after our night. That made me mad and I didn’t even stop to think about what a hypocrite I was being. Here I was, also out, but actually on a date.
“So you looking to hook-up or for more?” I asked, trying to sound casual. “Or just whatever you can get?”
“I’m just looking for a nice guy, like every other girl,” Sally said softly.
“She wants a guy who can commit and show her that she’s special and treat her like a Queen,” Mila said sharply. “She wants a guy who will be there for her and love her and dedicate his life to her.”
“And you guys came here?” I asked questioningly. “Really?”
“Are you saying only the shady guys come here?” Mila gave me a pointed look and I glared at her. Why was she trying to force Sally into something?
“That’s not what I’m saying.” I shook my head. “I just think Sally can meet a higher quality guy than the guys who are here tonight.”
“You guys don’t have to talk about me like I’m not here,” Sally broke in and put her hands up. “I’m here and just looking to have fun.”
“Same here.” Louisa pouted and grabbed my arm. “I thought we were going to go back to your place and have some real fun, big boy?” Everyone went quiet at her words and I looked over at Sally to see how she’d reacted. Her face was downcast and she wouldn’t make eye contact with me. I tried not to sigh. This was a mess and I didn’t know how to fix it.
“We’ll let you guys be, then,” Mila said and gave me a disappointed look. “Sally and I can take care of ourselves and our drinks for the night.”
“Mila,” I said, annoyed. “I want to buy you guys your first drinks.”
“We don’t want to interrupt you on your big night, Cody,” Sally spoke up and looked at me coldly. “Louisa doesn’t want her first date with you to also include her sister and her friend.”
“You’re my friend as well,” I said softly, gazing into her eyes, wanting to pull her into me and kiss her.
“Yeah, yeah,” she said and pursed her lips.
“What does that mean?” My voice grew louder and I stepped towards her. “We’re friends, right?”
“Yeah, of course.” She gave me a big smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “We’re great friends.”
“Why does that sound insincere?”
“Cody, let her be.” Mila sounded annoyed. “We’re here to have fun. Sally needs to get laid.”
“WHAT?” I practically shouted and I felt like fire was shooting from my eyes.
“I’m joking.” Mila gave me a weird look. “Calm down.”
“I’m calm,” I said and then looked at Sally. “So maybe we can go to lunch tomorrow?”
“I’m busy.” She shook her head. “Sorry.”
“I see.” I frowned. Busy doing what was what I wanted to ask her, but I didn’t.
“Cody, are you nearly done?” Louisa tapped me on the shoulder impatiently. “I want to get out of here.”
“Yeah, just a second.” I sighed and tried not to roll my eyes. “What about this weekend?”
“Sally’s coming over for lunch,” Mila said. “You should come too. We’ll make it a nice family affair.”
“Fine,” I said with a small frown. I didn’t want to do lunch with TJ and Mila. I wanted to talk to Sally alone. I wanted to make sure everything between us was okay and I wanted to find out what the hell she was doing going to bars looking for other guys. “I’ll be there.”
“Whoopdedoo.” Mila grabbed Sally’s arm and then looked at me. “Have a good night, Cody. We’ll see you later.”