Justified Love (The Southern Gentleman Series Book 1) (7 page)

              Like a gentleman, Tad walked me back to my dorm hand-in-hand. He was sweet, and aside from Colt; I wasn’t used to that. I was so naive. We set up a date for the next night considering there was no way in hell I was going to let him in my dorm room at two a.m. I was still a virgin, and I was completely inexperienced. Having had a lot of alcohol, I didn’t want to experience my first time intoxicated. Tad gave me a kiss on the cheek and left me at the dorm. In my heart, it was hard for me to let go of Colt and move on, but I knew I would never see him again, so I needed to try.

              Next night, Tad took me out to dinner. He ordered for me, which I thought was odd, but the again, he was paying the bill, and I was on a budget. When the waiter made his rounds again, he delivered a desert menu. Taking the menu out of my hands, Tad handed it back to the waiter and told him to get the check. Tad was a man in charge, and in a way, I dug it. Then again, there’s dominance, and then, there’s just plain being rude. Brushing it off, he paid the bill, and we walked hand-in-hand back to his apartment.

              We settled on a movie and crashed on the couch together. Not even ten minutes into the film, Tad was getting touchy feely. At first I thought it was hot, but he started to get increasingly aggressive. Trying to speak, I pushed him away.

              “Tad, can we slow things down a bit? I’m not exactly accustomed to this.”

              “Are you saying you’re a virgin?” the question seemed to echo off the apartment walls.

              “Yeaaaah,” I said hesitantly.

              “No problem, we can take it slow tonight. Want to go to my room? It’s much more comfortable in there.”

              “Suuurre,” I squeaked out. I was about to lose my virginity to Tad Berkley, the country club boy from Boston, Mass.

              Instead of taking our time to get undressed, Tad ripped off his clothes and began taking off mine. I was all elbows and knees. I stumbled on my jeans as I was taking them off. Classy, Carr. Classy. I didn’t even have my bra and shirt off when Tad was all over me. Seeing the expression on my face, he started to slow down as if our previous conversation finally set in. Removing my panties he tossed them aside. And, I take that back. This boy has zero self-control. I had never let a boy look at my hoo-ha before, and the thought of him staring straight into the eye of the storm intimidated and petrified me. Instead of taking his time to please me, he put on a condom and just went straight for it. So much for foreplay. Ok. So this is what sex is like. It pretty much sucked dick, and not in a good way. But then again, Tad was not making it special at all for me. Trying to be a little more intimate, I reached up to grab Tad’s face to pull him in for a kiss. He leaned in smashing his lips to mine, but immediately took my wrists and brought them above my head. He kept making these strange, grunting sounds, like he was herding goats with hemorrhoids. I tried everything not to laugh. You have got to be kidding me. At this point I just accepted that this was the single worst, least romantic, first sexual experience I have ever had. I couldn’t be mad at Tad; I wanted it too. I just didn’t think it would be this awkward. I mean, sex is awkward in general, but Tad took it to a whole new level. The look on his face when he climaxed reminded me of a monkey on crack the way it was contorted and strained. Ahhh! What the hell is that face he’s making.

              Rolling off me, Tad removed the condom and threw it into his wastebasket.  I pulled my panties back on and tugged my jeans up, confused as to what just happened here.

              “So I guess you have to get going, chemistry test tomorrow, you know,” he finally piped up. Seriously dude! Could you be more of a prick?

              “Yeah, I should get going. Don’t want to flunk my test the first week of school. I’ll call you when I get back to the dorm,” I said unenthusiastic.

              “Ok, babe. I had a good time tonight,” he said wiggling his eyebrows like a total d-bag. It took every ounce of my being not to roll my eyes at him.

              “Yeah, so did I,” half smiling and wanting to cry.

              Finally getting back to my dorm after walking across campus by myself, I removed my shoes in pain. Could this night get any worse? Maybe we could work on the sex part. I mean, maybe it was partly my fault.

              Calling Tad was altogether excruciating, “Hey, babe, I made it home ok.”

              “Good, good,” he said curtly.

              “I was thinking. Wanna hit up that new Thai place on Fifth tomorrow? I heard they have the best pho in town,” trying to make light of the situation.

              “I need to study for this history test tomorrow, babe. Maybe Friday?” he responded. My stomach was in knots, and I felt like I was going to vomit. He was blowing me off! What a total and complete, asshat!

              “No problem,” I said shortly.

              “I guess I should go study. I’ll talk to you later,” I clutched the phone, not wanted to let go. I gripped the phone so hard; my knuckles started to turn an ugly shade of white.

              “No problem. Talk later.”

              Sitting on my bed in shock, I wanted to cry. Staring into space, I didn’t even hang up the phone. All I could do was sit there in disbelief. That’s when I heard voices.

              “What’s up, Brutha? Did you seal the deal yet?” What the fuck!

              “Yeah, I put that lard ass to bed as quickly as I could. I was going to stretch out the dating for a while, but I couldn’t stand it any longer. You owe me fifty bucks man!”

              “What the hell, dude?” his friend said.

              “Yes, ten for being fat, ten for being a book nerd, and thirty for being a virgin. Pay up, sucka!” I wanted to chime in, but words escaped me. I wasn’t a confrontational person, but somehow this felt warranted.

              I wanted to curse him out, but who was I kidding. That wasn’t me. I sat there in silence just listening to him talk about how disgusting my body was. How he wouldn’t even let me take off my shirt because he didn’t want to see my stomach. I just lost my virginity to a complete and total fucktard. This was the last time I was going to let a boy distract me from my bigger goals - graduating college and law school.

              I saw Tad on campus throughout the years, but never went up to talk to him. He never called me after that night, and frankly, I wouldn’t have picked up if he did. I wish I could have said my first time was magical and fantastic. Filled with sunshine and unicorns, but it wasn’t. I’m not even sure why I had sex with him looking back on it now. I didn’t love him. I didn’t even pretend to like him. I didn’t see the relationship going anywhere. I barely saw it going as far as the front door for crying out loud. Maybe, I just wanted to get Colt out of my head. I could have should-a-could-a-would-a, all night long, but it wouldn’t do any good. What’s done is done. Time to move on.

              For the next couple of years, I kept my head low and my nose in a book. I partly thank Tad for being such an ass-clown. Without that experience, I wouldn’t have concentrated all my efforts on college and law school. Who needed a budding social life?

              Years later, I did see Tad again. I was the defense attorney for a well-known New York socialite, while he was on the prosecutor’s team. Before the hearing began, he came over to shake my hand as a symbol of courtesy; something he knew nothing about.

              “Carr, is that you? You look so…”

              “…different,” I finished his sentence.

              “Yeah, I mean, you look amazing,” he said looking genuinely stunned.

              “Thanks, Tad. You look…good too,” I struggled to find a compliment.

              “Hey listen, you wanna grab a drink after this is finished? I don’t think we’ll be here long, seeing as your client is…” he trailed off.

              “Is what?” I asked.

              “Oh, nothing. Drink?” he asked again walking over to his side of the bench.

              “Sure. That sounds great, Tad.”

              At that moment, I knew I had to crush this shithead.

              After I had stomped all over his ass with my defense, I started to leave the courtroom, but not before stopping to talk to Tad.

              “Oh, and, by the way, Tad. I changed my mind about drinks. I just can’t go out with a, what did you call me again, Oh I remember, “Lardass.” You should make sure you end your phone calls before inviting your “Bruthas” over to talk shit about me. And just in case your “Brutha” didn’t pay you that night, here’s fifty,” I said slapping a brand new fifty on the table.

              He looked at me slacked jawed, and all I could do was smile my prettiest southern smile. Strutting out the courtroom, I high fived the bailiff, grinning from ear to ear. I felt like I was in a John Hughes film, and it felt fantastic.

              Just like that day in the courtroom, I was feeling the same high standing up to Paisley. The adrenaline was coursing through my body, and I could barely sit still in the driver’s seat. Now, do I have the lady balls actually to do something about it?

Chapter 6

              A week had passed, and I hadn’t gotten anywhere with Dad’s case. I sifted through his entire library, and still came up empty handed. Every time I thought I was getting somewhere, I had to backtrack quickly. It didn’t help that all I could think about was Colt. He was in my every thought since the night at Ralph’s. I don’t know if I was stubborn or just nervous, but one thing was for certain, I was not calling Colt.
Nope. Not going to do it.

            Climbing the stairs to my bedroom, I heard the familiar chime of my cell phone. Doing the bunny slipper shuffle, I snatched my phone from my robe pocket.
Yep. It was ten a.m., and I was still in my pajamas. Don’t judge.
Looking down at the display, I tripped going up the stairs, dropping my phone, but not before doing a face plant.
Fuck, that hurt.

Man of My Dreams
: Morning, sunshine!

Who the hell is this? I bet its Skye or Harley messing with me.

Carrington
: Hilarious, Skye. When did you change your name in my phone?

Man of My Dreams
: It’s not Skye.

Ugh ok. Must be Harley fucking with me.

Carrington
: Harley, listen hooker, I’m going to ring your neck.

Man of My Dreams
: It’s not Harley. And what’s with the hostility?

What. The. Hell. This is getting weird.

Carrington
: No hostility, I just want to know to whom I’m speaking with.

Man of My Dreams
: Is the name programmed into your phone not a clue?

The only man of my dreams was Colt.

Carrington
: Uhhh…

Man of My Dreams
: It’s Colt.

Holy shit! How did he get my number? He programmed his number into my phone not vice versa.

Carrington
: You’re awfully presumptuous. How did you get my number, stalker?

Man of My Dreams
: Oh, so now I’m a stalker, huh?

Carrington
: The first step in overcoming an addiction is admitting you have a problem.

Man of My Dreams
: Is that so? Well then, I admit it. I’m a stalker. My stealth skills are undeniable, don’t you think?

Carrington
: I’ll give you credit for that. I’m not sure how you did it, but it’s pretty impressive.

This is so surreal. Is this actually happening?

Man of My Dreams
: While you were giving Harley and Skye the stink eye at the bar the other night, I peeked at your phone number and put it into my phone. You ladies are pretty entertaining.

I am completely mortified right now. I was hoping he didn’t see that.

Carrington
: Look at you, Sherlock. You’ve got it all figured out, don’t you?

Man of My Dreams
: I was waiting for you to text or call, but you hadn’t so I thought I’d take the initiative myself, Watson.

If he hadn’t, we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.

Carrington
: Ha-ha. Maybe I had pressing things to do? I’m a very important person, you know.

Man of My Dreams
: Oh, I know you’re a very important person. I was getting antsy. I thought you had left town before saying goodbye.

Carrington
:  Oh God! Not antsy!

Man of My Dreams
: You’re a witty little thing, aren’t you?

Carrington
: I aim to please, sir.

Man of My Dreams
: You aim to please, huh?

Oh. My. God. Is he flirting?

Carrington
: Get your head out of the gutter, Sherlock.

Man of My Dreams
: All jokes aside. I wanted to know if you wanted to meet at Ole’ Man Johnson’s lake today? Wyatt and Chuck wanna go swimming and the weather’s supposed to be perfect. It’s just going to be a couple of us hanging out, drinking and swimming. Maybe later on, we can have a bonfire?

Yes? No? Maybe so?

Man of My Dreams
: *Hums Jeopardy theme song…*

Carrington
: Are you actually humming the Jeopardy theme song at me?

Man of My Dreams
: Of course. So, what’ll it be, Watson?

Carrington
: I’m thinking…

Man of My Dreams
: What’s there to think about, Carr?

Here goes nothing. Time to jump in and see if you can swim, Care Bear.

Carrington
: Ok, I’ll go.

Man of My Dreams
: Awesome!

Carrington
: Can I invite Harley and Skye?

Man of My Dreams
: Sure. I’m sure Wyatt and Chuck won’t mind. They’re men, after all. They’re also men who are infatuated with hot women in bikinis.

Carrington
: Charming.

Man of My Dreams
: Only when it matters. See you there; around eleven-thirtyish?

Carrington
: Check ya later, Sherlock.

Man of My Dreams
: Looking forward to it, Watson.

●

Carrington
: So, you wanna go to Ole’ Man Johnson’s lake today?

Harley
: Where the hell did that come from?

Carrington
: I just got a very interesting text from Colt where he invited us to a day of debauchery. He said I could invite you and Skye. Seems Wyatt and Chuck have a thing for ladies in their skivvies.

Harley
: Hell yeah, girl. I’m surprised you had the lady balls to say yes, and you know how I love hot boys.

Carrington
: Seems that way, and you don’t have to tell me twice about your obsession with the wiener.

Carrington
: So, did you know about this? I assume you did since I got a text from Colt first instead of you or Skye. Why do I feel like I just got set up? Skye had this all setup before we even went to Ralph’s, didn’t she?

Harley
: I plead the 5th.

Carrington
: Yeah, you can’t use that legal bullshit with me, hooker.

Harley
: We just felt like you needed a little nudge.

Carrington
: Wow, you did set me up. You are definitely the devil.

Harley
: I choose to think of myself as the greatest matchmaker on the planet, well it was more Skye’s doing than anything. Wyatt told her they were going to be there, and we thought you could use a little eye candy for the night. I never thought he’d actually man-up and approach you though.

Carrington
:  Wow, you really are full of yourself.

Harley
: I prefer to be filled with Chuck, but I’ll settle for myself right now. He is one smokin' looking man, but he’s gonna need to work for this fine ass.

Carrington
: Gahh my eyes! I did not need to read that. I’m pretty sure you are the devil.

Harley
: At your service, madam.

Carrington
: Awesome! My two best friends have swindled me. What’s next? Picking out my bra and panties?

Harley
: Really? Can we do that for you?

Carrington
: Harley! Who says I’m going to have sex with Colton anytime soon?

Harley
: You never know, Care Bear. Things could get really hot around the bonfire later tonight.

Carrington
: You need to calm your tits, hooker.

Harley
: Naww, I prefer for them to be hot and wet.

Carrington
: Seriously, you need to get laid. I’m pretty sure you’re coming onto me at this point.

Harley
: Well, you know, I did always think you had a killer rack.

Carrington
: O.K., that’s my cue. Wanna come over to help me pick out a bathing suit?

Harley
: You’re no fun. Yeah, sounds good. I’ll scoop up Skye, and we’ll head your way now.

Carrington
: Later, Hooker!

Harley
: Later, Bitch!

●

              By the time Harley and Skye got to my house it was nearing eleven. Butterflies started to do summersaults in my stomach, but thankfully I had my girls with me to calm me down.

              “So, what bathing suit choices did you bring?” questioned Skye.

              “And, if you tell me, “Whatever’s in my closet, I will seriously pummel you,” she added.

              “Naw, I thought I might sun bathe while I was here, or possibly go to the lake, so I brought a couple different options.” I pulled three out and laid them on the bed.

              Pointing at one of the bathing suits, “First of all, that right there is not a bathing suit. That is a wetsuit my friend, and in no way, shape or form, will I allow you to step out of the house with that thing on!” shouted Harley. It wasn’t that bad, but who was I to question it.

              “What about this one?” I asked holding up another one piece. This one was a little more revealing and had a low plunging neckline.

              “This one is perfect,” Harley picked up a hot pink bikini with two fingers.
Oh God, why did I bring that?

              I had finally took a leap of faith and bought a two piece last season on clearance, and I was frightened to wear it even in front of my bedroom mirror.

              “I don’t know Har. I’ve never worn a two-piece before, and I’m not sure this is the time to test the waters so to speak,” I pleaded.

              “Shut the fuck up and get dressed. We have boys to impress.”

             
Whatever happened to the days where I could wear my cat T-shirts and my ugly one-piece suits?

              Sliding on the two-piece, I caught a glimpse of a picture on my desk. Grabbing the picture, I stared at my high school reflection. Chubby and sun-kissed; I was leaning against Harley and Skye, licking on orange popsicles sitting on Ole’ Man Johnson’s beach. That summer was a record high for Avery.

             
“Come on, Carr. Wanna go with Harley and me to Ole’ man Johnson’s lake?” Skye pleaded.

              “Everyone’s gonna be there, even Colt,” they said with kissy faces and puppy dog eyes.

              “That is exactly why I do not want to go. The thought of wearing a bathing suit in front of Colton makes me want to vomit, although that might help my situation.”

              Wack! Skye slapped me on the back of the head.