One and Done - S. Briones Lim Page 0,48

hide the look of relief on my face. Though it was unjustified, imagining her with another guy brought me to an embarrassing level of jealousy.

Rocky cowered, doing her best to hide the pink tint of her cheeks. “Really, guys? We’re going to talk about this here?”

“Technically a virgin.” Stephanie clarified, looking as if she would keel over with delight. She always loved teasing Rocky and heck, I couldn’t really blame her. If we could guarantee one thing in this life, it would be how easy it was to get under our best friend’s skin.

“How can someone technically be a virgin unless…” I eyed her apple shaped ass, cringing at the thought that somebody could have done some unspeakable things to it.

“Ew! No, you disgusting pervert,” Rocky growled, hitting me hard.

Oh, thank God!

Now that that was out of the question, I found it ample opportunity to throw my own jabs at her. “Okay, so tell me how one can technically be a virgin. I am really dying to know.”

“It was just the tip.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

Okay, maybe I didn’t want to know that.

“What was that?” I asked, pretending to cup my ear.

“It was just the tip!” she snapped in annoyance.

Before I could reply, Mrs. Rossi made a surprise appearance, further adding to our group discomfort. To my relief Stephanie saved the day by changing the subject and just in the nick of time too! As the girls went on to discuss their New Year’s Eve plans, I couldn’t help but feel a bit hurt that neither of them had thought to ask me to join in, let alone ask me what I was doing.

It’s not like you’re a part of their lives anymore. Get used to it.

I kept my mouth shut for the most part, listening closely as they plotted the details of their Girl’s Only Night Out. Once again pictures of strange men grasping Rocky’s arms…grazing her stomach…touching her lips…

No!

I was not going to let that happen. Stewing quietly, I made a decision I never thought I would.

I was going dancing at a night club.

Chapter 19

I’ve always thought montage scenes in movies were extremely stupid. You know the kind—the ones where the main character stands in front of the mirror showcasing different outfits while a weird pop song plays in the background. I would never have imagined myself partaking in such stupidity. Yet, there I was, glaring at my reflection. Granted it was minus the pop song, but still.

After changing about eight hundred times, I finally decided on a black long sleeved tee, black jeans, and black biker boots. What can I say? I liked black. Feeling content, I quickly headed toward the south end of town where Bethel Falls’ only collection of bars and nightclubs were located. It was bound to be crowded on any regular night, and I couldn’t bear to imagine what I’d be facing on the number one holiday for debauchery.

As expected, it took about twenty extra minutes for me to find parking, and that was after I opted to park about half a mile away. By the time I finally made it inside the club, the floor was already packed full of tipsy and well-dressed individuals. For a moment I began to regret my choice in attire, but based on the approving looks from a few scantily clad ladies, I quickly changed my mind.

I squeezed through the sweaty bodies, ignoring the scent of body odor mixed with liquor.

What am I doing here? This is so not my scene.

I was just about ready to turn around and walk out the door when I saw her. Curly hair, rosy cheeks, and legs that went on for miles. Rocky stood in the middle of the dance floor looking like a goddess. Though her outfit wasn’t as flashy or revealing as the women around her, she blew everyone else out of the water.

She was perfect.

I took a step forward only to freeze mid-way. What would I say to her?

Yes, I eavesdropped and decided to follow you here.

No, I’m not a stalker.

Really, I’m not!

Realizing that I needed to plan my move before I pounced, I diverted my course and headed toward the bar, taking a seat at the edge to give me a clear view of her. I was far enough away so the girls wouldn’t notice me, but close enough to jump in if they needed me.

You’re not stalking? You sure about that?

“She doesn’t need protection anymore. You’ve been gone for so long, I think she