least you can get away this weekend since your birthday was technically yesterday and you already celebrated with your family.”
“Thank god.”
We headed for the door in a hurry. I was glad my parents were gone. I didn’t have to talk to anyone in the house. Unfortunately, my mother was pulling into the driveway when we walked outside . I tried to get away with just a wave, but she called out to me as I opened the door to Kim’s car.
“Don’t do anything stupid or I’ll kick you out of this house!” Her tone was hateful and she glared at me.
“Love you, too, Mother!” I gave her a sickening ly sweet smile before I sat down in the car . The woman was the spawn of Satan. She wanted rid of me as soon as possible. It would probably be a blessi ng to be kicked out of that house.
“Bitch.” Kim mumbled.
Mr. Samuels, Kim’s father, greeted us at the doorway. I froze for a moment before I composed myself enough to speak. He was dressed in a business suit, his brown hair was perfectly groomed and parted, and he smelled faintly of expensive cologne.
“Hi, girls. I have to run out and meet a client. There’s money on the counter if you want to order a pizza.” His voice made me melt. It was deep and strong, but also held so much kindness.
“Thanks, dad.” Kim pushed by him into the house without another word.
I looked up at him, adjusting my glasses awkwardly. “Thank you, sir.” I’d intended my voice to come out louder, but it was little more than a faint whisper.
“How many times have I told you to call me Will?” He laughed softly, touching my shoulder lightly as he walked by. “ Be good, Chastity. ”
He was so out of my league. It’s never going to happen, I told myself. I waved from the doorway as he drove away in his expensive car. William could have any woman he wanted. He was a sexy, successful lawyer. Though, I’d never heard of him dating since Kim’s mother skipped town with most of his money a few years back. It was a good thing. My delicate heart couldn’t take the trauma.
Kimberly yelled at me from the kitchen. “Do you know anyone we can talk into buying us booze with this money?”
I sighed deeply before responding . “I think we should get pizza like we were told to do.”
“God, you’re boring.”
“I am not.” I argued. “Your dad is just nice so we should do what he said.”
She shook her head at me. “Whatever. But we’re getting the toppings I want.”
It was hard to sleep, for me anyway. At around two in the morning, I climbed out of bed and headed downstairs to grab a slice of leftover pizza. The television was on in the living room, so I tiptoed in the direction of the sound. William was sitting on the sofa, watching a movie alone. He was shirtless, wearing only dark blue pajama bottoms.
I didn’t have my glasses on, so I accidently bumped into the wall. William turned to look in my direction. Hugging my arms around my chest, I took a few steps into the room. My skimpy pajamas made me feel naked. The bottoms were short, barely covering my butt. It was summer, too hot for anything more. I hadn’t expected him to be downstairs or I’d have slipped on my robe .
“You can ’t sleep either?” He asked, looking me over. I could tell he was trying to be subtle as he admired my body . The attention gave me a little confidence. It might be my only chance. No, it’s foolish . I thought. I’ll embarrass myself .
Faintly, I nodded. “I have trouble sleeping sometimes. Figured, I’d grab a snack or something. I didn’t mean to interrupt you.” The courage was gone and I turned around, intent on walking away.
His voice stopped me in my tracks. “You can join me if you like.”
It was hard to breathe and my heart thundered, threatening to beat out of my chest. That’s what it felt like, anyway. I swallowed hard before turning
Alys Arden
Claude Lalumiere
Chris Bradford
Capri Montgomery
A. J. Jacobs
John Pearson
J.C. Burke
Charlie Brooker
Kristina Ludwig
Laura Buzo